A Cheshire-based businesswoman who is setting contemporary trends in homeware celebrated her best Christmas season ever thanks to a £6k loan from the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF). NINA D specialises in a luxurious range of Scandi… Continue reading
Category: Case Studies
Record business for Cornwall pasty-maker
Several years ago Mark and Lynne Norton borrowed £20,000 from our member SWIG Finance. Since then their business has increased its headcount from 19 to 96 employees – and played a crucial part in feeding families who were struggling this year. Continue reading
7,000 jobs and counting thanks to sector’s CBILS
Community Development Finance Institutions have played a crucial role protecting businesses, jobs and livelihoods in 2020. Many stepped-up their lending almost three-fold earlier this year to help address the COVID-19 crisis and protect viable businesses and… Continue reading
How Citi prize money transformed four businesses
At this time of unprecedented challenges to microenterprises the Awards made a tangible difference, protecting businesses, jobs and livelihoods. They have provided direct financial support which has enabled businesses and social enterprises to survive, thrive, pivot and adapt. And once again they celebrated the impact and achievements of responsible finance providers and the inspiring entrepreneurs they support. Continue reading
Fair Finance doesn’t just condemn high-interest lenders, it offers a better service
It’s easy to condemn exploitative high cost lenders, but their customers find them both authentic and trustworthy. So if you are truly serious about helping people whose employment or housing status makes them financially vulnerable then you need to compete with the products and services offered by the sub-prime sector. Faisel Rahman explains how Fair Finance does this, and how it’s adapted to maximise its impact in 2020. Continue reading
Affordable Credit in Covid-19: How Street UK helps households avoid exploitative lenders
How Street UK adapted to serve low-income households during Covid-19 Continue reading
Affordable Credit in Covid-19: How Scotcash helped customers save thousands of pounds
It’s always been clear to Sharon MacPherson, chief executive of Scotcash, that her customers are careful with money. “They might be excluded from mainstream financial services, but they’re exceptional at managing their budgets.” So when Covid-19 struck how did it affect customers – and what was the impact on Scotcash’s products and services? Continue reading
An Earth Day celebration of environmental impact unlocked by community development finance
Hundreds of sustainable businesses and social enterprises are reducing the UK’s environmental impact thanks to the impact of responsible finance providers, embedded within the communities they serve. On Earth Day 2020 we share some examples. Continue reading
Funding Lifeline for Ecological Housebuilder
One of the only developers in the country building houses to the premium ecological ‘Passivhaus’ standard has secured crucial bridging funds via a ‘Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan’ enabling its work to continue – protecting four jobs and helping to create four additional jobs. Continue reading
From drugs with wrong crowd to social entrepreneur of year contender
The founder of a recording studio and music education business who was expelled from school at 15 has been named one of the most exceptional social entrepreneurs in the UK. Continue reading