social impact report & annual statement
BEF can connect your clients with up to £250k for a wide range of business purposes

Become a BEF broker today

Who are BEF?

We are the lender you can turn to when your clients need access to flexible finance.

As a non-profit Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) we support SMEs with the finance they need when they need it the most. In doing so, we help them overcome the barriers to accessing finance - geographical limitations, industry biases, and systemic inequalities.

As a NACFB patron have a understand how to work with you and your client in order to deliver a quality service and good outcomes for all.

Over the last 11 years, we have helped:

  • SME businesses access £108m
  • Create or safeguard over 13,140 jobs
  • Launch over 2,170 new UK businesses (Start Up Loans)
  • Add over £392m to the region's economy

For more information, download our Social Impact Report.

Connect your clients with up to £250k

We have available capital to support the different business needs and stages of your clients:

So, no matter the size or sector or age of your clients business, we have a loan that can be tailored to fit their needs.

BEF is accredited by the government-owned British Business Bank to provide business loans of £25,001 to £250,000 under the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS).

What can a BEF business loan be used for?

Your clients can use a BEF business loan for a wide range of purposes:

  • Working capital
  • Buy new equipment or stock
  • Asset purchase
  • Refurbish premises
  • Hire extra staff
  • Business growth

Why should I work with BEF?

We work with a growing number of commercial finance brokers across the UK to provide flexible finance solutions to SMEs. We believe our personal service, competitive rates, and willingness to lend separate us from traditional and fintech lenders.

  • We provide personal service: As a BEF broker, you and your clients will be supported by a dedicated Investment Manager.
  • We Understand your needs: As a proud NACFB patron, we empathise with the challenges you encounter. Our commitment to personalised service extends to you and your clients, ensuring ongoing support beyond a single transaction.
  • We Champion SMEs: As a non-profit dedicated to SMEs, we offer adaptable financing solutions to nurture their growth journey—from inception to expansion. We grasp the essence of SMEs and tailor our support accordingly.
  • We take a different view: Recognising the uniqueness of every person and business, we prioritise personalised approaches over generic solutions. Our focus is on understanding and meeting the distinct needs of each client.
  • Competitive interest rates: Our interest rates remain competitive, aligning with those offered by alternative finance providers, including fintech lenders.
  • Non algorithm decision making: At our core, humans—not algorithms—drive our lending decisions. This commitment ensures fairness and empathy in every interaction.
  • Investing for impact: Beyond financial transactions, we aim to foster positive societal change. By empowering businesses to create and preserve jobs, we strive to make a meaningful economic impact on communities.

FAQs

Of course, you might have some questions. Here are some of the most common ones asked by commercial finance brokers. If you have more questions, feel free to get in touch with us.

Do you pay commissions for referrals from Commercial Finance Brokers?

Yes, we do. Contact us today to discuss commissions and working arrangements.

Do you only support businesses in the North?

No, we can also support businesses based in England and Wales.

How long does it take for a loan to drawdown?

Typically, 2 - 3 weeks subject to the complexity of the case.

Do you provide Start Up Loans?

We provide Start Up Loans to businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North East.

A Start Up Loan is an unsecured personal loan that business owners can use for business purposes. They are ideally suited to businesses that have traded for less than 36 months. Up to four founders or directors can each borrow up to £25,000 at 6% fixed and repay over 1 to 5 years. What's more, your client will not incur any arrangement or early repayment fees.

For more information, contact our dedicated Start Up Loans team today.

Do BEF offer RLS loans?

We are accredited to provide loans that are backed by the current Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS). Where appropriate, we will offer your client a loan backed by the RLS guarantee.