Property software firm secures seven-figure backing

By Tim Aldred

27 Apr 2023

Glider secures funding

Clitheroe-based software firm Glider is to create 15 jobs after securing seven-figure growth funding.

The company launched gliderbim in 2018, a secure online platform which manages asset information throughout the entire lifecycle of a building.

The software enables architects and contractors to share project information and models at the design and construction stage, and owners to manage their buildings and wider estates more effectively once they are in use.

Key functions include minimising safety risk, improving efficiency and complying with the Building Safety Act, which was introduced last year in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and which obliges building owners and managers to provide a ‘golden thread’ to show that safety has been considered at every stage.

The platform has already been adopted by industry professionals such as Mace, Lendlease, Kier Group and Lovell, and building owners including Deutsche Bank, Google, Deloitte, British Antarctic Surveys and the government’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation.

Glider was founded by Nick Hutchinson and Steve Rukuts, two software engineers who had previously worked in construction and asset management. The company has almost trebled its turnover in the past three years and more than doubled the number of staff. It now employs 35 people and plans to increase that to 50 in the next year.

The new loan will enable Glider to meet the growing demand from construction firms and property managers as they continue to adopt digital technology to improve efficiency and sustainability and comply with new safety standards.

Nick Hutchinson, co-founder and managing director, said: “Digital technology is transforming construction and property management, which offers a huge opportunity for Glider. This funding will enable us to strengthen our management and engineering teams, and put the right structures in place as we prepare to scale the business.”

The loan has been supplied by NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and Mercia’s SME Loans fund.

Mike Rogers of Mercia said: “Glider is a pioneer in the field of building information management and has built a client base that includes many leading names in the industry. The time is now right for the company to prepare for future growth. The funding will enable the team to put the foundations in place to take it to the next level.”

Blackburn-based Pierce Corporate Finance provided fundraising advice to the company. Kevin Steven, corporate finance director of Pierce, said: “Securing a bespoke and flexible funding structure is paramount to ensuring that Glider can continue to go from strength to strength.

"We worked closely with Mercia to help shape the funding package to meet the company’s specific needs and we are delighted with the outcome. This is clearly a very exciting time for all involved at Glider and we wish Nick, Steve and the team all the best for the future.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway Alan McBride Muse Will Town Defence Infrastructure Organisation Jennifer Chard Defence Business Services Cllr Lynn Williams Blackpool Council Garry Bowker Vinci

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway

20 May 2025

2

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities Skiddle cheque presentation to Alder Hey Hospital

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities

20 May 2025

3

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion The site

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion

19 May 2025

4

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing Oliver Webber, Tracy Clavell-Bate and Tim Webber from Barnfield Group with Cllr Phil Riley, second from right, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing

19 May 2025

5

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025 Mark Long

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025

19 May 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200pxtrident 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May
Freelancer Meet-Up May.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May

society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29
Artboard 15.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
29 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin