BEF backs Investing in Women Code

Responsible Finance Provider adds its support to new HM Treasury initiative

BEF are pleased to announce that it is now a signatory to the Investing in Women Code launched by HM Treasury in July 2019.

The government-backed code supports the advancement of female entrepreneurship in the UK by improving female entrepreneurs’ access to finance, resources and tools from the financial services sector.

BEF’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and signature on the Investing in Women Code demonstrates an ongoing commitment to bridging the existing funding gap faced by female-led micro businesses, SMEs and social enterprises.

In the last 12 months, 36% of BEF’s loans supported female-led businesses across Yorkshire and the North East.

“As a responsible finance lender with a strong social purpose, BEF strives to deliver much-needed flexible finance to female entrepreneurs in the North,” said Steve Waud, Chief Executive at BEF. “We are committed to bridging the existing funding gap that was highlighted in the Alison Rose Review[1]. We look forward to supporting more female-led businesses with the creative finance and tailored support they need to grow, start and flourish.”

BEF joins other signatories that include Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, Santander, TSB, Metro Bank, UKBAA, and the British Business Bank.

For full details on the Investing in Women Code, visit the gov.uk website.

[1] The Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship