social impact report & annual statement

As a social enterprise, our profits are re-invested in the company to further our social aims.

Founded in Bradford, BEF began lending to small businesses in the local area with an initiative to encourage growth in the economy and provide a positive impact on job creation and communities.

Over the last 15 years, we have lent to a wide range of businesses, from sole traders and start-ups, through to established multi-site companies.

BEF have a growing presence and has spread across the North East and North West of England, as well as North and West Yorkshire, Humberside and North Lincolnshire. We also have Grade A office space, City Hub, in the heart of Bradford for local SME businesses.

North of England Map

The Team

Human expertise is key to our service - meet our team.

The Board

Stephen Waud

Chief Executive

Simon Jackson

Director of Investments

Alex Beardsley

Director

James Mason

Director

Katie Hurrell

Director

Laurence Beardmore

Director

Penny Hembrow

Director

Tim Hamilton

Director

Investment Managers (BEF Loans)

Doug Heseltine

Senior Investment Manager

Mark Iley

Senior Investment Manager

Lee Vickers

Senior Investment Manager - North East

Antony Nicholson

Investment Manager - North East

Chris Conroy

Investment Manager

Duane Walker

Investment Manager

Hilary Watson

Investment Manager

Investment Managers (Start Up Loans)

Tim Burt

Senior Investment Manager - Start Up Loans

Gillian Pickard

Investment Manager

Jane Cusse

Investment Manager

Julie Micklethwaite

Start Up Loans Manager

Amber Kershaw

Associate Investment Manager

Grant Williamson

Associate Investment Manager - North East

Habib Karimi

Associate Investment Manager

Abigail Bickerdyke

Start Up Loan Administrator

Marketing

Shaun Connell

Marketing Coordinator

Administration Team

Tiffany Kilpin

Contracts Manager

Saharesh Naz

Fund Administrator

Our Partners

Collaboration is key. These are the people we work with to make what we do possible.

BEF partner European Microfinance Network logo
British Chamber of Commerce Logo
AD:Venture Business Support Programme partner logo