Leading community lender BCRS Business Loans has appointed a Business Development Manager who will drive growth in south, mid, and west Wales as they further support small businesses that seek to raise finance to achieve growth, safeguard jobs, and create new employment opportunities.  

Leanne Jones joins BCRS, bringing with her 25 years of experience in the financial sector. She previously launched, and went on to manage, both of Metro Bank’s Cardiff branches, playing a pivotal role in introducing a new banking presence to Wales.  

In her earlier career she spent 20 years at Lloyds in various roles across Wales, supporting both personal and business clients.  

Leanne is excited to bring her wealth of experience to her new role and said: 

“I was attracted to BCRS by its commitment to supporting and empowering local Welsh businesses, especially those facing challenges in securing funding for expansion.  

“As a non-profit organisation, BCRS prioritises fostering job opportunities, community welfare, and economic growth in Wales, a cause that resonates deeply with me. I am hugely excited to be joining at a pivotal time and look forward to supporting businesses in achieving their ambitions.” 

Welcoming Leanne into the fold, BCRS Business Loans CEO Stephen Deakin said: 

“Leanne brings such a depth of experience, and we’re thrilled that she has joined the BCRS team in Wales. 

“As we seek to support more SME’s to achieve their potential through providing bespoke support and funding, Leanne will play a pivotal role in reaching into communities across the region so that they are supported at a time which can often feel overwhelming.

“Leanne’s appointment will benefit our team in Wales as we look to support further growth within the regions.” 

In Wales BCRS is the fund manager for the smaller loans pot of the £130 million Investment Fund for Wales, backed by British Business Bank, and the £62 million Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF), backed by Lloyds.  

Since BCRS was founded as a community development financial institution in 2002, it has provided loans worth more than £100 million to businesses across the West Midlands and Wales.  

Its 2024-25 financial year was one of it’s most successful to date, with £9,900,502 provided to 124 businesses, representing a 68% increase in the number of SMEs supported compared to the previous year.