Jay Z

Our Portfolio:

Our companies are among the best performing in their sector.

DJ Civils

DJ Civils is a highly experienced Civil Engineering and groundworks firm headquartered in Kent, providing a range of services to the public, private and residential sectors of the construction industry.

Through its impressive roster of blue-chip customers, the business has experienced substantial growth in recent years. DJ Civils approached Thwack to help support this trajectory and create a platform for bolt on acquisitions.

Recognising their potential, we acquired a majority stake in DJ Civils in late 2023 and look forward to being part of their next phase of development.

Dan Donohoe and James Beale,
Directors of DJ Civils:

"We are thrilled to be embarking on this journey with Thwack. With our operational experience and their strategic support, we believe this partnership will massively accelerate the development of our business.

From the outset, it was clear Thwack were not just investors but real partners. While rigorous during the DD process, they were also fair, and have delivered on everything they had promised us, fostering a genuine foundation of trust and reliability.

Having developed an excellent relationship with them, we have been impressed by their insightful contributions and the value they bring to our business as we progress to the next phase of growth.”

Bovingdons

Bovingdons is an award-winning and multi-faceted hospitality business operating on the high street, in national museums and hotels.

When we bought Bovingdons, there were 23 people working from a small catering unit. Now employing over 200, Bovingdons is headquartered in a state-of-the-art facility in Earlsfield, serving half a million customers a year.

Jay Burgesson-Carter,
Director of Bovingdons:

"Thwack Partners are unique in their approach and I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.

Coming into the hospitality industry from the outside, Theo and Adam took great care to understand the business and its people before helping to set a strategic course that massively grew the business over five years, while allowing the management team freedom and flexibility.

It is honestly brilliant fun working with them and they have a knack for helping you to think strategically and seeing ‘what’s around the corner’."

Toad Hall

One of the UK’s leading nurseries chains, Toad Hall brings a joyful and holistic learning approach to early years learning.

On a daily basis it looks after over 1,000 children. The company has over 300 team members, with sites across the home counties ranging from Hitchin to Haslemere.

Among other awards, Toad Hall has won the prestigious Nursery World Award.

Claire French & Gail Tanner, MDs of Toad Hall:

“Theo quickly understood the care and educational field, our business needs, which resulted in the rapid and successful growth of our company.

Theo has played a key role in developing our business strategy. We have a clear sense of direction, and our team have enormous confidence in where the company is headed.

As MDs, we are entrusted to get on with running the company but get invaluable support on the big opportunities and issues. The relationship with Theo is one of respectful challenge – we listen to each other, and make consensus decisions. It is tremendously fulfilling and enjoyable”.

PNMsoft

PNMsoft is a business process management (BPM) software company. While the business had an experienced management team, the company had yet to capitalise on various growth channels domestically and internationally.

With our support, the business grew its customer base by >200%.

Gal Horvitz
Founder of PNMsoft:

"Adam was a valuable advisor and friend along the journey at PNMsoft. As a rapidly growing business, we had to work hard to preserve our unique culture while thinking through complex decisions on how best to build the business.

Adam added huge insight and value in both areas, and I knew throughout that I could rely on him to provide clear thinking that helped me find the right answers. We were delighted with the end result which was fantastic all round.

As importantly, we have become friends, swapping business anecdotes and book recommendations!"