News

• British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund has driven almost £66m of investment into businesses across the region
• Latest deals include a medtech business and a social enterprise

The British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund is marking its 150th deal having driven almost £66m of investment into new and growing businesses across the region.

Launched in 2023, the £200m fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses across the whole of the South West, offering loans from £25,000 up to equity investment of £5m.

The British Business Bank is the UK’s government-backed development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses.

Latest figures show the South West Investment Fund has delivered £33.3m of direct investment, leveraging a further £32.4m from the private sector via 150 deals, with 135 businesses across the region receiving funding (some businesses have received more than one round of investment).

To date, 26 businesses have received £18.4m of equity finance, while 25 businesses have received debt finance totalling £9.6m. Smaller loans, totalling £5.4m, have been made to 84 businesses.

Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “The South West Investment Fund was established to unlock the growth potential of the region’s businesses and we’re delighted to have marked the fund’s 150th deal. With investment reaching businesses at all stages in a wide range of sectors, we are supporting economic growth across the South West and catalysing private sector investment almost pound for pound.”

Among the most recent deals is an investment in Lutra Health, a medtech platform revolutionising eyecare, and AutonoMe, a social enterprise enabling neurodiverse people and those with learning disabilities to live and work more independently.

Lutra Health, which is headquartered in Exeter, secured £350,000 from the South West Investment Fund via appointed fund manager The FSE Group, as part of an ongoing fundraise also involving South West-based venture capital firm QantX.

The funding will allow Lutra to grow its team over the next three years and expand the reach of its platform which connects patients, optometrists, and eye surgeons to streamline the eyecare journey. This expansion will support key NHS initiatives set out in the recent spending review, such as enhancing digital capabilities and integrating services across care settings.”. The company said trials of its platform had shown a 91% reduction in cataract outpatient visits and a 54% reduction in surgical wait times.

Charles Solanki, CEO and co-founder of Lutra Health, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this funding from the South West Investment Fund, which will help us advance our technology and expand our team, ultimately improving patient care and streamlining processes across the eyecare spectrum. This funding marks a pivotal step towards our goal of transforming eyecare delivery.”

Meg Salt, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, said: “Lutra’s founding consultant eye surgeons have leveraged their clinical expertise and commercial savvy to address significant inefficiencies in existing eyecare pathways. Having been in communication with the business over the past year, we’ve witnessed exceptional trial feedback and the securing of both NHS and private hospital contracts, giving us confidence in Lutra’s ability to scale into a profitable company with a strong growth trajectory.”

AutonoMe, based in Weston-Super-Mare, received a six-figure investment from the South West Investment Fund through fund manager FW Capital. Founded by former SEND lecturer William Britton, AutonoMe supports neurodiverse individuals and those with learning disabilities by combining mobile technology with mentorship to develop skills for independent living and employment.

William Britton said: “AutonoMe was born out of the frustration I had surrounding the limited learning tools available for neurodiverse individuals and people with learning difficulties. I used my background as a Lecturer and Video Production experience to create a blended model of tailored learning tools using mobile technology alongside a real-life person as a mentor. I’ve been steadily growing the business and have now reached the point where I need additional finance to take the business to the next stage. This investment is instrumental to our growth.”

Ben Donati, Investment Executive at FW Capital, added: “AutonoMe has created a fantastic app that helps people with learning difficulties get into paid employment and live independently. Will and his team are passionate about this product and it’s making a real difference to confidence and success achieved by those with learning disabilities and neurodiversity.”

The South West Investment Fund operates across the whole of the South West region including Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. There are four appointed fund managers through which applications can be made, depending upon location.

Find out more at www.southwestinvestmentfund.co.uk

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced business lending manager (from a Business or Commercial Banking or SME lending background) to join a successful team currently delivering a  large debt element of The Investment Fund for Scotland  dedicated to the Scotland & Islands Region.

You will be responsible for origination, appraisal, and execution of loans to growing and innovative SME’s, from £100k to £2m. The debt fund was launched in October 2023 to provide funding to scale up and growing businesses which struggle to secure projection led growth debt finance.

The fund covers the whole of Scotland and the islands region. We require the successful applicant to be based in Scotland with an existing strong network of professional introducers. The position is home based with flexibility of location across Scotland.

You will be expected to:

• Originate a consistent pipeline of suitable lending opportunities, developing relationships with introducers, and marketing the product (business loans from £100k - £2million) to appropriate audiences
• Carry out evaluation and due diligence on suitable proposals in line with the Fund’s Lending Policy and Operational Guidelines.
• Create and present a credit proposal report to an independent credit committee for approval.
• Manage completion matters post approval including completion of facility documentation and instructing security.
• Pro-actively manage client portfolio, monitoring performance and identifying early potential default situations.
• Contribute to periodic fund reporting requirements.

Skills & Experience:

You should be able to clearly demonstrate

• significant prior experience in lending to SMEs where the primary repayment source is future cash flow based on planned expansion.
• A strong ability to assess and structure loan propositions based on future business plans and financial forecasts
• A collaborative approach working with a remote team
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise deadlines to meet customer expectations.
• An established network of professional introducers in Scotland
• Good presentation skills & ability to communicate and interact at all levels of management.
• A high level of IT proficiency, particularly on Microsoft Office 365 products
• A diligent working style and experience using CRM systems to manage & track proposal activities.

What we offer:

• A competitive base salary commensurate with your experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus usual Bank holidays in England & Wales. You will also get your birthday off and 1 day for a volunteering purpose (CSR day)
• Ability for you to use 1 day for Corporate Social Responsibility purposes annually.
• 8% employer contribution to pension scheme,
• Death in Service benefit
• Health cash plan scheme
• Income protection scheme
• 50% company funded private medical insurance scheme.

The role is primarily home based however you should have own transport to travel to customers/introducers and there may be some face to face team meet ups. Access to a good quality/speed home internet is a must.

About The FSE Group:

Our primary goal is to provide tailored funding solutions and support for ambitious and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them achieve their maximum potential. With over £325m of debt and equity funds under management, the Group is continuing to grow and prides itself on taking a holistic approach to the funding needs of our clients. For more information see www.thefsegroup.com

With one of our core values being inclusivity, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunity employer and treat all applications fairly and welcome job applicants from all communities and affinity groups.

Job Types: Full-time, (but open to requests for part time of 4 days per week minimum).

Applicants must have unrestricted access to work in the UK.

Strictly no agencies.

To express interest in this role, please apply through the LinkedIn advert https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4240107923

West Yorkshire-based Amity Brew Co is expanding into the UK trade and overseas markets with investment from Finance Yorkshire.

The company – founded in 2020 during the Covid lockdown – is opening a new production facility in Bradford to increase the supply of beers to its existing taproom in Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley.

The £150,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire’s loan fund will support Amity Brew’s fit out of the new brewing operation at Albion Mills in Greengates.

The increase in brewing capacity will also enable the company to increase its sales elsewhere, including the supply of new markets in Europe, Asia and Scandinavia.

Amity Brew was founded by experienced beer experts Rich Degnan and Russell Clarke.

Rich said: “We are ambitious to expand our offer to customers across West Yorkshire as well as further afield. With the support of Finance Yorkshire, our new brewery operation will enable us to stay true to our vision of community, friendship and good beer while extending our reach to a much wider customer base.”

Finance Yorkshire’s investment has also enabled Amity Brew Co to strengthen its team with the appointment of Josh Waldock as sales and events manager. A well-known figure in the craft beer industry, Josh brings over a decade of experience and a passion for connecting people and building relationships.

“My journey started behind the bar where I developed a deep appreciation for the art of brewing and the stories that come with every pint,” said Josh. “Whether it’s collaborating with like-minded breweries, organising unforgettable events or exploring new ways to grow, I’m all about making meaningful connections that drive results. I’m excited to be part of Amity as we build something special in Bradford and beyond.”

Alex McWhirter, CEO of Finance Yorkshire, said: “In a short space of time, the Amity Brew team have established a solid and exciting brand which is ready to broaden its appeal to a larger home and a new and developing overseas market.

“Finance Yorkshire is looking forward to supporting Amity with investment for its new brewery and equipment which will help fulfil the team’s enthusiastic growth ambitions – particularly as a community-orientated business.”

Evolution AM Holdings, the parent company of Evo 3D and Rapid Fusion, has secured a £400,000 growth loan from British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group. 

Supporting the commercialisation of Evolution AM’s latest innovation, Medusa, the funding will drive research and development, marketing efforts, and job creation to enhance product rollout and client service, positioning the business at the forefront of the rapidly expanding 3D printing market. 

Evo 3D, which distributes and sells large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) 3D printers, alongside Rapid Fusion, an original equipment manufacturer, are strategically poised to capitalise on the growing demand for 3D printing technologies. The market, valued at approximately $20 billion in 2023, is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2032, with industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy driving growth. 

Jake Hand, Group Managing Director at Evolution AM which is based at Skypark on the edge of Exeter, said: "This South West Investment Fund loan is helping us bring Medusa to market, a product we believe will redefine standards in the 3D printing sector. Our experienced team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology, ensuring that we can be leaders in this vibrant industry and we’re delighted to work with the team at FSE as we scale for further growth." 

Rob Ward, FSE Investment Manager for the deal, commented: "We are thrilled to fund this young and dynamic business as it continues to leverage its strengths, which include a strong track-record of sales, a robust R&D pipeline, and fully owned intellectual property. The commitment to innovation and strategic approach to growth makes Evolution AM an ideal portfolio addition and we look forward to seeing their continued success in the 3D printing space." 

Since their inception in 2021 and 2023, Evo 3D and Rapid Fusion have both experienced significant growth in a competitive landscape. The parent company forecasts an impressive increase to approximately £6 million turnover in the next three years. 

The secured loan will facilitate the creation of skilled jobs within the local area, contributing positively to the economy. Evolution AM says it is committed to building sought-after solutions across a range of sectors and applications, aspiring to become the market leader in innovation and technology within the 3D printing industry. 

Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: 
"The South West Investment Fund is here to unlock the potential of ambitious businesses across the region, and Evolution AM is a great example of that. Their innovation in 3D printing, especially with the launch of Medusa, demonstrates the kind of cutting-edge technology being developed right here in the South West. We’re proud to support their journey as they scale, create skilled jobs, and push the boundaries of what's possible in additive manufacturing." 

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million. 

The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Relationship Manager from a Business or Commercial Banking or SME lending background to join a team for a debt fund dedicated to the Yorkshire & Humber Region.

You will be responsible for origination, appraisal, and execution of loans to growing and innovative SME’s, from £25k to £250k. The debt fund was established to provide funding to scale up businesses which struggle to secure debt finance particularly new fast-growing companies which are too young to have a credit history.

Whilst the fund covers the whole of Yorkshire and Humber region, we require the successful applicant to be based in West Yorkshire. They should have an existing network of introducer  contacts in this area, and there is a requirement to be in the stakeholders Barnsley office one day a week.

You will be expected to:

• build a pipeline of suitable lending opportunities, grow your existing network of introducers, and marketing the product to appropriate audiences
• carry out evaluation and due diligence on suitable proposals in line with the Fund’s Lending Policy and Operational Guidelines.
• present proposals to the independent credit committee
• manage completion matters post approval including completion of facility documentation.
• work alongside company solicitors to ensure all security requirements are met
• pro-actively manage client portfolio, monitoring performance and identifying early potential default situations.
• contribute to periodic stakeholder fund reporting.

Skills & Experience

You should demonstrate:

• significant prior experience in lending to SMEs where primary repayment source is future cashflow generation based on planned expansion
• strong ability to assess and structure loan propositions based on future business plans
• an established network of professional introduces in the West Yorkshire area
• ability to multi-task and prioritise deadlines to meet customer expectations.
• good presentation skills & ability to communicate and interact at all levels of management.

• a high level of IT proficiency, particularly on Microsoft Office 365
• a diligent working style and experience using CRM systems to manage & track proposal activities.

What we offer:

• A competitive base salary commensurate with your experience
• 25 days annual leave plus usual Bank holidays in England & Wales. You also get your birthday off and one day for a volunteering purpose.
• 8% contribution to employer pension scheme,
• Private medical scheme (50% employer contribution to premium)
• Death in Service benefit equivalent to 4x salary.
• Health Cash plan scheme
• Income protection – covers up to 50% of salary for 2 years in event of long term illness/inability to work

About The FSE Group:

Our primary goal is to provide tailored funding solutions and support for ambitious and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them achieve their maximum potential. With over £325m of debt and equity funds under management, the Group is continuing to grow and prides itself on taking a holistic approach to the funding needs of our clients. For more information see www.thefsegroup.com

Job Type: This is a fixed term contract for 18 months to tie in with the end of deployment period of the fund. There is a possibility that the deployment period will be extended.

Full-time, but open to requests for part time of 4 days per week minimum on a pro rata basis.  

Strictly no agencies.

You must have unrestricted access to work in the UK

Please apply through the Linkedin advert here.