Great British Industrial Works
Re-industrialising Britain, one facility at a time.
We build legacies through permanent equity and decentralised stewardship.
Our Philosophy
GBIW exists to revitalise British engineering and manufacturing through a fundamentally different approach to investment. We believe in long-term stewardship over short-term profits, autonomy over centralisation, and purpose over mere financial returns.
We Buy to Build, Not to Sell
Our capital is permanent. We acquire companies to nurture them across generations—not to prepare them for resale. This fundamentally changes how we think, invest, and operate.
Mission Over Money
We’re not a fund. We’re private individuals investing our own capital to protect and grow Britain’s industrial backbone. No exit timelines, no IRR targets—just a long-term commitment to engineering excellence.
Decentralised by Design
We don’t force integration or homogenisation. Each company maintains its independence, identity, and autonomy while benefiting from our resources, expertise, and patient capital.
Industrial Renaissance
We believe in the fundamental importance of making things. Our work is contributing to a new industrial era in Britain—one that honors traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation.
For Business Owners
If you’ve built a manufacturing or engineering business over decades, your legacy matters. We understand that selling isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s entrusting your life’s work to new stewards.
When a seller drives past their facility in 30 years, we want them to see it thriving—bigger, better, more modern, still employing locals, and still making things that matter.
“We may not be the highest bidder—and we’re comfortable with that. If price is your only concern, we’re likely not the right fit. But if legacy matters to you, there’s no better partner than GBIW.”
Who We Partner With
• Engineering & manufacturing businesses
• £0.5M-£5M EBITDA
• Strong legacy & community presence
• Specialised capabilities or expertise
• Owners concerned about future stewardship
What We Care About
• Company heritage and history
• Employee retention and satisfaction
• Community integration and impact
• Sustainable operations
• Operational quality and craft
Our Process
• Relationship-first approach
• Transparent communication
• Flexible deal structures
• Thoughtful transition planning
• Long-term vision from day one
Our Model
We’ve built a fundamentally different approach to industrial investment— one designed for generational continuity rather than financial engineering.
Who We Partner With
Unlike traditional private equity, we don’t operate on 3-5 year holding periods. We buy businesses to keep them—forever. This fundamentally changes our approach to capital allocation, growth investments, and company culture.
- No pressure to exit or sell
- Reinvestment focused on decades, not quarters
- Patient capital that can weather market cycles
Decentralised Operations
We maintain each company’s independence and autonomy. There are no forced synergies, staff reductions, or cultural homogenisation. Each business retains its identity while benefiting from our support.
- Preserves unique company culture and legacy
- Decisions made by those closest to the work
- Local management teams remain empowered
Stewardship, Not Control
Our relationship with portfolio companies is based on stewardship—providing resources, guidance, and support without micromanagement. We view ourselves as caretakers of legacy businesses.
- Focus on sustainable growth trajectories
- Capital for modernisation and innovation
- Governance that respects institutional wisdom
The Future of British Industry
Britain’s industrial landscape has transformed dramatically over the past century. Once the workshop of the world, the UK has seen manufacturing’s share of GDP decline steadily. Yet engineering expertise, craftsmanship, and industrial innovation remain deeply embedded in our national character.
At GBIW, we believe in a British industrial renaissance—one that honors our manufacturing heritage while embracing modern technologies, sustainable practices, and specialised expertise.
Our Vision for Re-Industrialisation
Specialised Excellence
Britain’s industrial future lies not in mass production, but in specialised expertise, precision engineering, and value-added manufacturing. We invest in companies that embody this excellence.
Skills Preservation
Industrial knowledge and craftsmanship must be passed down and evolved. Our portfolio companies maintain robust apprenticeship programs and knowledge transfer initiatives.
Local Significance
Manufacturing facilities remain anchors in local communities—providing stable employment, tax revenue, and indirect economic benefits. We strengthen these community ties.
About GBIW
Great British Industrial Works was founded by Andrew Dunn with a clear mission: to protect and nurture the UK’s engineering and manufacturing heritage through permanent capital and enlightened stewardship.
“We see ourselves as industrial custodians—protecting capabilities, preserving knowledge, and perpetuating craftsmanship that has taken generations to develop. Our work isn’t just about financial returns; it’s about maintaining Britain’s ability to make things that matter.”
Who We Are
GBIW brings together private investors, operators, and advisors who share a passion for industrial businesses and long-term investment horizons. Our team combines decades of experience in manufacturing, engineering, finance, and business transformation.
What unites us is a deep respect for the companies we partner with and the legacies they represent. We value craftsmanship, specialised knowledge, and the profound impact that well-run industrial businesses have on their communities.
Andrew Dunn - Founder & Managing Partner
From the high-speed precision of Formula 1 to scaling 450+ companies, I’ve spent the last decade helping businesses grow through sharper operations, smarter marketing, and stronger sales. Today, I’m focusing that experience into rebuilding British industry—one engineering firm at a time.
Dave Stolz - M & A Managing Director
With extensive experience as a financial controller and a proven track record of successfully buying and selling 8 companies, Dave brings deep expertise in business valuations, due diligence, and strategic financial management.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re a business owner considering your succession options, an intermediary representing a potential opportunity, or simply interested in learning more about our approach, we welcome your outreach.
For Business Owners
If you’ve built an engineering or manufacturing business and are thinking about its future, we’d be honored to have a conversation. Our approach begins with relationship-building, not deal-making.
For Intermediaries
We work with M&A advisors, business brokers, accountants, and lawyers who represent industrial businesses. We’re transparent about our criteria and approach to make the process straightforward.