Leading Midlands businesses recognised for outstanding growth and impact

Kallik, Pace Group and Eden Futures have won UK Private Capital Vision 2026 Awards for the East and West Midlands.

Sponsored by Grant Thornton and Santander, the annual awards recognise the management teams of companies backed by private equity and venture capital, alongside their investors. This year’s Midlands winners were selected across three categories:
 

Scale-Up:

Kallik, based in Birmingham and backed by FPE, was chosen as the winner in the Scale-Up category. The Birmingham-based business helps highly regulated companies manage complex labelling and artwork requirements. Since FPE’s majority investment in 2019, Kallik has grown its revenue rapidly and significantly expanded its workforce. Judges highlighted this strong organic growth achieved through professionalisation and business modernisation.
 

Medium:

Pace Group was chosen as the winner in the Medium category. The Kingswinford-based business is the fastest growing elevator group in the UK. Judges praised the company for its active buy-and-build strategy, strong ESG credentials and well-rounded development. 
 

Large:

Eden Futures, backed by Sovereign Capital Partners, was chosen as the winner in the Large category. The Nottingham-based business provides supported living services for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and other complex requirements. Judges recognised the company its strong commercial success and focus on delivering positive social impact

The winners were awarded at UK Private Capital’s Invest Midlands event in Birmingham, which also featured the launch of two reports highlighting the impact of private equity and venture capital on the East and West Midlands. The reports find that over the last five years, private capital invested over £6.3 billion into the East Midlands and over £4.3 billion into the West Midlands respectively. 

Commenting, UK Private Capital Chief Executive Michael Moore, commented: 

“The Vision Awards recognise management teams that are building stronger businesses and creating long-term value. Kallik, The Pace Group and Eden Futures demonstrate the breadth of ambition across the Midlands, from technology-enabled growth and buy-and-build expansion to services delivering meaningful social impact.

“Their achievements show how private capital can support businesses to modernise, invest in people, strengthen their operations and deliver positive outcomes for customers and communities.”
 

Matthew Rowe, Investment Director at Sovereign Capital, commented:

“I am pleased to see Eden being recognised once again with this prestigious award. As investors, we take pride in Eden’s continuous growth under the leadership of Helen, which is a testament to her skill, vision, and determination. All of us at Sovereign are delighted to have supported Eden’s transformation from a regional market leader to one of the largest and most respected care providers in the UK, achieving outstanding CQC ratings and delivering exceptional outcomes for the people it supports.”
 

Helen Stokes, CEO for Eden Futures, says: 

“I'm incredibly proud that Eden Futures has been recognised as a winner of the Vision 2026 Award, and particularly that our social impact was scored so highly across all four recognition themes. As a truly people-first organisation, making a positive difference is at the heart of who we are. 

“We’re proud not only of what we achieve, but importantly, how we achieve it. This recognition belongs to our fantastic colleagues across Eden Futures, whose care, commitment and compassion make that impact possible every day. We’re also incredibly grateful for the continued support of Sovereign Capital, who share our belief in the importance of creating meaningful and lasting social impact. It’s a wonderful recognition of what we can achieve together.”
 

Henry Sallitt, Managing Partner at FPE, commented:

“Congratulations to the Kallik team on winning the Scale-Up Award for the East & West Midlands and East of England. It’s fantastic recognition of the progress the business has made, delivering strong recurring revenue growth while continuing to invest in its product, people and international presence.

“Kallik has built a strong position in a specialist market, helping some of the world’s largest and most highly regulated businesses manage complex labelling and artwork requirements. We’re proud to be working with the team and look forward to supporting the business as it continues to grow.”
 

Gurdip Singh, CEO at Kallik, commented: 

"Being named Scale-Up winner for the East & West Midlands and East of England is a proud moment for Kallik, and the credit belongs to our people. Everything the judges recognised comes down to the hard work, passion and dedication our team shows every day. 

“Together, we've significantly grown our recurring revenue and built and delivered the market-leading platform that helps the world's biggest brands get safe, compliant products to market faster. We've almost trebled our team, which now spans the UK, India and the US, and I'm hugely grateful for what we've achieved together. My thanks also go to FPE for their continued partnership and backing. This award belongs to everyone at Kallik."
 

Scott Haywood and Lukas Schlenker, Co-Founders and Directors of Pace Group, commented: 

“Being recognised by the UK Private Capital judging panel is a proud moment for everyone at Pace Group. The judges’ praise across all four recognition themes reflects the commercial growth and operational development our team has worked hard to build, and it’s a credit to every person who has helped us get here. We’re grateful to our backers, LDC for their support, and we’re looking forward to celebrating this achievement at the Invest Midlands Forum & Reception.”
 

Matt Newbold, Investment Director at LDC in the West Midlands commented:

"This award is thoroughly deserved recognition for the Pace Group team.  Since we partnered with the business in 2024, Scott, Lukas and the wider team have continued to execute an impressive growth strategy, completing 20 complementary acquisitions and more than doubling revenue from c.£19m to c.£40m. They have also continued to invest in their people and operations, increasing headcount to over 240 and enhancing service levels to existing and new customers.  We’d like to congratulate Scott, Lukas and the team on this achievement and look forward to supporting their continued success."
 

Nick Howard, Director - Structured Finance at Santander, commented: 

“Congratulations to Eden Futures, Kallik and The Pace Group on their well-deserved award wins.

“These companies demonstrate the innovation and drive that characterise the Midlands business community. Santander is proud to support UK Private Capital’s Vision Awards and to recognise the important role private capital plays in helping ambitious businesses grow and create long-term value.”
 

Alex Hyde, Partner, TAS, at Grant Thornton, commented: 

“Congratulations to this year’s Midlands Vision Awards winners for 2026. Eden Futures, Kallik and The Pace Group demonstrate the breadth of entrepreneurial talent and ambition across the region.

“These companies show how private capital can support businesses to deliver long-term value in their communities. Grant Thornton is committed to backing the private capital ecosystem and helping ambitious businesses grow and scale.”

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.