Family business Total Metal Recovery has acquired neighbouring firm A-Z Skips by using funds secured through Birmingham-based ART Business Loans and BCRS Business Loans, from Wolverhampton, retaining seven staff and adding a driver position. The owners… Continue reading
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Evidence, accountability, action: Investing in Women Code signatories fund talent, ambition and potential
Community Development Finance Institutions “show what inclusive finance looks like” and, with other Investing in Women Code signatories, have built a movement which proves that transparency works and stimulates progress. The Investing in Women Code’s sixth… Continue reading
Start Up Loan helps launch Pasta Point in Leeds
Pasta Point Leeds, a pasta stand located at the heart of the Leeds Kirkgate Market, has launched with the support of a five-figure Start Up Loan delivered with support from Business Enterprise Fund (BEF). The funding… Continue reading
From mechanic to business owner with a £184k loan
Chris Jones began his career at FRL Auto Services, where he spent 16 years honing his skills before moving on. When he later discovered that the garage’s long-time owner, Ian Gobel, was planning to sell after… Continue reading
Rethinking financial promotions: making borrowing clearer for the people who need it most
When someone needs a small loan to fix a car, cover an unexpected bill, or keep up with essentials, the information they’re given matters. It shapes not just what they choose, but whether they feel confident… Continue reading
Maple Review: CDFIs essential in breaking barriers to entrepreneurship
The Maple Review report was launched this week at the House of Lords following widespread and extensive input, including from Responsible Finance and members. Co-chaired by Blair McDougall MP, Minister for Small Business, Grace Graham, Founder… Continue reading
The King’s Speech, 13 May 2026: An opportunity to back community finance
Today’s King’s Speech sets out the Government’s plans to control the cost of living and support British business as part of a “country fair for all”. This is a major opportunity to support individuals and businesses… Continue reading
King’s Award for Salad’s innovation in fair and affordable lending is industry first
Responsible Finance Member Salad Finance Limited (Salad), which specialises in providing affordable credit to consumers who do not meet the criteria of mainstream lenders, was today announced a recipient of the King’s Award for Enterprise for… Continue reading
Dismantling the barriers: Why microlending is the ‘on-ramp’ for UK entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship should be about the strength of an idea and the resilience of the founder. But for some entrepreneurs in the UK, the path to starting a business is blocked not by a lack of talent,… Continue reading
Community Finance Taskforce brings banks, Government and CDFIs together to unlock extra £billion for SMEs
A new taskforce and Government-backed roadmap will develop partnerships between our members and banks, to make it easier for small businesses across the UK to access finance. The UK Community Finance Partnership Taskforce has a mission… Continue reading