Business Loans

Community lender BCRS Business Loans has provided support to its mid-Wales business with a finance package to support growth, deployed from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Wales (IFW.)   The £30,000 funding was provided to Newtown-based Hafren Services Limited, which has recently joined the Maid to Help group, and will now support Hafren as it responds to growing demand for specialist cleaning services, while allowing the company to invest in...

Bromsgrove businesses are invited to attend a brand-new networking event hosted by BCRS Business Loans next month. Lending specialists BCRS Business Loans is launching its first Wine After Work networking event at the Queens Head, Sugarbrook Lane in Bromsgrove pub, on Wednesday 21st October 3.30pm- 5.30pm. Organised by BCRS Business Loans as part of their...

Community lender BCRS Business Loans is celebrating lending over £13 million through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) which has supported more than 150 businesses across Wales and the West Midlands. Having now completed the distribution of its allocated funds, BCRS has generated more than £67m in economic impact in total, with more than £10...

Community lender BCRS Business Loans is celebrating lending £13m through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) to support more than 150 businesses across the West Midlands and Wales. Having recently completed the distribution of its allocated funds, BCRS Business Loans has generated more than £67m in economic impact in total, with over £10m going to...

Community lender BCRS Business Loans has strengthened its support for businesses across north and mid Wales with the appointment of Rob Greasley as a Business Development Manager. Rob, 48 and from Wrexham, will work directly with business owners to understand their ambitions, challenges and plans for growth, supporting them as they seek to raise finance...

Running a small business in the UK becomes more expensive every year. The Federation of Small Businesses calculated that a firm with nine staff earning the living wage saw its annual employment bill rise around £25,850 between January 2025 and April 2026. This has led many businesses reluctant to increase headcount, regardless of whether demand...

A promising young St. David’s surfer has gained sponsorship from BCRS Business Loans as the company backs his quest to progress onto the worldwide surfing circuit. Elijah Jones, 16, a promising young surfer whose rapid progress and competitive results have marked him as one to watch in the UK surfing scene, has, to date, competed...

Are you a small business looking to hire your first employee or expand your team? Your services might be in demand, but you’re worried about being able to afford another salary on the payroll.   When the economy feels hard enough on SMEs, whether you trade on the high street, through online marketplaces or in local trades, hiring...

Community lender BCRS Business Loans is continuing to power the growth of RGC (Rygbi Gogledd Cymru) after extending its partnership with the north Wales rugby club for a third consecutive year. The renewed sponsorship underlines BCRS Business Loans’ commitment to supporting organisations that make a positive impact in their communities, while helping RGC continue its...

Retail businesses in England and Wales can borrow between £10,000 and £250,000 through BCRS Business Loans to fund stock purchases, refurbishments, new locations or cash flow gaps. This guide covers the loan types available, what lenders look for and how to apply, including options for businesses that have been declined for a high-street bank loan.   Retail stores, chains and independent...

Business loans provider BCRS Business Loans has announced the appointment of Rachel Davies as head of credit. With more than 30 years of experience in the finance sector, Rachel has built an extensive career with leading banks including NatWest and Barclays where she supported local businesses with their financing needs. In her new role as...

A Wolverhampton-born broadcaster will share her insights on managing pressure and building confidence when business loan provider BCRS Business Loans holds its popular Black Country Diners Club event next month.  Sky Sports News reporter Amber Sandhu will share her career journey and how she has overcome challenges at the lunchtime event which brings together leading business professionals from across the West Midlands.  Tickets are now...

Two convenience retail entrepreneurs have secured £105,000 in funding from BCRS Business Loans and the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) to purchase a convenience store in West Bromwich.  The funding has enabled business partners Nantha Sathasivam and Vivek Thanabalasingam to purchase Cane Convenience Store located on Hill Top in Harvills Hawthorn, West Bromwich.   Owners Nantha and Vivek bring 16 years of convenience retail experience to the new store. The pair also co-own SK Wines on Soho Road in Handsworth and have successfully managed…

Facilities management company Maid to Help Cleaning Specialists has secured £150,000 in funding from BCRS Business Loans to support a key acquisition as part of its continued growth strategy across the UK.   The funding package, which comprises £75,000 from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund 2 (CIEF2) and £75,000 from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Wales (IFW), has enabled the purchase…

Tickets are now on sale for the BCRS Business Loans Hollywood Charity Ball in aid of their Charity of the Year, Dudley Stroke Association. The glittering evening of entertainment and fundraising will take place on Friday 16th October from 7pm until midnight at Grand Station in Wolverhampton. Guests are invited to step into the spotlight…

Community lender BCRS Business Loans has passed £5 million in lending for the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II since its launch, creating 237 new jobs across the West Midlands. BCRS Business Loans has supported 82 businesses by delivering finance from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, which was launched in February 2024…

A company which supplies vehicles for use in films and TV shows is ready for growth after receiving funds from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, secured through BCRS Business Loans. Cars On Screen, based in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, received £40,000 to go towards the cost of buying an iconic DeLorean, the car made famous in…

Flintshire-based business The Pudding Compartment has successfully secured £75,000 in funding from BCRS Business Loans, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey.  The funding, which has been made available via the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales, has enabled the specialist commercial bakery to drive efficiencies and increase capacity. These have led to the company increasing its production and warehouse space, whilst also making…

BCRS Business Loans has announced the appointment of a new business development manager to support Staffordshire SMEs looking to access finance. Charlie Sangha joins BCRS with 25 years’ experience in the banking sector, having worked for firms including Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, Santander and more recently, Metro Bank as commercial relationship manager. In his role…

Andrew Hustwit, Head of Business Development at BCRS Business Loans, outlines how to create a cash flow forecast for small businesses in England and Wales. For many small businesses, it’s the paperwork that holds them back from applying for finance, especially the parts that feel like they belong to accountants and finance teams. You might...

The gap between where your manufacturing business is and where it could be often comes down to one thing: the capital to move forwards. You have the orders and you have the operations nailed, but growth costs money, and waiting for cash flow to catch up is a luxury most manufacturers can’t afford. This guide...

BCRS Business Loans has announced Dudley Stroke Association as their Charity of the Year for 2026/27.  Dudley Stroke Association supports people, their families and carers who have had a stroke. Their vision is to create a borough where stroke survivors are supported and able to live fulfilled and independent lives.  The organisation provides vital family and carer support services, including networking groups such…

Jenny’s Catering, a family-run catering business serving communities across Shropshire and the surrounding areas, has secured a £20,000 loan from BCRS Business Loans to support business growth and invest in new equipment.  Established in 1989 by Jenny Swain, and now run alongside her son, Chris, the business provides catering for a wide range of occasions including weddings, birthday parties, corporate events and…

A scrap metal specialist has expanded its recycling offering to customers by purchasing a skip hire company backed with funding from two leading community finance providers.  Family business Total Metal Recovery, based in Bromsgrove, has acquired neighbouring firm A-Z Skips by using funds secured through ART Business Loans and BCRS Business Loans, retaining seven staff and adding a driver position.  The owners of Total Metal…

You’re Invited to Our Hollywood Ball Event! 🎉 BCRS Business Loans’ invites you to the Annual Charity Ball: Night At The Movies, in support of Dudley Stroke Association. Channel your inner movie character at our must attend Hollywood Charity Ball event, held at the stunning Grand Station in Wolverhampton. You will enjoy a refreshing welcome...

Community lender BCRS Business Loans is marking another year of success having generated more than £53 million in economic growth across the West Midlands, surrounding areas and Wales through funding to underserved small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  According to its latest year-end figures, the not-for-profit community development finance institution, which focuses on supporting businesses in deprived areas and among underrepresented social groups, provided £10.2m in funding to 112 businesses during the 2025-26 financial year, up from £9.9m in…

A 15-year-old Muay Thai boxer from Birmingham has received sponsorship from BCRS Business Loans which will support him to compete for Team England in Thailand.  BCRS Business Loans has provided Louis Thompson with sponsorship for one year and a contribution towards his training kit.  Louis, who trains at K-Star Thai Boxing Academy in Perry Barr, took up the sport three years ago…

Community lender BCRS Business Loans has been allocated £20m by the British Business Bank to support underserved small businesses across the West Midlands and Wales.  Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans is the sixth lender to be accredited by the British Business Bank under its Community ENABLE Funding programme and is the first with a dedicated focus on Wales.  Operating since 2002, BCRS Business Loans will draw upon Community ENABLE Funding to offer loans ranging from £25,001 to £250,000. …

Colleagues from BCRS Business Loans have swapped the office for the outdoors and spent two days volunteering at Compton Care, a specialist charity providing palliative and end-of-life care to families living with life-limiting conditions.   A total of 13 volunteers from BCRS Business Loans undertook a range of outdoor activities at the Compton Hall site, to improve the garden environment. Work included tidying the charity’s Garden of Reflection, as well as installing additional benches to allow more…

A talented young Welsh surfer making waves on the national and international stage is once again receiving support from BCRS Business Loans as she prepares for another exciting season of competition. Fifteen-year-old Josie Hawke, from Newgale in Pembrokeshire, has quickly established herself as one of the most promising young surfers in Wales since taking up…

Need funding for your business, and fast? Waiting weeks for a bank decision isn’t always an option, and the frustration only grows if they end up refusing your loan application. Delays in finding extra cash can be costly, particularly if you’re trying to cover a short-term cash gap or seize an opportunity to grow.   The good news is that the route to a business...

Has your business loan application recently been rejected? It can feel like a door slamming shut on your plans, particularly when you know your business has real potential. But research from Allica Bank shows that small business loan refusals from high street banks have risen to around 40%, meaning this happens to viable businesses every day.   The way businesses access finance is shifting, with 68%...

A bookkeeping business is preparing for growth having expanded its workforce thanks to funding accessed through BCRS Business Loans. Drive Ahead Bookkeeping, based in Shelton New Road, Stoke-on-Trent, is using funds secured from Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans to recruit a senior team member and invest in new office furniture as part of a strategy to…

BCRS Business Loans is continuing its commitment to boosting micro-entrepreneurship across Wales and the West Midlands, providing more than £41,000 in further funding for Purple Shoots. The latest funding builds on an established partnership between the two organisations and will enable Pontypridd-based Purple Shoots to continue delivering micro loans, of up to £5,000, to individuals…

Access to finance, and confidence in applying for it, remains a major challenge for many small and medium-sized businesses in Wales. Nearly one in five Welsh SMEs reported barriers to accessing finance, according to the British Business Bank’s ‘Wales SME Access to Finance Report 2026’.   As the Investment Fund for Wales (IFW) enters its third year, we spoke with the BCRS Business Loans...

An online retailer is preparing for growth thanks to funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans. Vabe Wholesale Ltd, based at Middlemore Industrial Estate, West Bromwich, is using £50,000 in investment secured from Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans to buy stock and invest in marketing as part of a strategy…

BCRS Business Loans has provided £100,000 in funding to Hikitalo, a fast-growing Welsh sauna business, to support the opening of Wales and Cardiff’s first urban sauna site at Meanwhile House in the capital.  The funding package comprises £60,000 from the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales and £40,000 from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF), enabling Hikitalo to…

Community business finance provider BCRS Business Loans has lent more than £10m to generate job creation and economic growth through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF).  The lender has delivered £10.3m in loans to 121 companies, creating 288 jobs and protecting a further 1337 roles while generating £52m in added economic value for Wales and the West Midlands.  The £62m CIEF was launched in 2024 to enable business growth and is backed by Lloyds, the first mainstream…

Community business finance provider BCRS Business Loans has lent more than £10m to generate job creation and economic growth through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF). The Wolverhampton-based lender has delivered £10.3m in loans to 121 companies, creating 288 jobs and protecting a further 1337 roles while generating £52m in added economic value for the…

BCRS Business Loans has provided a £45,000 finance package to support luxury chauffeur company Luxstar Ltd as the business plans for growth following a challenging period in late 2024. The funding, provided through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF), has enabled Luxstar to consolidate existing finance taken on after scaling back operations in late 2024,…

Applying for a small business loan starts with three key steps: understanding why you need the money and how it supports your goals, organising your financial information, and finding the most suitable lender for your business.   If you’re running an established business and thinking about taking out a loan, this guide walks you through the process step-by-step, plus...

Self-employed people can apply for business loans in the UK, but eligibility depends on how the business is trading rather than how it’s structured. Many self-employed business owners assume applying for a business loan is too complicated or not possible at all, simply because they don’t have a limited company.   What matters instead is whether the sole trader business meets...

BCRS Business Loans has provided £50,000 of funding to Expert LMS, an innovative e-learning software company, to support its marketing strategy and drive business growth across the UK and beyond. The funding, which has been made available via the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales, has enabled Swansea-headquartered Expert LMS to strengthen its…

The role of locally focused and mission-driven lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) is growing as regional businesses face tighter access to traditional credit. CDFIs are becoming a key part of the way small businesses get funding, not just a niche option for a few. According to 2024 data from Responsible Finance, CDFIs lent nearly £323 million to...

We’re treating you to a refreshing beer and a delicious bap, completely free on 9th June. This is a great opportunity to connect with other professionals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you prefer a beer, a glass of wine or a soft drink, this event offers a relaxed atmosphere to network with businesses…

Come and join us at the White Horse Pub in Shrewsbury for a Pint After Work on Thursday 4th June from 4:30pm-6:30pm. This event is an opportunity to network with businesses across the region in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you a beer, a glass of wine or a soft drink, this event will help you…

Come and join BCRS for our Spring Cob & Pint networking event in Wolverhampton on Thursday 14th May 2026 – the perfect combination for a lunchtime snack. Celebrate the arrival of spring by joining us for our most popular lunch time event, where you can enjoy a complimentary cob and drink of your choice, all…

Join us for our Bites and Beverages networking lunch event in Telford – the perfect way to enjoy a lunchtime snack while connecting with others. This free event offers a great opportunity for local businesses to network with professionals from the surrounding area, all while enjoying a drink and a bite on us. When: Thursday…

Come and join us at the White Horse Pub in Shrewsbury for a Pint After Work on Thursday 12th March from 4:30pm-6:30pm. This event is an opportunity to network with businesses across the region in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you a beer, a glass of wine or a soft drink, this event will help you…

We asked the Midlands BCRS Business Loans team – Louise Armstrong, Dave Malpass, Angie Preece, Lynn Wyke, and Mark Savill – for their insight and advice on the MEIF and the influence it has on SMEs in the region.  Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the Midlands economy, but many still struggle to...

We’re treating you to a refreshing beer and a delicious bap, completely free. This is a great opportunity to connect with other professionals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you prefer a beer, a glass of wine or a soft drink, this event offers a relaxed atmosphere to network with businesses from across the…

Be Business Fit Ltd, a Cardiff-based consultancy specialising in HR investigations, grievances, disciplinary support and leadership coaching, has secured £25,000 in funding from BCRS Business Loans as it sets its sights on accelerated expansion in 2026. Be Business Fit Ltd, which was launched in 2019 by Sam Heighway, has become a trusted partner for SMEs…

Community lender BCRS Business Loans has reached a milestone by lending over £2 million of finance to help small businesses across Wales grow, generating economic growth and creating jobs.  As the fund manager for the smaller loans fund (£25,000 to £100,000) for the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales, BCRS has provided over £2m in loans to 34 businesses across Wales, creating 104 jobs and protecting a further 189, while providing more than…

A West Midlands under 13’s football team has received a brand-new training kit thanks to sponsorship from alternative business lender, BCRS Business Loans.  BCRS Business Loans has provided Sedgley & Gornal United under 13’s West Football Club with a complete training kit, removing the need for players to wear their own clothes during training sessions.  BCRS Business Loans senior business development manager…

Yes, many established small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are eligible for a business loan, even with poor credit and rejection from a traditional loan source, like banks.    Understanding how business credit works, and knowing where alternative lenders differ, can help you access the funding your SME needs to stabilise or start growing.   Why traditional funding...

A growing tech-focused company based in Mold has secured a £25,000 finance package from BCRS Business Loans to accelerate its software development and expand its reach into international markets.  The funding has enabled The Installation Exchange to invest in the development of its innovative software platforms, Insta-Job, Insta-Carer and Insta-Shift, a move that has already begun to open new doors with…

A Wolverhampton-based metal fabrication company has secured £50,000 funding from BCRS Business Loans through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II to purchase new equipment and expand its operations. Based in Wolverhampton, Midland Cold Rolled Sections (MCRS) works with steel, aluminium and other malleable materials, providing specialist cold rolled sections and profiles to many industries across…

L-R – The Club President Matt McCluney , Neil Johnston Portfolio and Compliance Manager at BCRS and Tim Smith The Club Treasurer.   Community lending specialists BCRS Business Loans has announced its sponsorship of Walsall Rugby Football Club for the new season. BCRS Business Loans has provided sponsorship for a first team kit, demonstrating their commitment to supporting…

The doors are swinging wide open at Llangefni’s Market Inn as the restaurant and pub gets set to open its upstairs accommodation.  The Market Inn, which has undergone a £1m refurbishment over the past 12 months, is now accepting bookings for its eight spacious, modern ensuite bedrooms, offering tourists the perfect place to rest after a busy day exploring the Welsh landscape.  Bought by experienced publican, Derek McKeon in 2023, the Market Inn has been open for food and drinks since December last year,…

BCRS Business Loans has surpassed another funding milestone, delivering more than £4 million to West Midlands businesses through the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II.   Since the fund launched in February 2024, 67 West Midlands firms have received investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, creating 184 jobs, safeguarding a further 597…

Llanelli Town AFC women’s team has secured a new sponsor for the season as it seeks to raise the profile of the side both locally and further afield.  BCRS Business Loans has partnered with the Adran League side and its under-19s development squad to help raise the profile of women’s football and promote wider participation in the sport. The sponsorship has enabled the teams to train in a dedicated women’s kit, proudly bearing the BCRS…

An electrical services company has supported an apprentice and invested in expansion plans after receiving funding from community lender BCRS Business Loans.  Spa Electrical Services, based in Leamington Spa, is using £20,000 from Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans to purchase a branded van for use by apprentice Taylor Carreira, who is nearing qualification.  The business was launched in 2022 by directors Andy Punnett and Dean Usherwood, both experienced electricians, to serve customers across Warwickshire. They also plan…

BCRS Business Loans has announced the renewal of its partnership with RGC (Rygbi Gogledd Cymru) for a second consecutive year, further strengthening its commitment to supporting community sport and local talent across North Wales.  As part of the continued partnership, the non-profit finance provider is also throwing its weight behind 20-year-old Caio Parry, one of…

A free lunchtime business networking event is returning to Telford next month hosted by lending specialists BCRS Business Loans.  Telford businesses are invited to attend the ‘Bites & Beverages’ lunchtime networking event at The Sutherland pub, Wellington Road in Telford on Tuesday 18th November, 12pm – 2pm.  Organised by BCRS as part of its drive…

A specialist exterior wall coating company is preparing for growth thanks to funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans.  Family business Protex XP Coatings, based in Spetchley, Worcestershire, is using £50,000 in investment secured from Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans to recruit and deliver its strategy to increase turnover and…

BCRS Business Loans has raised just under £6,000 for its Charity of the Year, Kids’ Village, following its inaugural Charity Masquerade Ball and other fundraising activities throughout the year. Held at Warwickshire Cricket Club’s Edgbaston Stadium on Friday 10th October, guests were treated to an evening of entertainment, networking and fundraising, all in aid of…

Birmingham-based Threewise Entertainment has secured £100,000 in funding through BCRS Business Loans to expand its business into the lucrative licensing market, as it announces the return of beloved British children’s character, Bagpuss.   The investment from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) and Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II) has enabled Threewise Entertainment to expand…

BCRS Business Loans are inviting businesses to join them for a wine after work as the popular networking event returns to Worcester.   Professionals are welcome to join the ‘Wine After Work’ get-together at the Saracen’s Head, 4 The Tything on Thursday 10th April, 5pm-7pm.  The event will provide attendees with an opportunity to network and…

BCRS Business Loans brought together business leaders from across the West Midlands for an afternoon of dining, networking, and inspiration as the popular Black Country Diners Club event returned.  Hosted by business loan provider BCRS Business Loans, more than 70 members of the Black Country business community attended the networking lunch at the Molineux Stadium…

A specialist in personalised clothing and promotional items has received £25,000 in funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II ​​​through BCRS Business Loans to relocate to new premises. ​  Established as a family business in 1987, Ace Embroidery is a supplier of embroidered, printed and engraved products ranging from clothing to printed bags, pens,…

BCRS Business Loans delivered funds to businesses led by women and ethnic led companies at levels above national averages in the most recent financial year, a new impact report has revealed. With 15 per cent of small to medium sized employers led by women nationally*, in the 2024-2025 financial year 21 per cent of BCRS’s…

Birmingham-based barbecue seasoning and sauce company Lumberjaxe has secured £100,000 in funding from BCRS Business Loans and Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) to support the delivery of a major contract with supermarket giant Aldi. The funding has enabled brothers Brendon and Jaydon Manders to supply 80,000 units of their Backyard BBQ and Moonshine Mango sauces…

Businesses in Staffordshire are invited to attend a free networking lunch next month as the popular Beer and Baps event returns to the Crown Wharf pub in Stone. The midday gathering is open to professionals from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and surrounding areas looking to network over a free drink and lunchtime bap. Organised by BCRS Business…

Responsible finance provider BCRS Business Loans has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer. The Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at the Wolverhampton-based community lender receive a minimum hourly wage of £12.60, higher than the government minimum for over 21s, which currently stands at £12.21 per hour. BCRS Business Loans is based in…

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…

A marketing consultancy has increased its headcount after securing funding for growth from community lender BCRS Business Loans.  Martin & Jones Marketing, based in Shropshire, has recruited a new account and campaign manager after receiving a five figure loan to support its expansion strategy.  Led by founder and director Ruth Martin, the business provides strategic…

Two entrepreneurial brothers who starred on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den will be the guest speakers when business loan provider BCRS Business Loans holds its popular Black Country Diners Club event next month. Brendon and Jaydon Manders, the Birmingham-born brothers behind barbecue seasoning and sauce products Lumberjaxe who featured in the popular series this year, will…

A specialist training provider for childcare and education professionals is preparing for growth thanks to funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans. Orange Moon Training secured funds totalling £100,000 to support its strategy of enhancing the delivery of skills training for early years staff and teaching practitioners, which ranges…

Businesses in Shrewsbury are invited to attend a free networking event organised by BCRS Business Loans as the popular ‘Pint After Work’ event returns to Shrewsbury. Professionals are welcome to join the ‘Pint After Work’ get-together at the White Horse pub, 7 Wenlock Road, Shrewsbury, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 18th September. Organised by…

One of North Wales’ leading craft breweries has set its sights on further expansion and business growth after receiving £150k support from BCRS Business Loans, in part through the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales, alongside funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF). Llandudno’s Wild Horse Brewing Co, which was established in…

BCRS Business Loans has announced the appointment of Mandy Wright as office manager/ executive assistant. Mandy brings a wealth of experience in executive support and office operations, having worked across engineering, commercial, and privately owned businesses. Mandy joins BCRS from cybersecurity firm Goldilock, where she worked as office manager and executive assistant, responsible for streamlining…

Community lender BCRS Business Loans has passed the £6m landmark of lending to generate job creation and economic growth through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF). The Wolverhampton-based company has delivered £6.2m in loans to 75 companies in total, creating 208 jobs and protecting a further 730 roles while generating £32m in added economic value…

BCRS Business Loans is set to host a Masquerade Ball to support their Charity of the Year, Kids’ Village. The spectacular evening of entertainment and fundraising will take place at the newly renovated Warwickshire Suite at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, Edgbaston Stadium from 7pm until midnight on Friday 10th October. Guests are invited to dress…

A supplier of printers and photocopiers is preparing for growth under new ownership thanks to funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans. Managing director and owner Ray Willows has purchased printing, scanning, and photocopying solutions provider Magenta Technology, based in Hereford, after working for the company for 15 years….

Responsible finance provider BCRS Business Loans has passed a significant milestone after reaching £100 million in total lending to businesses since it launched. Working to its goal of ensuring no viable business goes unsupported since it was formed in 2002, Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans has generated overall £518 million in economic impact. Minister for Small…

An exotic plant business is thriving in Wales and the rest of the UK, thanks to a funding stream which opened the doors to selling its products in a major UK department store and has now led to its most profitable month in operation. The Secret Plant House, the brainchild of young Llanelli entrepreneurs Cameron…

A Bangor timber business is reporting that its growth potential has been ‘truly unlocked ’ after a £100,000 finance package from BCRS Business Loans allowed it to capitalise on a window of opportunity. Snowdon Timber Products, based on the Llandygai Industrial Estate, received the finance back in 2024 and is now projecting sales revenue of…

Responsible finance provider BCRS Business Loans has appointed a new business development manager to deliver funds to support companies in delivering their growth plans. Gareth Evans has joined Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans to focus on funding opportunities in Solihull, Warwickshire and the surrounding areas. Gareth brings 16 years of experience from Lloyds Banking Group, offering…

A promising young Welsh star who is making her mark on the worldwide surfing scene has received the backing of BCRS Business Loans. 14-year-old Josie Hawke, from Newgale in Pembrokeshire, has been an avid surfer since she first dipped her toes into the sport at age ten. Having competed in competitions across the UK and…

A marketing academy for entrepreneurs is preparing for growth thanks to funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans. Touchpoints Marketing has received £30,000 to invest in expanding the business, including moving staff from part time to full time roles and securing key trademarks to protect the company’s intellectual property….

BCRS Business Loans has announced Kids’ Village, a holiday village providing respite care for children with critical illnesses as their Charity of the Year. Kids’ Village, located in Wychnor, near Lichfield in Staffordshire will be the UK’s first purpose-built holiday village providing respite support for children and their families living with critical illness. The charity…

A Wrexham self-storage business is reporting vast growth after a finance package from BCRS Business Loans has enabled it to develop a large part of the land to expand and house a further ten storage units and caravan storage space. Matt Pritchard joined his father’s sawmill business in 1999 and opened a bespoke joinery workshop…

Responsible finance provider BCRS Business Loans has been named as finalist for a prestigious business award in recognition of its impact supporting SMEs across the Midlands and Wales. Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans is up for the small business of the year prize at the Express & Star Business Awards 2025, organised by the leading news…

A vehicle lighting designer and manufacturer based in Redditch, Worcestershire, is growing its business thanks to receiving £150,000 in funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) through BCRS Business Loans. Bee Lighting specialises in high-quality lighting design and manufacturing for high-end vehicles. The company collaborates with renowned brands such as McLaren, Aston Martin, Lamborghini,…

Community lending specialist BCRS Business Loans has achieved one of its best years ever for delivering funds, with almost £10 million lent to businesses across the West Midlands, surrounding areas and Wales. BCRS Business Loans, which provides funding to small to medium sized enterprises unable to access finance from traditional sources, has provided £9,900,502 in…

BluSky Brands, a leading distributor of professional haircare products, is eyeing further growth with the launch of a line of next generation smoothing products which will create extra income streams for salons and stylists across the UK. BluSky brands, which has been working to exclusively support UK stylists and salons with innovative, high-quality products for a…

A leading online training provider for the automotive industry is gearing up to roll out virtual reality (VR) learning experiences thanks to funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) through BCRS Business Loans. Shropshire based Our Virtual Academy has received £97,000 to invest in the production and roll out of VR training experiences for…

Community lender BCRS Business Loans has reached another milestone in generating economic growth and job creation by passing £4m in lending on behalf of the latest Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF). The Wolverhampton-based company has achieved seven figures in loans delivered for the second CIEF, which was launched in March and backed by Lloyds Bank,…

Sgiliau Play Centre opens third site after BCRS Business Loans backing Sgiliau Play Centre has opened its third site in west Wales and is now targeting turnover in excess of £1 million. The new site, on Llanelli’s Dafen Industrial Estate, signifies the largest of the play centres in the region which opened its doors last…

A daycare nursery has opened in Blackwood after £170,000 funding was provided from BCRS Business Loans, via the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales and Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF). Greenfields Blackwood, which is registered to take 63 children up to the age of five, has opened on the former Mason’s Arms on...