A MULTI-Million pound funding deal is set to underpin further growth at a Bingley-based international publishing group.

Emerald Group Holdings has agreed a £27.5 million financing package with Barclays and HSBC which it says will accelerate its growth through new products launches and acquisitions in the digital sector .

The global knowledge business, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year - employs around 400 people worldwide and generates more than £40 million of turnover, mainly through publishing academic journals and books.

Emerald has diversified through acquisitions, buying Research Media in 2013 and Edinburgh-based leadership and management resources provider GoodPractice in 2015.

In January, it acquired the International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship – one of the top four sports marketing journals in the industry.

More than 80 per cent of Emerald’s revenues come from overseas markets and it has offices in 12 international locations such as Beijing, Boston and New Delhi.

Simon Cox, group finance director, said: “Emerald is strongly positioned to continue its 50-year growth story, despite the current political and economic turbulence. “Our international diversity is a key strength and allows us to take a global perspective on risk and growth opportunities.

“We’re delighted to have agreed a flexible financing package with Barclays and HSBC that will support our ambitious growth plans and accelerate our acquisition programme.

“We need to be continually developing our offering and developing the ideas, skills and technologies that drive us to innovate and evolve.”

Jamie Farrell, Barclays, said: “We’ve had a very successful partnership with Emerald for almost 50 years and have enjoyed being part of the group’s development. We look forward to working alongside them for a further 50 years!”

Wayne Shadlock, Relationship Director from HSBC, said: “HSBC has an excellent relationship with Emerald across a number of international markets. It’s a high quality business with an excellent management team and exciting growth plans. We are delighted to be part of that story going forward.”

Founded by Chairman Dr Keith Howard in 1967, Emerald celebrates its 50th year in business in 2017. It has exciting plans including new product launches, charity fundraising, education initiatives and global celebrations with its customers and communities.