Evo Agency, the South West’s digital e-commerce and marketing specialist, has received a six-figure investment increase to accelerate business growth.
Funding to support Evo Agency’s expansion has been provided by the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund (SWIF), through designated fund manager FW Capital.
The company aims to create up to 20 new jobs over the next five years and become known as the leading digital e-commerce agency in the South West.
Somerset-based Evo Agency was founded by James Shakespeare.
The company is undergoing major transformation in order to drive significant growth into new areas.
This includes the introduction of three new departments including Evo Academy, an exciting new digital training academy facility aimed at people aged 18 and over.
Evo Academy will launch its first academic programme in September 2024, focusing on disadvantaged and underserved communities in Somerset who struggle to access quality professional development.
Another division launched last year is Evo Talent. Born out of a passion for putting people first, the division works with dynamic and growing brands, with complementary businesses also being set up to further strengthen the Group's technical capabilities.
James Shakespeare, founder of Evo Agency, said: “The timing of receiving funding from South West Investment Fund through FW Capital has been invaluable in supporting our growth plans, accelerating our progress by 12 months.”
“We are committed to creating a strategic constellation of companies that support each other and leave a legacy in our community – creating jobs, supporting the future success of the digital industry and improving the experience for suppliers and clients. Through Evo Academy we aim to train between 12 and 50 students per year.”
“We also have plans to establish the Evo Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that will be able to donate a portion of our profits to charity. We have a lot going for us, and with the backing of FW Capital we are well positioned to confidently develop our core business at Evo Agency and expand into other exciting new areas.”
Jordan Berg, investment director at FW Capital, added: “Evo Agency is an established company that is going from strength to strength. The company has reached an exciting stage in its business and diversifying into a new area is a great step forward for the business.”
“They are committed to supporting the next generation through access to practical, cutting-edge digital training and employment opportunities. The working capital we provided comes at a critical time and we are pleased to be able to support the leadership team to realise their ambitions.”
The South West Investment Fund covers the whole South West region and offers loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million to help small businesses start up, scale or sustain their success. Fund manager FW Capital uses the South West Investment Fund to provide debt finance to businesses in Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, North East Somerset and Wiltshire.
