Bowmark Capital Acquires Construction Data Firm BCIS

Bowmark Capital has finalized its acquisition of Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), a prominent UK-based provider of construction cost and carbon data. This strategic move marks a significant development for BCIS, which has undergone a substantial transformation over the past four years under the ownership of LDC. The transaction sees LDC successfully exit its investment after a period of accelerated growth and strategic repositioning for the data analytics firm.

BCIS, a trusted source for cost benchmarking and valuation data within the built environment and insurance sectors, has experienced robust expansion. Since its carve-out from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in June 2022 with backing from LDC, the company has focused on enhancing its technological capabilities and service offerings. This independent trajectory has allowed BCIS to leverage its extensive data heritage and develop into a market-leading insights platform.

The growth narrative for BCIS under LDC's stewardship is impressive. The company achieved an annual recurring revenue increase exceeding 25% and more than doubled its EBITDA. Headcount also saw significant expansion, growing from 30 to over 80 employees. Key strategic initiatives included the 2023 acquisition of price book specialist Griffiths and Hutchins, broadening its data scope. Furthermore, in 2025, BCIS launched BCIS Rebuild Plus, an AI-powered tool designed to assist insurers in addressing underinsurance risks for both residential and commercial properties.

Beyond commercial expansion, BCIS has demonstrated a strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Collaborations with former LDC portfolio company NBS have supported the industry's shift towards net-zero buildings. The introduction of a Cost and Carbon Materials Database has further bolstered carbon estimating and benchmarking capabilities. This dedication to sustainability was recognized in 2024 when BCIS received the Net Zero Champion Gold Award at the Engineering Matters Awards.

The investment team at LDC, led by Dan Smith, Partner and Head of Yorkshire, and Anthony West, Investment Manager, with support from Will Scales, Investment Director, guided BCIS through this transformative phase. Their involvement facilitated strategic investments in infrastructure and talent, enabling BCIS to build out its sales and product functions and unlock new revenue streams from its proprietary data assets.

Bowmark Capital, represented by partner Simon Kaufman, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, citing BCIS's exceptional market standing and proprietary data as key attractions. Having monitored the company for several years, Bowmark Capital anticipates supporting BCIS's continued growth trajectory. This acquisition is expected to further solidify BCIS's position as a critical data provider in the UK's construction and insurance markets, a sector experiencing increasing demand for accurate cost and sustainability insights.