Christopher Ward showcases precision watch manufacturing to Joshua Reynolds MP

The UK’s leading mechanical watchmaker, Christopher Ward, demonstrated its precision manufacturing to Joshua Reynolds MP, when he visited its headquarters on 7 May.  

Christopher Ward demonstrated how support from BGF has accelerated its growth journey. BGF invested £6.25 million in Christopher Ward in July 2019, taking a minority stake in the Maidenhead-headquartered premium watchmaker. The investment was explicitly designed as a long-term partnership, aligning with the founders’ ambition to build a globally recognised British luxury brand.

Since BGF’s investment, Christopher Ward has accelerated its growth trajectory, using the capital to strengthen marketing in the UK and US, invest in digital and operational systems, expand international reach and build manufacturing and product development capability. BGF’s support has helped drive rapid revenue growth, facilitate entry into new international markets—particularly North America—and create increased investment in production and brand infrastructure.

The visit, organised by UK Private Capital, highlighted the company’s innovative direct-to-consumer model for luxury watchmaking, becoming the world’s first online-only premium watch brand. Christopher Ward operates at the premium end of the market while remaining price-competitive, and has won multiple industry awards, including winning British Watch Brand of the Year for the third consecutive year in 2025.

BGF (Business Growth Fund) is the UK and Ireland’s largest and most active investor in high-growth, entrepreneur-led businesses. Established in 2011 with backing from major UK banks, BGF provides long-term minority equity to support sustainable growth. It has invested over £4.7bn in more than 600 businesses nationwide and operates through a strong regional model, supporting companies across sectors including advanced manufacturing, consumer brands, technology and services.

Research from UK Private Capital, the association for the private capital industry, shows that in 2025 private equity and venture capital backed businesses headquartered in the South East of England supported 342,000 jobs and contributed £27bn of GDP. In 2025 alone, private capital invested £1.2bn into the region. 
 

Commenting on the visit, Joshua Reynolds, MP for Maidenhead, said:

"Christopher Ward is a brilliant example of the kind of ambitious, world-class business that calls Maidenhead home, and it was a real privilege to spend time with Mike and his team. From a converted chicken shed in Cookham to winning at the Oscars of watchmaking in Geneva, their story is genuinely inspiring. What struck me most was the craftsmanship on display, the pride the team take in what they do, and the fact that all of it is happening right here on our high street. Maidenhead is incredibly fortunate to have a company of this calibre choosing to base itself in our town."

Mike France, CEO and Co-Founder of Christopher Ward, said:

“Christopher Ward was founded on the belief that a British watch brand could compete on a global stage through great design, technical innovation, fair pricing and a direct relationship with the customer. Support from BGF has played a significant role in helping us realise that ambition, investing in our people, our infrastructure, and our product development capabilities as demand for the brand has grown internationally.”

“It was a pleasure to welcome Joshua Reynolds MP to our headquarters, and we are proud to be part of a growing British sector with strong roots in Maidenhead and an increasingly global reach.”

Michael Moore, UK Private Capital Chief Executive said:

“Christopher Ward is a great example of a company that has used its private capital backing to accelerate its growth journey”.  

“Private capital is a partner for economic growth, supporting jobs throughout the South East and across the UK. Our industry supports innovation throughout local economies in every nation and region.” 

Notes to Editors:  

For further information, please contact:  
UK Private Capital Press Office 
Email: [email protected]
 

Background: 

About UK Private Capital

UK Private Capital is the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity (PE), venture capital (VC) and private credit ecosystem in the UK. With a membership of 600 firms, we represent UK-based private capital firms, as well as their professional advisers and a large base of UK and global investors. The private equity, venture capital and private credit industry has a vital role to play in driving national and regional growth. Currently over 13,000 companies, employing more than 2.5 million people, are backed by private capital investment in the UK.