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
News
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
Three steps for a locally-powered recovery
Last week’s news of 25,000 jobs at risk after Debenhams and Arcadia Group fell into administration caused a collective gasp. Along with heartbreak over the loss of these jobs, many fear for the future existence of… Continue reading
Dozens of banks, investors and institutions commit to financing a just transition for the UK
Banks, investors and financial institutions today joined forces with universities and trade unions to launch the UK’s first alliance to finance a just transition. Coordinated by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Chance and Environment at… 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
£10 million Bounce Back Fund in Greater Manchester Second Lockdown Response
In response to gaps in Bounce Back loan availability for some Greater Manchester-based SMEs following the second national lockdown, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in partnership with Responsible Finance member GC Business Finance has stepped in… Continue reading
Time to Stop Pay-Day Loan Firms Cashing in on the Pandemic
9.7 million households across the UK reported a fall in income by the end of July 2020 as a direct consequence of the pandemic. Nearly one in six households – 16% – were struggling to make… Continue reading
Varied media: Pontypridd’s Karen Davies is “awe-inspiring” everywoman
The founder of a Pontypridd charity which has supported hundreds of want-to-be entrepreneurs into self-employment has been named one of the most awe-inspiring women from across the UK. Karen Davies, chief executive of Pontypridd charity and… Continue reading
Purple Shoots’ Karen one of UK’s most awe-inspiring business leaders
Karen Davies, CEO of Purple Shoots, is one of three inspirational and successful female social enterprise founders in the running for the Gaia Award in the NatWest everywoman Awards Continue reading