Octopus Investments has invested £2.7 million in Countrywide Healthcare Supplies, a national distributor of supplies to the care sector. Countrywide also named director Alastair Kitching as managing director and Jeremy Gilson, formerly UK sales manager, will join the board as sales and marketing director. Press Release Countrywide Healthcare Supplies (Countrywide), one of the country’s leading national distributors of supplies to the care sector, today announced that it has secured £2.7 million of investment from Octopus Investments (Octopus), one of the UK’s fastest growing investment management companies specialising in smaller company investing. Countrywide was established in 1996 and operates from a purpose-built distribution centre in South Yorkshire, priding itself on exceptional customer service, competitive pricing and knowledge of the market. With this investment Countrywide will continue to pursue its growth strategy as it looks to become the largest supplier to the UK care sector. Octopus, which manages over £3 billion of assets, is building a strong reputation in the healthcare industry having backed the retirement village operator Rangeford and care home operator Carebase. Octopus will actively work with the company and leverage its expertise of the sector to provide support to the board. Commenting on the deal, Alastair Kitching, Managing Director at Countrywide, said: “When Jeremy and I were looking for a financial partner it was clear that the team at Octopus knew exactly what we were looking to achieve at Countrywide and the potential and growth that could be realised. They share the same vision we have, they understand the market and they are as enthusiastic and committed to delivering high quality customer service as we are.” Edward Keelan, a member of the Specialist Finance team at Octopus, commented: “Countrywide has achieved a fantastic level of customer satisfaction and has a growing base of customers. Its reputation in delivering exceptional customer service, combined with its talented management team and the growing needs of the UK care sector, make it well placed to realise its growth aspirations. We are looking forward to supporting the company as it seeks to become the leading supplier to the UK care sector.” Countrywide also today announced that Director Alastair Kitching will now become Managing Director and Jeremy Gilson, formerly the UK Sales Manager, will join the board as Sales and Marketing Director. Notes to editors About Countrywide Healthcare Suppliers Countrywide Healthcare Supplies is a national distributor, supplying a comprehensive range of nursing, medical, catering, janitorial and furniture products to care homes. Working closely with customers it tailors its offering, helping care home operators to improve standards and drive down their costs. Countrywide’s consultative approach has helped secure new business and it has gained loyalty from customers by becoming a valued supplier partner. The company is well known in the care sector for being competitively priced and delivering a reliable and first class service across a wide product range which ideally suits the modern care environment. The company which was established in 1996 operates from its purpose built distribution centre in South Yorkshire. For further information, visit www.countrywidehealthcare.co.uk About Octopus Investments Octopus Investments is one of the UK’s fastest growing retail fund management companies. Founded in 2000, Octopus manages more than £3 billion of assets on behalf of 50,000 investors. Working closely with financial advisers, we create investment solutions that combine our expertise in smaller company investing with government approved tax reliefs. Our core product range includes Venture Capital Trusts, Enterprise Investment Schemes and Inheritance Tax Services offering award-winning solutions for investors looking for capital growth, income generation or capital protection. As an entrepreneurial company, we understand what it takes to build a business. We work hand-in-hand with some of the most successful entrepreneurs and management teams in the country to help finance companies capable of creating, transforming or dominating their industry. We invest in both private companies and those listed on the Alternative Investment Market. Exceptional customer service and a straight talking approach to investing are integral to the way we do business at Octopus. We have twice been voted one of the best 100 smaller companies to work for, and are one of only two fund managers to have ever been rated AAA by Citywire, as well as receiving a 5 Star Award for quality service by Financial Adviser. For further information, visit www.octopusinvestments.com. This press release is issued by Octopus Investments Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for use by journalists in their professional capacity and should not be relied upon by retail clients. The value of investments, and the income from them, may fall or rise. The information in this document should not be construed as offering investment or tax advice.