BEF launches in Manchester with two new staff and first client

Investment managers Steph Cooper and Tim Burt to head up BEF's first Northwest office.

BEF has opened an office in Manchester, following 15 years’ operating throughout the North - and has appointed investment managers Steph Cooper and Tim Burt to head up its first Northwest office.

With a track record of supporting early stage and start up tech businesses, BEF has supported a diverse range of businesses from sustainable clothing, to seaweed farms, to fintech start-ups. Last year alone, the company funded 175 brand new businesses, investing over £7m of client funds, creating or safeguarding 820 jobs and adding £31m to the economy in the North.

"We’re delighted to be moving to Manchester, there is so much exciting business growth here," says Steph, who BEF recruited earlier this year to research and launch the Manchester office.  Steph joined BEF following almost a decade at Barclays. "I’m really looking forward to meeting a diverse range of businesses here in Manchester - this city is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and that is exactly what we support."

"We offer flexibility and support with every investment we make," says Stephen Waud, CEO of BEF. "This is key to our success; bending and moving with the cycle of the businesses we work with. We’re proud to be part of the effort to support and grow the regional economies that make up the North of England and have developed a unique lending proposition for this to continue. Steph and Tim joining and working on the ground in Manchester means we can deliver the personal and bespoke service that has helped thousands of businesses launch and grow over the last 15 years."

BEF has already started support with its first Manchester client, CB Partnership, an accountancy practice based in Whitefield. BEF has raised funds to extend their payroll services, allowing them to employ two new people, update their software and strategically market the business and its new business service package.

Looking for flexible business finance? We provide finance to help your business start or grow.