Sources of non-bank finance

Website: Responsible Finance 

The body that represents all the Community Development Finance Institutions in the UK and allows businesses to drill down to their respective geographic regions from the CDFA website to see who operates locally.

Who are they?

The European Investment Bank (EIB) operates a loan support scheme to benefit Small and Medium sized businesses, whereby Banks are able to provide borrowing at preferential rates.

EIB indirectly supports SMEs by working with a wide range of financial intermediaries (banks, guarantee, microfinance institutions, private equity and venture capital funds, etc) that provide loans, micro-loans, guarantees and equity finance to SMEs.

Appropriate for:

Businesses with less than 250 employees who seek loan funding ranging between £26,000 to a maximum £10m. Terms range from between 2 – 25 years (maximum 10 years for loans £2m+).

How you can benefit:

Finance can be made available to allow purchase of commercial land/property, from which to trade (except farmland); development of property/land already owned, from which to trade; purchase of other tangible assets, such as plant, machinery and equipment or non-tangible assets including permanent increases to working capital.

More details:

Tel: (+352) 43 792 2000
Website: European Investment Bank

Tel: 01909 501200
Website: GRANTfinder

GRANTfinder is a grants and policy database, detailing in excess of 6,000 funding opportunities. GRANTfinder subscribers include local authorities, the voluntary and charitable sector, universities and colleges, housing associations, the health sector and business support organisations.

Tel: 020 7420 1800
Email: bvca@bvca.co.uk
Website: British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA)

The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity and venture capital industry in the UK. The aim of the BVCA is to aid understanding, clarity and transparency around the activities of its membership, promoting industry to entrepreneurs and investors as well as to Government, the EU, trade unions, international media and the public.

Tel: 020 7321 5669
Email: info@bbaa.org.uk
Website: British Business Angels Association (BBAA)

Business Angels are high net worth individuals who invest on their own, or as part of a syndicate, in high growth businesses. BBAA represent c.100 organisations including the vast majority of business angel networks across the UK, over 20 early stage venture capital funds, as well as professional service providers and advisers.

Tel: +352 42 66 88 1
Website: European Investment Fund (EIF)

EIF indirectly supports SMEs by working with a wide range of financial intermediaries (banks, guarantee, microfinance institutions, private equity and venture capital funds, etc) that provide loans, micro-loans, guarantees and equity finance to SMEs.

Tel: 020 7543 1234
Email: webinfops@princes-trust.org.uk
Website: The Prince's Trust

The Prince’s Trust targets young people who are not in work, education or training. There are numerous programmes to help young people including funding through the Enterprise Programme and Community Cash awards.

Who are they?

The Business Growth Fund (BGF) is the UK’s most active provider of growth capital to small and mid-sized businesses.
BGF provides long-term equity investment for companies with strong growth potential and in doing so it is expanding the funding options available to ambitious management teams across the UK.

BGF is an independent company with capital of up to £2.5 billion, backed by five of the UK’s main banking groups, including the NatWest Group. BGF works closely with the banks and its investments often help to unlock bank debt for companies, but BGF is managed completely autonomously with a wholly independent management team.

Appropriate for:

Established companies, typically with a turnover of £15m-£100m turnover, evidence of a strong track record and demonstrable growth potential. BGF will invest in both private and AIM-listed companies.
BGF investments are used to fund a wide variety of business plans from simply increasing working capital to making a strategic acquisition, from new capex to increase capacity to a step change in sales and marketing, from an export drive to new product development. Equity release opportunities can also be considered.

How you can benefit:

BGF’s team of over 70 investors, operate from eight regional offices in the UK. They make initial investments of between £2m and £10m and then actively look to provide additional funding to support further growth. Long term investment is typically provided in the form of equity in return for a minority equity stake.
BGF also provide practical and strategic support directly through the investment team and wider BGF infrastructure, through non-executive involvement at board level, and through access to our broader networks.

More details: Growth Funding for Ambitious Businesses (BGF) website

Tel: 01565 626 001
Email: info@fpb.org
Website: Forum of Private Businesses

The Forum of Private Business is a proactive, not-for-profit organisation and can assist with every aspect of running a business, from HR and finance to business development. It provides cost-effective, tailored solutions to support, protect and reassure members throughout the business lifecycle.

Who are they?

ICAEW is a leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports over 140,000 chartered accountants worldwide. They provide qualifications and professional development, share their knowledge, insight and technical expertise, and protect the quality and integrity of the accountancy and finance profession.

The ICAEW provides its members with knowledge and guidance based on the highest ethical and technical standards, shaping opinion, understanding and delivery to ensure the highest standards in business and in the public interest.

How you can benefit:

Joining ICAEW allows you to become part of a community of leading global accountancy professionals. When you become a member, you will be awarded the highly-respected ACA designation, which is recognised globally. You will also gain access to world-leading information resources, technical guidance, advisory services and local member networks.

More details:

Tel: 020 7920 8100
Website: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

Contacts for Members:
Tel: 020 7766 8866
Email: membership@iod.com
Website: Institute of Directors

Contact for non-members:
Telephone: 020 7766 8888

The Institute of Directors (IoD) is Europe’s largest membership organisation for business leaders, currently supporting around 43,000 members. IoD members have access to tailored research and bespoke business advice on a wide range of issues.

Tel: 01253 336000
Email:membership@fsb.org.uk
Website: Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the UK’s largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. The FSB lobbying arm – led by the Westminster Press and Parliamentary office – applies pressure on MPs, Government and Whitehall.

Tel: 020 8849 2251
Email: cima.contact@cimaglobal.com
Website: The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

CIMA is the world’s largest and leading professional body of management accountants. CIMA is committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards and to maintaining public confidence in management accounting.

Website: Confederation of British Industry

The Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) mission is to help create and sustain the conditions in which businesses in the United Kingdom can compete and prosper for the benefit of all. The CBI acts as the premier lobbying organisation for UK business on national and international issues.