Property software firm secures seven-figure backing

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.”