SME funder hits £23m mark with picture perfect investment
THE Business Enterprise Fund has hit £23m in funding after helping a photography studio open another office.
Chique Photography Studio opened in Huddersfield in 2014, and has received funding to set up shop in Wakefield.
The BEF said it has created 2,000 jobs and lent £23m to businesses over the past 11 years.
It secured funds of £3.5m from the European Investment Fund and £700,000 capital investment from the government’s Regional Growth Fund.
Jane Earnshaw, co-owner at Chique, said: “The support we received from the team at BEF was brilliant. They were able to advise every step of the way throughout the loan process which has enabled us to open the second studio and create a total of 20 jobs.”
Chief executive at BEF, Stephen Waud, said: “Although there are signs in the world economy around slackening pace and lower demand, we are not finding this at the grass roots level. Businesses are still eager for development and growth finance and we are keen to support those businesses.
“In 2016 we’re expecting to see a further increase in small businesses accessing finance to grow and progress which is heartening to see for the region.”
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