Clearwater International advises Access Creative College on its investment from Apiary Capital

Clearwater International has advised Access Creative College, the UK’s largest specialist provider of education in the creative industries to 16-19-year olds, on its investment from Apiary Capital (Apiary), a specialist mid-market private equity firm. Apiary’s investment will allow the business to accelerate its expansion plans under the leadership of CEO Jason Beaumont. Jo Johnson, former Minister of State for Universities, has joined the board as chairman.

Access delivers vocational education in the creative industries to over 3,000 students at campuses in major cities across England. It offers courses in computing, games, media, music and events at specialist campuses in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, York, Lincoln, Norwich and at other locations with partnership providers. The college prepares young people for careers in the creative industries through innovative, practical employment-led training. It also provides creative sector apprenticeships across England through a partnership with the National College of Creative Industries (“NCCI”).

Apiary’s investment will allow Access to continue to develop its existing facilities, grow enrolments at its campuses, develop new properties, and expand its apprenticeship provision with NCCI to become the number one choice for creative training in the UK.

Other advisors on the transaction included DLA and Browne Jacobson.