BCRS Business Loans fuels regional growth with £53m economic impact

Community lender BCRS Business Loans has reported a strong year of lending, generating more than £53 million in economic impact across the West Midlands, surrounding regions and Wales, according to its latest annual results.

The Wolverhampton-based not-for-profit organisation, which specialises in supporting underserved small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), provided £10.2 million in funding to 112 businesses during the 2025–26 financial year. The figure marks an increase on the £9.9 million delivered the previous year, highlighting continued growth in demand for alternative finance.

Its overall economic contribution rose to £53.2 million, up from £51.2 million the year before, underlining the organisation’s expanding reach and effectiveness.

The lender continues to prioritise inclusive growth, with 25 per cent of supported businesses being female-led, 21 per cent led by entrepreneurs from ethnic minority backgrounds, and 40 per cent operating in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

Among the businesses to benefit is Drive Ahead Bookkeeping, based in Stoke-on-Trent, which secured funding to support its next phase of growth. The firm used the investment to recruit a senior accounts manager and upgrade office facilities as part of a wider strategy to boost turnover and profitability.

Founded in 2020 by director Dave Shannon following a 17-year career as a driving instructor, the company has expanded rapidly and now employs seven staff, including an apprentice. It provides services ranging from VAT returns and payroll to credit control and profit management for sole traders and small businesses across Cheshire and Staffordshire.

Shannon praised the lender’s approach, noting that BCRS assessed the business on its merits rather than relying solely on automated processes.

“We have been on a massive growth journey having started out as a sole trader to now employing seven staff, so we were looking to consolidate on previous borrowing to recruit a senior accounts manager and invest in the office.

“BCRS Business Loans were very professional, treating us as a business on merit rather than employing an algorithm to make their decision. We were directed to speak with them through a commercial finance broker and were impressed that they took the time to visit us, which added a human element to a straightforward process.”

“We are delighted with this year’s performance, which reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting businesses when they need it most. Over the past financial year, we have continued to strengthen our impact, safeguarding more jobs, delivering significant economic growth, and contributing more than £53 million to the wider regional economy, demonstrating the vital role we play in helping small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive.”

BCRS Business Loans is a member of Responsible Finance, the UK trade body for responsible lenders, and continues to expand its reach through partnerships with major funding initiatives. As a delivery partner for the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II), operated by the British Business Bank, the organisation provides loans of £25,000 to £100,000 to businesses across the West Midlands.

In Wales, BCRS has extended its operations through the Investment Fund for Wales (IFW), also managed by the British Business Bank. The fund offers a range of financial products, including smaller loans, larger debt finance and equity investment, marking BCRS’s first expansion into the region.

The lender is also accredited under the British Business Bank’s Community ENABLE Funding (CEF) Programme, with £20 million allocated to increase access to finance for SMEs, particularly those in underserved communities.