A Stoke-on-Trent design agency has secured £50,000 in funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II) through BCRS Business Loans to deliver innovative new projects.

Exesios, located at the Innovation Centre at Keele University, specialises in brand, marketing, digital, content, and design, working with a range of clients in the UK and globally across sectors including healthcare, education, and corporate organisations.

Launched in February, the £400 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund II has lent over £1 million in small business loans through appointed fund manager for the West Midlands, BCRS Business Loans, to help a range of small and medium-sized businesses in the region to start up, scale up, or stay ahead.

Exesios Managing Director Paul Brammer said:

“The funding from BCRS has been instrumental in providing essential cash flow support, allowing us to manage day-to-day operations effectively while continuing to grow the business. This financial platform has given us stability as we explore new opportunities, including the potential development of in-house digital tools and expanding our team.”

BCRS Business Development Manager Dave Malpass added:

“We are pleased to offer our support to Exesios with the funding they need to maintain strong cash flow while working on their latest projects. BCRS Business Loans is a story-based lender—we take the time to listen and understand a business, and this is a great example of how we support organisations to innovate and grow.”

Beth Bannister, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank, said:

“The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II plays an important role in supporting SMEs in the region and widening access to a broader range of finance and lending options. It’s great to see how the fund is being utilised to help businesses like Exesios continue to thrive, and we look forward to seeing further success generated as a result.”

Since BCRS Business Loans was founded in 2002, it has provided loans worth more than £90m to businesses. A social impact report for the last financial year showed BCRS lent £5.8m to 72 businesses, safeguarding 675 jobs and creating 186 roles, adding £29.9m in value to the economy of the West Midlands and surrounding regions.