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Inclusive lender
with a rich heritage

We are a not-for-profit, FCA-accredited finance provider offering loans to both start-ups and established businesses across the UK, with a strong focus on the Midlands region.

 

Over the last 36 years, as a multi-award-winning organisation, we have a proven track record of helping businesses that struggle to secure funding from high street lenders, particularly those in underserved and underrepresented communities, including women-led businesses, ethnic minority-owned businesses, and those facing social or economic challenges. 

£77 million +

invested in small businesses

7305

small businesses supported

7634

jobs created or safeguarded

Since 1989, I’ve seen how inclusive finance can change lives, especially for those overlooked by traditional lenders. Supporting ethnic minority entrepreneurs, women-led businesses, and underserved communities has been our mission from the start, and remains just as vital today.

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Empowering businesses since 1989

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We were established as First Enterprise Business Agency in 1989 in partnership with Nottingham City Council to encourage and support the local ethnic minority community into economic activity after the riots of the 80s.

By 1993, we broadened our support to the whole business community and became independent of the council. Since then, we’ve grown considerably and now work with a range of partners to support businesses across the East Midlands, South East Midlands and West Midlands.

Today, we promote inclusive business and work with our funding partners to ensure everyone can access the business advice and finance they need for their business to succeed.

Message from our Chairman

More than a lender,
we are your partner in growth!  

Tailored financial
solutions

Our loan solutions are crafted to match the unique needs of each business, ensuring access to the right support at the right time. 

Personalised support
at every step 

You'll be assigned a dedicated advisor who provides one-on-one guidance, ensuring you have expert support whenever you need it. 

Decisions made by people, not algorithms 

We take a human approach - real people review each application, looking beyond numbers to see your business's true potential. 

A relationship built
on trust 

We do more than provide funding - we build lasting relationships. We believe in the people behind the business and stand by them as they grow. 

Our impact over the last financial year 2024/25 

£13m

invested in small businesses 

712

small businesses funded

36%

lent to female-led businesses

29%

lent to businesses of ethnic minority 

Get to know us

Our Leaders

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Michael Fletcher

Head of Credit

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Caroline Everett

Finance Manager

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Vimple Bhundia

Senior Credit Controller

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Nabeel Akhter

Senior Investment Manager

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Hassan Ahmed

Executive Chairman

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Daniel Carrico

Executive Director

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Danielle Davis

Deputy Director

Investment Managers - Business Loan Team

Business Advisors - Start Up Loan Team

Operations Team

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Jess Payne

Business Development Manager

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​Marta Macialek

Marketing Assistant

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Victoria Dixon

Information Officer

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Kimberley Stanley

Customer Support Officer

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Darshak Dharod

Loan Underwriter

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Forbes Lucas

Loan Underwriter

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Dolah Taylor

Credit Control Admin

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Our Network of Partners

We work with trusted partners to help small businesses secure the financing they need to grow and succeed.

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Trusted - Certified - Awarded

We are proud to earn industry recognitions and join leading programmes, so we can keep delivering the best support and funding to our clients.

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