A new report sets out how responsible finance providers – enterprise-lending community development finance institutions – could increase their lending to £250 million annually to underserved small businesses if the right support is in place. Continue reading
News
£50 million milestone for BCRS
Responsible Finance member BCRS Business Loans has surpassed a landmark £50 million of lending since 2002, and supported 1,450 small and medium sized businesses across the West Midlands. Continue reading
Open for Entries NOW – The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards 2019/20
The 2019/20 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards are open for entries from responsible finance providers and their clients now. We are delighted to be partnering with the Citi Foundation once again to bring the global Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards… Continue reading
Glasgow Wood Recycling’s Peter Lavelle – a sustainable social enterprise success story
Glasgow Wood Recycling has prevented over four thousand of tonnes of wood from being wasted, has provided exceptional training to hundreds of people and has 19 employees and 45 volunteers. In this episode, Peter Lavelle covers engaging and looking after volunteers, securing appropriate customers, staying true to your values, winning the Citi Microentreprenuership Award for Sustainability and working with a responsible finance provider. Continue reading
Queen’s speech: in these chaotic times it is vital not to lose sight of issues crucial to people and place
People and place are key foundations in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, and sustainable economic development is central to this. The UK is transitioning to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in response to the burgeoning… Continue reading
Fredericks becomes signatory to Investing in Women Code
Responsible Finance member, Fredericks Foundation, has been announced as a code signatory to the Investing in Women Code. Continue reading
Affordable Credit Challenge Prize: cash to develop innovative fintech partnerships
The Affordable Credit Challenge will support partnerships between UK community lenders and fintechs to develop innovative technological solutions that will increase access to affordable, responsible credit. Continue reading
BEF’s £31m boost to regional economy
BEF’s new 2018-19 Social Impact report demonstrates its lending has had an enormous, positive effect for businesses, individuals and communities. Continue reading
MoneyWeek praises Community Investment Tax Relief
MoneyWeek’s David C Stevenson says Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR) is a “practical and tax-efficient way for investors with a social conscience to help struggling communities.” Stevenson describes how the scheme, which it says is “admirable”… Continue reading
Cannock-based stainless steel firm secures MEIF finance
A Cannock-based manufacturer of stainless steel metal components has received £60,000 from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF). Run by father and son team Nigel and Jake Mason, Stainless Metal Solutions Ltd (SMS) secured the finance… Continue reading