Newark-Based BE Design Secures Strategic Investment from YFM Equity Partners to Accelerate Expansion

Newark-based multidisciplinary consultancy BE Design has officially secured a significant investment from YFM Equity Partners (YFM), a move designed to propel the company into its next stage of growth and service diversification.

Founded by Anna Tsartsari and Stephen Oakden, BE Design has cultivated a reputation for tackling complex projects within the built environment. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, including civil and structural engineering, architecture, geo-environmental consultancy, highways, M&E, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) advisory. Their portfolio features a heavy concentration in high-growth sectors, specifically logistics, industrial development, and data centers.

Fueling the Next Chapter

The injection of capital arrives as BE Design prepares for a period of strategic scaling. Beyond enhancing its existing service offerings and strengthening its footprint in core markets, the company has confirmed it will be establishing a new office in London. This expansion is supported by a strengthened senior management team, which now includes the appointment of Richard Sanders as chairman.

Reflecting on the partnership, CEO Anna Tsartsari noted the firm’s trajectory over the past decade. “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,” she stated. “YFM understood that from our first conversation. This investment gives us the backing to continue investing in our people, deepen our culture, and push innovation further.”

A “Compelling” Investment

YFM, represented in the deal by Dan Freed and Oliver Wheatley, expressed confidence in the Newark-based firm’s unique market position.

“Anna and Stephen have built a consultancy with a genuine specialism—the technical capability to unlock complex sites that others can’t, in end markets with real momentum behind them,” said Dan Freed. “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.”

As BE Design looks toward the future, the leadership team aims to leverage YFM’s expertise to maintain its organic momentum while exploring new opportunities to capture a larger share of the built environment sector. With the new London office and a reinforced leadership structure, the firm is well-positioned to maintain its reputation for technical excellence and innovative site solutions.