Sir Tom Hunter says his family investment vehicle continues to back “exceptional founders” while questioning the government’s commitment to building more houses.
Commenting on the latest accounts for West Coast Capital Holdings the entrepreneur and investor highlights support forTHG (formerly The Hut Group) founder Matt Moulding, who demerged technology arm Ingenuity from the group earlier this year.
He also mentions Mike Jatania who led the purchase of The Body Shop out of administration in September 2024 and is putting Body Shop “back where it truly belongs as a global leader in its
sector”.
The latest accounts show the total value of assets held by West Coast Capital, less current liabilities, was £185 million at March 31, 2025, compared with £192.9m at the same stage the year before.
Sir Tom said: “We continue to remain positive in the progress the portfolio is making across the board at West Coast Capital.
“Investment has continued across the portfolio in both equity and loans to support these scaled and scaling businesses as they grow. As is well known we do not mark-up non-listed business to value and hence are confident in the continued increase in value of our portfolio.
“Our focus continues in backing exceptional founders”.
West Coast Capital has been a long-term backer of Buzzworks Holdings, and further to the investment firm’s year-end in March backed director Kenny Blair in a management buyout of the Ayrshire-based hospitality group.
It brought in Alchemy private equity to help scale this business to be a premier hospitality company.
“We are very proud that Buzzworks achieved their highest ever position in Best Companies to Work For, 29th in UK wide ranking and 4th in the UK in Leisure and Hospitality.”
WCC has invested in Winchburgh new town in West Lothian alongside joint venture partner Cala. Four schools have been buitl and, a major junction on the M9 is fully operational.
“Notably we received full planning permission for a new railway station – we really hope to get Government funding for this in the New Year,” said Sir Tom.
“Delighted we have nine of the top UK housebuilders on site now. As we move into our 19th year of investing in Winchburgh we have never received one penny of profit back out.
“There are many lessons here of how we could build more houses in Scotland however my fear is anyone in power listening?”
His son Jamie has become a full partner in West Coast Capital having had a four year apprenticeship in the business.
“Delighted that he completed his first deal, the purchase of Port Edgar earlier this year. No matter what you achieve in life nothing feels as good as when one of your kids does something special. Jamie will lead WCC as we continue to search for long term assets with predictable income streams.
“We have no debt, carry large cash balances and are always on the outlook to back exceptional founders.”
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