SME fund marks milestone

A flagship fund set up to support smaller businesses who may otherwise struggle to gain the finance needed to grow has hit its first million pound milestone.

BCRS Business Loans said that more than £1m in small business loans has been distributed to growing SMEs from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF).

MEIF is delivered by the British Business Bank, working with the West Midlands LEPs, through appointed fund managers and aims to transform the finance landscape for small and medium sized businesses across the Midlands.

Regional lender BCRS Business Loans is the fund manager for MEIF’s Small Business Loans fund and is the point of contact for any West Midlands based business looking to secure a small business loan.

Paul Kalinauckas, chief executive of BCRS Business Loans, said: “We are delighted to share the news of our million-pound MEIF milestone. We are proud to work on the MEIF project with the British Business Bank, which has enabled us to extend our support for viable businesses that are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders.

“We are committed to providing a relationship-based approach to lending, meeting customers in their business premises across the West Midlands. Not only this, but we understand that business owners are looking for a quick turnaround on their loan application, so that they can focus on their growth plans. Ultimately, we believe that no viable business should go unsupported.”

Grant Peggie, director at British Business Bank, added: “It’s great to see BCRS reach this milestone loan amount. There are some great examples here of smaller businesses accessing the finance they need to expand, supporting job creation and growth across the West Midlands. We look forward to seeing more businesses benefit from this fund and would encourage any Midlands SMEs looking to grow to explore the funding available from MEIF.”