Data Intellect and Mzuri Group have won UK Private Capital Vision 2026 Awards for Northern Ireland.
Sponsored by Grant Thornton and Santander, these annual awards honour the management teams of companies backed by private equity and venture capital, recognising both companies and their investors in different investment stages and across two categories:
Medium: Data Intellect, backed by Sovereign Capital Partners, was chosen as a winner in the medium category. Judges highlighted Data Intellect’s remarkable revenue growth in a competitive market and against a challenging backdrop. They noted the importance of Sovereign Capital’s backing in supporting Data Intellect’s expansion, implementing new systems to enhance productivity, supporting entry into new geographies and integrating strong governance processes.
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Large: Mzuri Group, backed by BGF, was chosen as a winner in the large category. The judges highlighted Mzuri’s transformational growth journey from a Northern Irish family business into a fast-growing international manufacturing group is remarkable within five years. They highlighted how BGFs backing had been instrumental in this growth, providing capital and strategic support to help Mzuri execute acquisitions, strengthen leadership and invest for long-term expansion.
The Vision Awards followed the publication of UK Private Capital’s Private Capital in Northern Ireland report. The report shows that in 2025, businesses in Northern Ireland attracted £384m of private capital investment, and almost £1bn over the past five years.
Commenting, UK Private Capital Chief Executive Michael Moore said:
“We are proud to see such excellent businesses this year that have demonstrated the impact of private capital on Northern Ireland. The businesses underscore the ways our industry is supporting jobs and growth and driving innovation throughout the UK’s nations and regions.”
Commenting, Steve Turner, CEO at Data Intellect said:
“We are delighted and honoured to be recognised by UK Private Capital as a category winner for Northern Ireland in the Vision 2026 initiative. This award is a tremendous testament to the talent, dedication and ambition of the entire Data Intellect team, whose expertise and commitment continue to drive our growth and deliver real impact for our clients around the world”.
Commenting Jonathan Thorne, Partner at Sovereign Capital Partners, said:
“Winning a UK Private Capital Vision 2026 award is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the exceptional business Steve and the team have built at Data Intellect. We invested in Data Intellect because we were attracted to its market position, working with some of the world's top investment banks and largest hedge funds, and doing work that is absolutely mission critical to their day-to-day operations. Since partnering with them, we have been consistently impressed by their dedication, their people-first culture and their ability to scale. This award validates what we saw when we first invested, a talented management team with the ambition and capability to grow something truly special.”
John Davison, Executive Chairman and Group CEO of Mzuri Group, said
"We are proud to be recognised by UK Private Capital for our compelling international growth story which exemplifies our entrepreneurial ambition. 2025 was a year of exceptional growth despite a challenging economic environment, a testament to the hard work of our talented team at Mzuri Group. Through our commitment to operational discipline, aggressive pursuit of innovation, investment in product design and market expansion, we are well on course to meet our targets for continued exceptional growth in 2026.
“I would like to take this chance to also thank BGF who have been an incredible partner, enabling us to grow from a local, family-owned business to one that is now scaling successfully and sustainably on the world stage, while retaining its Northern Irish roots.”
Commenting, Graham Clarke, Regional Portfolio Partner at BGF, said:
“We’re delighted to see Mzuri Group recognised with this award – it’s a reflection of the strength of the business and the quality team behind it, who have delivered exceptional results. What sets Mzuri apart is its ability to scale internationally through organic and acquisitive growth while staying true to its entrepreneurial, family-owned roots. It’s a fantastic example of how a Northern Ireland-founded business can build a global platform and one that BGF is really proud to be involved in.”
Commenting, Richard Moorehead, Director, Deal Advisory at Grant Thornton said:
“Mzuri Group and Data Intellect are deserving winners of the Northern Ireland 2026 Vision Awards. These businesses highlight how private equity investment can accelerate innovation, professionalise operations and help firms compete at a national and international level.
“At Grant Thornton, we are committed to supporting the private capital ecosystem and helping ambitious businesses grow and scale.”
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Commenting, Richard Mathison, Director at Santander said:
“Congratulations to Data Intellect and Mzuri Group on being recognised at the Northern Ireland awards for their transformational growth and internationalisation strategies.
“These companies exemplify the talent and innovation that exists across Northern Ireland. Santander is proud to support UK Private Capital’s 2026 Vision Awards, which highlights the vital role private capital plays in championing ambitious businesses like these and helping unlock their growth potential.”
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