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Small Business Loans North West England

Flexible finance for businesses in Manchester, Liverpool and the North West

The North West of England, historically rooted in traditional industries like textiles and manufacturing, is currently experiencing a vibrant shift. The region's cities and towns such as Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, and Bolton, are transforming into thriving centres of innovation and entrepreneurial activity. This transformation is breathing new life into the local economy, paving the way for a diverse range of business opportunities and fostering a fertile ground for start-ups and SMEs to flourish.

It's no secret that small businesses and start-ups across the North West find it difficult to access the funding they need to start or grow. Many are unable to meet the strict borrowing requirements of traditional lenders or overcome regional disparities, sector bias, systemic inequalities. At BEF, we see your business differently.

That's where BEF comes in. We help the region's business begin, expand, and flourish with flexible finance. Whatever your needs, we can provide personalised financial solutions up to £250,000 that meet your specific business needs.

What business loans are available?

We provide flexible finance to support different business needs and stages:

So, no matter your sector, the size of your business or how long you’ve been trading, we have a loan that can be tailored to fit your needs.

What can I use a business loan for?

You can use our business loans to support a wide range of business activities::

  • Start-up costs: Got a new business idea? Use the loan for starting out costs like getting licenses, permits, and buying your initial gear.
  • Property stuff: Whether you’re buying a new place for your business, fixing up your current one, or giving it a makeover, there’s cash for that.
  • Inventory: Need stuff to sell or materials to make your products? The loan can help buy all that.
  • Working capital: This is for the everyday money needs like paying your team, covering bills, and other regular costs.
  • Equipment and technology: If you need new machines, tools, or the latest tech to help your business grow, you can use the loan for that.
  • Marketing and advertising: Get the word out about your business and attract more customers with some marketing and ads.
  • Scaling up: Ready to make your business bigger or go into new areas? There’s money to support that move.
Our Investment Team is here to help.

Why choose BEF?

We have built our loans to fit your business needs, and to tackle the unique problems you might face in the area. See how our different approach can your business take off:

  • Fair rates for the North West: Our interest rates are set to match what's going on in the North West, making it easier for businesses to grow without getting weighed down by costs.
  • Local help from local experts: We have people from the area who know all about the local business environment. They tailor our services to give you spot-on advice and solutions.
  • Fast loan approval: We get your loan sorted quickly so you can jump on opportunities or sort out problems without delay.
  • We understand the North West: Our loans are built to tackle the challenges businesses face right here, offering real help that makes a difference to local businesses and communities.

How do I get started?

  1. Complete our online enquiry form. It takes a minute to complete.
  2. A member of our Investment Team will get back to you within two working days. They'll guide you on your next steps, including how to complete a full application.

FAQs

Of course, you might have some questions. Here are some of the most common ones we get about our loans for the North West. If you have more questions, feel free to get in touch with us.

How can I use a BEF business loan?

You can use our business loans to support a wide range of business activities:

  • Start-up costs: Got a new business idea? Use the loan for starting out costs like getting licenses, permits, and buying your initial gear.
  • Property stuff: Whether you’re buying a new place for your business, fixing up your current one, or giving it a makeover, there’s cash for that.
  • Inventory: Need stuff to sell or materials to make your products? The loan can help buy all that.
  • Working capital: This is for the everyday money needs like paying your team, covering bills, and other regular costs.
  • Equipment and technology: If you need new machines, tools, or the latest tech to help your business grow, you can use the loan for that.
  • Marketing and advertising: Get the word out about your business and attract more customers with some marketing and ads.
  • Scaling up: Ready to make your business bigger or go into new areas? There’s money to support that move.
Is my business eligible for a loan?

To be eligible for a loan from us, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Want to borrow at least £500
  • Need the money for business, not personal reasons
  • Be a sole trader, partner or director and authorised to borrow on behalf of your business.
What financial support is available for start-ups in the North West?

We provide Start Up Loans for businesses located in the North West. These loans, supported by the government, offer the chance to borrow up to £25,000 at a reduced interest rate. Additionally, they include several other advantages designed specifically for your needs. Find out more >

How long does it take for a loan to be delivered?

Usually, our team of Investment Managers will help you finish everything up within three weeks after you apply.

Do you use Open Banking?

We use Open Banking to help us make a decision to lend. To fast track a decision, you must grant access to your financial data using our Open Banking portal: https://connect.consents.online/BEFcommercial.