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 across Wales, supporting businesses with independent HR investigations, while also helping managers and leaders personally develop through professional coaching. Having built a solid reputation over the past six years, the funding will allow the business to create a new role to increase capacity and meet demand.

Sam, who founded the business after a 30-year career in HR across both private and public sector organisations, explains:

“The business has grown steadily since I set it up, with most clients coming via word of mouth and networking. But over the last year or so, demand for our services has increased significantly, especially from SMEs needing support with complex employee issues.

“I found myself at a crossroads – either maintaining the business at its current size and capacity, or investing in growth and bringing someone into the team.”

It was through conversations with her accountants, Tungsten, that Sam was referred to BCRS Business Loans. Sam worked with Business Development Manager, Niki Haggerty-James to gain access to a £25,000 finance package via the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales.

Samantha continued:

“I previously had meetings with other lenders, but Niki took the time to understand the business and the position I was in. It wasn’t just about the numbers – it was about the whole package – the people we support and the impact we make. She made the process straightforward, and without BCRS’ backing, this step to employ someone simply wouldn’t have been possible.

“Securing this funding allows me to expand the business sustainably and ensure we can support more organisations at the level of quality we’re known for.”

The new appointment is expected to be made in early 2026, marking the start of a year focused on growth, increased capacity and deeper support for SMEs.

Niki Haggerty-Jones, Business Development Manager at BCRS Business Loans, said:

“Sam has built a business with a strong reputation for delivering fair, thorough HR investigations and meaningful coaching support to leaders. Her expertise is evident, and the decision to grow the business by bringing in additional capacity is an exciting milestone.

“We are proud to support Be Business Fit Ltd at this turning point in its journey and look forward to following the next chapter of a business that is clearly making a positive difference.”

Bethan Bannister, Senior Investment Manager, Nations and Regions Funds at the British Business Bank, said:

“The £130m Investment Fund for Wales was established to support ambitious, forward-thinking Welsh businesses as they look to scale and grow. Samantha offers a valuable HR service and needing to recruit in order to meet increased demand is a strong indication of the business’ potential. We are pleased to provide the financial backing to support Be Business Fit’s growth strategy.”

The British Business Bank-backed Investment Fund for Wales operates across the whole of Wales and includes a range of finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up or stay ahead. BCRS Business Loans is managing the smaller loans part of the fund (£25,000 to £100,000). FW Capital are responsible for larger loans (£100,000 to £2 million) and Foresight manage equity deals (up to £5 million).

Having worked with SMEs unable to access finance from traditional sources in the West Midlands since 2002, BCRS Business Loans has expanded into Wales to help smaller businesses there prosper and thrive under the fund, which was officially launched in Cardiff in November 2023.

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. A social impact report for the last financial year showed BCRS lent £9.9m to 124 businesses, safeguarding 889 jobs and creating 317 roles, adding £51.2m in value to the economy of the West Midlands, surrounding regions and Wales.