Warwickshire rail consultancy on track for new growth following MEIF investment
Fenix Rail Systems secures MEIF investment as it looks to expand in response to the requirements of the changing rail industry.
Stratford-upon-Avon-based Fenix Rail Systems has secured new backing from Midven, through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF).
The investment is set to support the company’s ongoing operations and growth aspirations and will allow Fenix to bid for larger contracts as well as respond to the anticipated enhancements of the rail industry expected in the coming years.
Fenix is a provider of quality rail depot control systems and mainline signalling services, using the latest technology to ensure maximum safety, reliability and efficient costing.
Fenix Rail Systems is the sole provider of the Train Depot Control Solution called Tie-FenLock. The systems are computer based and adaptable to new train facilities. The innovative Depot Control Solution reduces workload and increases safety and efficiency within a train depot or facility.
The company has also developed a bespoke depot signalling solution that enables the system to be integrated with all UK-based mainline signalling systems.
Craig Purcell, CEO at Fenix Rail Systems, says: “Our partnership with Midven and consequent investment is a fantastic opportunity for Fenix to move forward and to strengthen ourselves as the market leader for depot control in the UK.
“Fenix is at an exciting stage of company growth with our depot control systems and innovative point machine.
“This partnership will give us additional financial strength, which will enable us to accelerate our growth and explore more opportunities in depot control, helping us to fulfil our full potential and furthermore strengthen the Fenix Rail Systems’ brand as the future in depot control.”
Surjit Kooner, Midven director, says: “Fenix demonstrated its ability to deliver advanced depot control systems at Howdon and Feltham on limited resources. With several high-profile projects in the pipeline for 2021, we believe Fenix can rapidly accelerate growth with access to the right resources.
“Given the reputation of the company, experience of the management team and the pipeline of potential opportunities Fenix is uniquely positioned to help support the expected upgrade in railway infrastructure.
“We are excited to work with a high-potential Warwickshire business as it looks to accelerate its growth.”
Ryan Cartwright, senior manager at the British Business Bank, said: “The MEIF was created to help improve access to finance across the Midlands and support innovative businesses with their growth plans. This latest deal in Fenix shows how finance can be used to help a business explore commercial opportunities, with the company now on the fast-track to new growth.”
Sean Farnell, board director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said:“This funding will help Fenix Rail Systems to invest in its long-term plans which, in turn, will boost the recovery of Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy post-Covid. Innovation is key to the reset of our business community as we encourage enterprise to flourish and lay the foundations for a stronger future.”
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.