Engineering Consultancy BE Design Secures YFM Backing to Fuel Expansion

Newark-based multidisciplinary consultancy BE Design has secured a significant investment from YFM Equity Partners, a move designed to accelerate the firm’s growth strategy across the UK and Europe.

Founded by Anna Tsartsari and Stephen Oakden, the firm has established a robust reputation for tackling intricate engineering and environmental challenges. Specializing in the development of brownfield sites, BE Design provides a comprehensive suite of services, including civil and structural engineering, architecture, highways, geo-environmental analysis, M&E, and ESG consultancy. Their portfolio is heavily weighted toward high-growth sectors, notably industrial, logistics, and data center developments.

A New Chapter for Growth

The partnership with YFM comes as BE Design looks to scale its operations significantly. As part of this expansion, the firm has recently bolstered its senior leadership team and officially opened a new office in London to increase its proximity to key clients and markets.

Anna Tsartsari, chief executive of BE Design, emphasized that the investment will be used to further support the company’s workforce and drive innovation.

“We’ve spent over a decade building a business known for taking on the sites and challenges others shy away from, and we’ve done it by investing in exceptional people,” Tsartsari said. “This investment gives us the backing to continue investing in our people, deepen our culture, and push innovation further, while staying true to the way we’ve always worked.”

Strategic Investment

YFM Equity Partners, which maintains a national footprint with offices in London, Leeds, Manchester, Reading, and Birmingham, identified BE Design as a high-potential asset due to its unique technical capabilities.

Dan Freed, who led the transaction alongside Oliver Wheatley and Neil Inskip, noted that the consultancy’s ability to “unlock complex sites” provides it with a distinct competitive advantage.

“The quality of the team, the strength of their client relationships, and the clear opportunity for organic growth, complemented by strong potential for M&A in a growing, fragmented market, made this a compelling investment,” Freed added.

To support the transition into this new growth phase, Richard Sanders has been appointed as chairman of the business.

This built environment consultancy was supported in the deal by Bishopsgate (corporate finance), Roythornes (legal), and Duncan and Toplis (tax). YFM Equity Partners utilized a wide team of advisors, including Freeths, FRP, PMSI, and Leckie Kershaw, to complete the transaction.