CWC Group, a Northern Ireland-based healthcare provider, has attracted investment from BGF as the firm launches its first funding under a £300 million commitment to support female-led enterprises across the United Kingdom.
The family-owned business, which operates specialist care services at seven Northern Ireland locations, will use the capital to expand its portfolio of care facilities and enhance service offerings for adults requiring specialized support.
Four Decades of Family Leadership
Founded in 1983 by Monica Byrne and Imelda McGrady, CWC Group has maintained family ownership throughout its growth trajectory. The company now operates under the leadership of Monica’s daughters, with Aisling Byrne serving as Chief Executive and Shauna Byrne as Chief Learning & Development Officer.
The healthcare provider delivers domiciliary care, residential nursing services, and disability support across Northern Ireland’s communities. BGF’s investment arrives as the region faces capacity constraints in quality care facilities.
Strategic Board Additions
Alongside the funding, CWC Group has appointed Paula Kane as Non-Executive Chair and David Jones as Non-Executive Director. Kane previously founded and led Ashdale Care Ireland, while Jones brings healthcare sector experience from his former role as a Deloitte UK partner.
“This investment from BGF comes at an exciting time for CWC Group, and will enable us to take the next steps towards developing our care services” said Aisling Byrne. The CEO highlighted the company’s pipeline of specialist care homes designed to support Northern Ireland’s health trusts.
Addressing Gender Funding Gap
The investment represents BGF’s inaugural deployment under its female-focused funding initiative. Data from the Invest in Women Taskforce reveals that all-female founded businesses in Northern Ireland captured just 2% of total equity funding in 2024, compared to 78% for all-male teams.
“We’re proud for this to be our first investment, since making our £300 million commitment to female-powered businesse” said Andy Gregory, BGF’s CEO. The firm has committed £3 billion in total UK investment over the next five years.
Hannah Bernard, Co-Chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce, emphasized the critical need for increased capital deployment to female-led enterprises. “More investments like this from BGF are critically needed to support economic growth” she stated.
Scaling Care Services
Chris Nixon, BGF’s investor on the deal, noted CWC Group’s established track record in delivering quality care services amid regional capacity shortages. The funding will enable the company to expand its geographical presence and develop specialized care offerings.
BGF participates as a founding member of the Invest in Women Taskforce, an initiative aimed at reshaping capital allocation patterns across the UK’s entrepreneurial landscape. Debbie Wosskow, the taskforce’s Co-Chair, described the CWC Group investment as marking “a huge moment” in efforts to create generational shifts in funding distribution.
The healthcare sector continues to face significant demand pressures, particularly in Northern Ireland where quality specialist care facilities remain limited. CWC Group’s expansion plans align with regional health trust requirements for dedicated care services supporting adults with complex needs.