West Midlands business loan provider BCRS Business Loans have welcomed two new faces to the team.
BCRS has welcomed Head of Marketing and Impact James Russell and Business Development Manager Naomi Campion.
James joins the business from technology and logistics firm ByBox where he brings a wealth of regional and global marketing experience. In his new role as Head of Marketing and Impact, James will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategy together with exploring ways to growing the business’ impact.
Naomi joins BCRS having previously worked as Assistant Corporate Manager at Bibby Financial Services where she was responsible for providing financial services and support to SMEs across the UK. In her role at BCRS, Naomi will be supporting businesses looking for access to finance across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent.
BCRS Business Loans provide funding to businesses across the West Midlands who are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders. Businesses can secure loans from between £10,000 and £150,000 from BCRS Business Loans to support growth and recovery plans.
James Russell commented: “BCRS is already well known in the region for offering unparalleled support. My main focus will be to ensure that our name is spread far and wide and work closely with our customers to provide them with the best possible service.
“As part of my role I will be working to develop and grow our socio-economic impact and continuing to ensure BCRS work closely with customers above and beyond providing access to funding.”
Naomi Campion said: “I previously worked in partnership with the business through another loan provider so was thrilled when the position became available.
“I like the BCRS approach to supporting businesses and want to become the person in Stoke and Staffordshire who businesses can come to access finance.”
BCRS Business Loans CEO, Stephen Deakin commented: “Both James and Naomi bring a wealth of experience to the business, and we are pleased to welcome them to the BCRS family.
“Our strategy for the next 12 months is growth focused and having James and Naomi on the team will help us to achieve our goals.”
A social impact study for BCRS for the most recent financial year showed BCRS lent £8.6m to 101 businesses, safeguarding 1010 jobs and creating 450 roles, adding £45m in value to the economy of the West Midlands and surrounding region.
Of this funding 44 per cent went to the UK’s top 35 per cent most disadvantaged areas, with 15 per cent going to female-led businesses and 12 per cent to ethnic minority-led firms, ahead of national lending averages.