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
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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
Plucky underdogs and unsung heroes save the day
Are your eardrums ready? Pantomime season is here and if you’re lucky enough to have a ticket, expect the volume to rise as “oh no it isn’t!” and “oh yes it is” echo around the theatre.… Continue reading
From access to opportunity: Lessons from America’s CDFIs for a stronger UK
A transatlantic learning journey Four weeks on from our visit to Washington DC for the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference, the Responsible Finance team, and the CDFI members who joined us, are buzzing with ideas. With… Continue reading
Powering-up small businesses to unleash economic growth with JPMorganChase and First Enterprise (new podcast)
Colleen Ebbitt from JPMorganChase and Danielle Davis from First Enterprise join us today for a fascinating chat about listening to and supporting under-served businesses so they can thrive. How? Well, Colleen covers JPMorganChase’s small business philanthropy,… Continue reading
Championing SME Growth: Lloyds Bank CDFI Referrals Pilot
Responsible Finance and Lloyds Bank are piloting an exciting referral initiative designed to enable more businesses to find and access the finance that suits them. Jo Clough, Social Sustainability Director, Lloyds Bank Business and Commercial Banking… Continue reading
Why an evidence-backed policy to double affordable credit provision must be part of the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy
“In the past I’d had loans, people knocking on my door saying ‘you owe me money.’ That should be left behind. A responsible lender should look at the person you are now. If you’re working and… Continue reading