Highway Data Systems, the Glasgow-based developer of automated quality assurance technology for the road construction and asphalt industries, has secured a £1.25 million investment to fuel its next phase of growth — including an expanding push into the United States.
The funding comes through the Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS), managed by Maven Capital Partners and delivered by the British Business Bank. Notably, HDS becomes the first company to receive investment through the newly launched Greater Glasgow Innovation Cluster — a key part of a wider £100 million strengthening of the UK’s Nations and Regions Investment Funds.
What HDS Does
Founded and led by Managing Director Joe Charlesworth, HDS develops proprietary hardware, embedded electronics and software that replaces traditionally manual, labour-intensive, and safety-critical testing processes on road construction sites. Its suite of products covers quality assurance across the full asphalt lifecycle — from production and haulage through to laydown — and is already deployed with some of the UK’s most prominent infrastructure contractors, including Eurovia, Holcim and Tarmac.
The company operates across both UK and US markets, with a well-established domestic client base and a growing footprint Stateside.
Why Automation Is Gaining Ground
The timing of this investment reflects a broader shift in the road construction sector. Regulatory pressure and an intensifying focus on site safety are driving major UK road contractors and overseeing bodies to remove technicians from hazardous worksites wherever possible. That trend is accelerating demand for automated solutions — and positioning HDS as a differentiated player in a market moving away from manual testing.
The new funding will support incoming contract wins, ongoing product development, and further expansion of the company’s US operations.
Joe Charlesworth, Managing Director of HDS, said: “We are very grateful to the British Business Bank and Maven for the investment in our company at an exciting point in our growth journey. Data is only as good as its accuracy, and as a technology partner for major infrastructure projects we strive for engineering-grade precision. This backing will allow us to invest in our product development as we enhance our automated digital solutions for both the UK and international markets.”
Greater Glasgow Innovation Cluster — First Deal Deployed
HDS’s deal marks the inaugural investment through the Greater Glasgow Innovation Cluster, a regional initiative designed to connect investors with high-growth businesses across key UK city regions. The cluster is part of the broader £1.6 billion Nations and Regions Investment Funds commitment, which aims to improve access to early-stage finance for smaller businesses across the UK.
Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at Nations & Regions Investment Funds, the British Business Bank, said: “The Investment Fund for Scotland was established to support ambitious, high growth Scottish businesses. HDS exemplifies this, combining innovation with clear international growth potential. As the first investment delivered through the Greater Glasgow Innovation Cluster, this funding demonstrates the Fund’s role in strengthening connections between investors and innovative businesses in the region.”
Rob Stevenson, Investment Manager at Maven, added: “HDS has evidenced strong growth to date, developing a highly rated suite of products for customers across both roadside and plant, in both the UK and US. Joe and his team have significant experience and knowledge within the sector, and with the continuous market shift to automated processes there is a strong growth opportunity. We’re delighted to be deploying the Greater Glasgow Innovation Cluster initiative for the British Business Bank in Scotland, and look forward to supporting more companies across the country.”
The £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland offers equity investment up to £5 million and small loans from £25,000 to businesses with material operations across Scotland.
