Published: July 3rd, 2026
There’s no doubt that accessing the right finance at the right time remains a key issue for businesses across the Marches.
Whether you need finance to start up, consolidate, fund new equipment or grow, understanding the full range of options available to you can often seem close to impossible.
That’s where the British Business Bank plays a crucial role.
The bank is a government‑owned economic development bank with a mission to make finance markets work better for smaller businesses.
Importantly, it does not lend money directly itself. Instead it works through a network of delivery partners which includes high‑street banks, specialist lenders, equity funds and regional investment vehicles.
And it has a track record of success. It helped £6.8billion reach smaller UK businesses in 2024/25, at the same time supporting 24,000 businesses, 267,000 existing jobs and helping deliver an estimated 38,000 additional posts.
The bank works with over 200 delivery partners to increase both the supply and range of finance available to smaller businesses – from start-up loans to both debt and equity finance, regional programmes such as the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and the Government’s Growth Guarantee Scheme.
It also offer an extensive range of resources and toolkits to help businesses better understand their finance options and make well-informed decisions.
Across the Marches, the Marches Growth Hub and its three teams in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, work closely with the bank to ensure local businesses can navigate these opportunities with confidence.
Our advisers can talk you through the available schemes, help you prepare for conversations with lenders and signpost you to the most suitable funding routes.
For SMEs ready to grow, diversify or invest, the British Business Bank is a powerful partner. Now is an ideal time to explore how its programmes could support your next step.
To get started, visit British Business Bank – Making business finance work for you guide – Marches Growth Hub
