Sheffield-based Cobra Sport, a manufacturer of high-performance exhaust systems, has achieved 30% overall growth between 2022 and 2025 following funding from the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).
Founded in 2004 by siblings Rachel Abbott and Pete Jarvis, the business designs and manufactures stainless steel performance exhausts for a wide range of automotive and motorsport clients.
To support its growth ambitions, Cobra Sport secured a six-figure investment in 2018 from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Fund Managers as part of the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). The funding enabled the business to acquire the assets of Macclesfield-based JP Exhausts, safeguarding 16 jobs and creating an additional five roles, while strengthening Cobra Sport’s position in the motorsport market.
Since receiving investment, the business has expanded its operations significantly, investing in its workforce, developing new apprenticeship opportunities and enhancing its product offering. This includes the launch of its motorcycle exhaust division in 2021, followed by the development of Cobra Manufacturing, the company’s light fabrication division, which has seen strong recent growth and is focused on securing new contracts in sectors including energy and defence.
Looking ahead, Cobra Sport continues to build from its strong foundations in Yorkshire, with the company planning to further grow its presence in Europe and US markets and further develop its manufacturing capabilities.
Rachel Abbott, CEO and Co-founder of Cobra Sport, said: “From the very start, our goal with Cobra Sport has been to build a business that pushes the boundaries of high-performing engineering. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund’s support gave us the confidence to take on new opportunities and helped us grow in a way that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. It’s exciting to see how our team has developed and, as I step into my role as Chair of Made in Sheffield, to look ahead to the next chapter of growth.”
Pete Sorsby, Fund Manager at Mercia Debt Finance, said: “When we first met the Cobra Sport team, it was clear their ambition went far beyond business growth. They were committed to protecting jobs, investing in their people and building a stronger business for the future. It’s been incredible to see the team build on this investment to grow their capabilities and strengthen their presence in the motorsport market.”
Debbie Sorby, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “The North is home to many innovative, specialist manufacturers, and it’s vital they have access to the funding they need to scale and grow. Cobra Sport is just one example of how the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has supported this sector, protecting skilled jobs and helping the business to expand.
“This remains a key priority for us, and with the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, we’re ensuring these businesses, which are a key component of the government’s Industrial Strategy, can continue to drive regional growth.”
The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help small and medium-sized businesses across the North of England start up, scale up or stay ahead.
The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.
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