The bank provided a debt package to support Ardenton’s investment in the company, alongside acquisition facilities to help the group make fresh property acquisitions, as part of its ambition to increase the number of care homes it operates for disadvantaged children across the North of England and Scotland.

The business was established in 2003 by Luiz Guilherme as a single property caring for four young people. Headquartered in Dunfermline and Leeds it has since expanded both organically and through acquisition, to incorporate 41 care homes, which support a range of needs for young people aged 8 to 18 who require additional support in life and learning.

Commenting on the deal, Jamie Stuart, deputy head of health & social care at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, said: “There is a strong demand for the Group’s specialist services, particularly for children in acute need of support in the regions where Pebbles operates. The deal drew strongly on our specialist knowledge of this sub-sector of social care which is an increasing focus for our team.

“The investment from Ardenton, alongside our debt facilities, will enable the company to build its presence in the market further, providing a strong platform for growth and allowing it to care for more vulnerable young people.

“As a bank, we’re delighted to join Ardenton on this, their sixth investment in the UK. This is our fourth investment together, we have a close working relationship and are excited to work with them in the future to mutually benefit businesses nationwide.”

Iain Marlow, director at Ardenton Capital, added: “It’s a privilege to be working alongside the Pebbles Care management team to support the invaluable work the business does looking after some of the most vulnerable young people in society.

“Our investment will enable the team to invest further into the quality of their care provision and expand their services to provide more capacity. At Ardenton, we look to work with proven and ambitious management teams to help take their business to the next stage of growth.”