Finance For Enterprise in Doncaster secures £25m to help small companies access growth funding

This forms a part of a larger £62m investment initiative aimed at supporting access to finance for small businesses across England and Wales, to boost local employment opportunities and economic growth.

The investment is channelled through three Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs): Finance For Enterprise, BCRS Business Loans, and Business Enterprise Fund.

Lloyds Bank's participation marks the first instance of a mainstream lender investing in the CDFI sector. Its involvement signals a commitment to supporting sustainable business practices and regional development, particularly in disadvantaged regions of the UK.

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One of the beneficiaries from the initial phase of CIEF is the Estate Tea Company, based in Newcastle.

Founded by local entrepreneur Tom Webb, the company specialises in offering single estate, small batch, and hand-blended teas, supplying them to various establishments nationwide while also operating its own cafe and eatery in Newcastle.

With support from CIEF via Finance For Enterprise, Mr Webb was able to relocate his business from a modest cafeì in Gateshead to a more spacious venue, previously a plumber’s merchant, which he has transformed into a popular destination for tea enthusiasts throughout the day and night.

Andrew Austwick, managing director at Finance For Enterprise, said: "We are thrilled to have secured a significant portion of the CIEF Investment Fund. The success of the Estate Tea Company serves as an excellent example of how the CIEF fund can empower SMEs to thrive. I eagerly anticipate assisting more SMEs across the UK in benefiting from such funding opportunities."

Elyn Corfield, chief executive of business and commercial banking at Lloyds Bank, said: “Small and medium size enterprises are the heartbeat of the UK economy and as the largest domestic banking group, we have a proud history of supporting UK businesses to thrive.

"We’re therefore delighted to support the CDFI sector to back local businesses, with a focus on deprived areas, and ensure they have access to a range of financial options right for them. When local businesses flourish so do local communities and we hope our leadership within this second phase of CIEF will see many more areas of the UK succeed.”

Anna Shiel, chief investment officer at Big Society Capital said: “At Big Society Capital we care deeply about building fair opportunity through expanding the reach of investment into communities and supporting access to a more diverse set of business owners.

"Like the small enterprises they serve, the dedication of CDFIs to create long-term impact deserves greater backing. The combination of their hard work, and vital tools such as the Recovery Loan Scheme guarantee, has unlocked the potential to draw in more capital from institutional investors such as Lloyds, whom we are delighted to co-invest with in this fund.

"We are thrilled to see the work of partners come together in the next stage of CIEF and especially to see how the positive track record of these CDFIs is being noticed.”