Business finance for good

SMEs and social enterprises come to Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) for funding to start, grow, and protect jobs.

Befund
Befund

Backing ambition that drives change

Traditional lenders often say no to businesses without long trading histories, assets, or the 'right' postcode.

We're here to change that. We say yes.

For over 20 years, we've helped businesses across the North of England thrive by accessing finance they couldn't find elsewhere.

Befund

Finance should open doors, not close them

Talent and ambition exist everywhere. But opportunity doesn't.

That's why financial inclusion sits at the heart of what we do. We provide fair, accessible finance to people who often go overlooked by mainstream lenders.

Because when small businesses grow, they create jobs, support local supply chains, and help communities thrive.

That benefits everyone.

Proudly backing Northern business

£ 129.5m

Invested directly into small businesses

£ 518m

Generated for the region’s economy

17,610

Jobs created or safeguarded.

5,809

Clients supported and funded

Meet the people behind the mission

Board of Directors
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Stephen Waud Chief executive
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Simon Jackson Director of investments
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Alex Beardsley Director
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James Mason Director
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Katie Hurrell Director
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Laurence Beardmore Director
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Penny Hembrow Director
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Tim Hamilton Chair
Yorkshire & The Humber team
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Doug Heseltine Senior Investment Manager
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Mark Iley Senior Investment Manager
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Chris Conroy Investment Manager
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Duane Walker Investment Manager
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Emma Bashforth Investment Manager
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Hilary Watson Investment Manager
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Amelia Balmi Associate Investment Manager
North East team
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Lee Vickers Senior Investment Manager
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Anthony Nicholson Investment Manager
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Chris McGill Associate Investment Manager
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Rowan Green Associate Investment Manager
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Shannon Donaghy Associate Investment Manager
North West team
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Simon Truby Senior Investment Manager
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Ronnie Harris Investment Manager
Start Up Loans team
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Tim Burt Senior Investment Manager
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Habib Karimi Investment Manager
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Jane Cusse Investment Manager
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Julie Micklethwaite Investment Manager
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Amber Kershaw Associate Investment Manager
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Christian Elvidge Associate Investment Manager
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Marcel Chipamaunga Associate Investment Manager
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Abigail Bickerdyke Administrator
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Sanni Tait Adminstrator

Real Northern success stories

See how we’re helping create jobs, fuel growth, and strengthen communities across the region.

Get your free Impact Report

Collaborating for greater impact

Collaboration is key. Our valued partnerships make what we do possible.

Get in touch