IFS Maven Equity Finance leads £2.2 million investment in the Scotmas Group
B-Corp accredited specialist water treatment technologies business, Scotmas Group Ltd (“Scotmas”), has secured £2.2 million in equity funding to support its international expansion plans. The investment was led by the Investment Fund for Scotland (“IFS”), managed by Maven Capital Partners (“Maven”) and delivered by the British Business Bank, alongside investment from Scottish Enterprise (“SE”).
A leader in environmentally friendly disinfection technologies, Scotmas is a second generation family-owned water treatment and disinfection group based in Kelso in the Scottish Borders, that employs 50 staff. Its core technology relates to the application of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) as a method to control bacteria and other pathogens present in water and food contact surfaces across a variety of industries. The group’s systems currently treat over two billion litres of water per day, in markets as far afield as New Zealand, Dubai and Chile.
Founded in 1998, Scotmas has gone on to develop a unique integrated approach to water disinfection which combines equipment, chemistry and technical services. Its suite of ClO₂ dosing products cater for all sizes of water network and integrate with the group’s data driven dosing optimisation and control software and remote analysis tools.
Since the roll out of its full-service offering, Scotmas has secured large project wins and strategic partnership opportunities in key UK and international markets. The investment from IFS and SE will help accelerate Scotmas’ growth, with an initial focus on establishing in-country sales, manufacturing and servicing capacity in the Middle East and South America to meet the increasing demand for expert water treatment applications in these geographies. The group will also use the funding to increase manufacturing capacity at its Kelso plant, fund continuous product development and to build out its existing UK commercial, service and technical teams to meet customer needs. The investment is expected to create a further 40 high quality jobs over the course of the next 3 years.
“Scotmas has grown to be the best-in-class provider of ClO₂ technology through years of R&D and academic partnerships. Its technology has solved safety and by-product concerns that have historically hampered the adoption of ClO₂ as a disinfectant of drinking and industrial water. There is a clear and increasing need for Scotmas’ services due to growing global water demands and water quality regulations becoming more stringent. We’re delighted to back Alistair and the team at this point in the group’s growth journey as they embark on ambitious expansion plans to serve international markets.”
Alan Robertson, Partner at Maven
“We are delighted to have secured this significant investment led by Maven, which highlights the strength of our technology and reinforces our vision for the future of water disinfection. This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to scale our operations, drive innovation through research and development, and deliver sustainable, cost-effective water treatment solutions to a growing global market.
Alistair Cameron, CEO of Scotmas
As a company deeply rooted in the Scottish Borders, we take great pride in contributing to the local economy by creating high-quality jobs, apprenticeships, and career development opportunities. This investment is not just about the growth of Scotmas; it’s also about fostering economic development in our community and tackling pressing global challenges like water stress and climate change.
With Maven’s support, we are poised to expand our reach both locally and internationally, delivering world-class solutions that make a meaningful impact on peoples’ lives and the environment.”
“Scotmas is a shining example of an ambitious Scottish business driving innovation on an international scale with its environmentally friendly water treatment technology. The team’s dedication to sustainability and addressing critical global challenges aligns seamlessly with the IFS mission to back businesses that deliver local economic growth and create jobs in the communities they serve. We are thrilled to support Scotmas as it continues to expand and solidify its position as a leader in water disinfection technology.”
Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager, Nations and Regions Funds, at the British Business Bank
“This investment highlights our dedication to supporting the growth of ambitious businesses in Scotland. By helping companies such as Scotmas to scale, we aim to create high-quality, high-value jobs and empower them to compete and lead in global markets.”
Scottish Enterprise Director of Entrepreneurship and Investment Kerry Sharp
ABOUT MAVEN CAPITAL PARTNERS LLP www.mavencp.com
Maven (a subsidiary of Mattioli Woods plc) is a leading private equity house focused on the provision of flexible funding for high growth businesses, and one of the most active SME investors in the UK. Headquartered in Glasgow, and with offices throughout the UK, Maven has over 100 investment and support professionals providing a truly nationwide coverage. Maven has over £790 million funds under management and available to invest, and manages assets for a variety of client funds, including Venture Capital Trusts, MBO Fund, UK regional fund mandates, and Maven Investor Partners, a syndicate of institutional, family office and experienced investors.
ABOUT THE INVESTMENT FUND FOR SCOTLAND
- Operated by the British Business Bank, the Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS) provides a mix of debt and equity funding. IFS will offer a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million. It works alongside the in-region small business finance ecosystem, local intermediaries such as accountants, fund managers and banks, to support Scotland’s smaller businesses at all stages of their development.
- The funds in which the IFS invests are open to businesses with material operations, or planning to open material operations, in: Greater Glasgow, Greater Edinburgh, Aberdeen and North East, Dundee and Tayside, South of Scotland and the Highlands & Islands.
- Supported by Nations and Regions Investments Limited, a subsidiary of British Business Bank plc, the Bank is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. Neither Nations and Regions Investments Limited nor British Business Bank plc are authorised or regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) www.investmentfundscotland.co.uk
About Scotmas
Scotmas is a world leader in ClO2 chemistry and application, boasting over 30 years of experience applying ClO2 to diverse environments and uses. With over 50 employees across Scotland and worldwide sales and support locations, the company’s technology makes reverse osmosis desalination more accessible to water-stressed, developing world populations. Recognised as a leader in sustainability and ethical business practices, Scotmas has established long-term relationships with governments and has led bulk water providers worldwide to transition water disinfection practices away from legacy gas chlorination practices.
