Arbuthnot Commercial ABL backs FDS Group with £3m growth facility

Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending has provided a £3 million growth capital facility to FDS Group, a specialist in smoke ventilation systems, to fuel the company’s ongoing expansion.

The tailored funding package includes a Confidential Invoice Discounting line and a Growth Guarantee Scheme loan. It is designed to support FDS Group’s strategic plans for organic growth and targeted acquisitions, including potential vertical integration opportunities.

The deal marks FDS’s return to external financing after several years of self-funding its working capital. The move reflects the company’s strengthened market position and readiness for accelerated growth.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Greenhithe, Kent, FDS Group offers consultancy, installation, and maintenance services focused on fire safety and smoke control systems—particularly for high-risk residential buildings. The company has delivered over 10,000 projects, working with contractors, architects, developers, and consultants.

To bolster its expansion strategy, FDS has appointed Alan Wheal, former MD of EA-RS and a past Arbuthnot Commercial ABL client, as a strategic adviser, bringing sector expertise and acquisition experience.

Andy Riley, Co-founder and Director of FDS Group, said: “The important aspect of this facility with Arbuthnot is that we can continue to grow alongside them, rather than having to extract ourselves from one bank and move to another.

“The combination of Confidential Invoice Discounting and the Growth Guarantee Scheme—along with Arbuthnot’s backing for future M&A of up to £35 million—has given us the headroom to drive our growth throughout the journey.”

Andrew Rutherford, Commercial Director at Arbuthnot Commercial ABL, commented: “We are very pleased to support FDS Group with this growth capital facility.

“Their exceptional track record of completed projects and industry recognition speaks volumes about the quality of their services.

“This transaction underscores our commitment to delivering tailored funding solutions—both in scale and flexibility—that empower businesses with strong growth potential and a clear strategic direction.”