A Bristol manufacturing business with nearly 50 years of history has been given a new lease of life after a local entrepreneur acquired the firm – backed by funding from Allica Bank. Hocklynn Limited, a sheet metal fabricator founded in 1975, had been facing an uncertain future as its long-standing owner prepared to retire. The […]
A new independent business inspired by a love of plants and community is set to open its doors in Stonehaven this month thanks to expert guidance from Business Gateway. Bract Botanical Living, founded by Gunnar Ovstebo and Bruce Harper-Ovstebo, began life in the couple’s garden shed, where they sold houseplants and pots to friends and […]
A market-leading aircraft trading and refurbishment specialist has secured multimillion-pound investment to meet growing international demand with support from UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the UK’s export credit agency. Based in Leatherhead, 3TOP Aviation acquires mid-to-end-life aircraft and engines for onward trading, leasing and refurbishment. As part of their operations, they also dismantle aircraft and […]
Metro Bank has agreed a £15m invoice finance facility with Liquid Friday, a workforce solutions company that provides umbrella and outsourced payroll services. The dedicated invoice finance team at Metro Bank worked closely with Liquid Friday to understand their business and how they can continue to grow. The facility will be used to support Liquid […]
Today, Start Up Loans announces that it has delivered over £10m in funding to small businesses in Suffolk, marking a significant local milestone in its mission to make finance for entrepreneurship more accessible. The average loan value in the county was £10,009. Of the loans issued, 42% went to female founders, totalling over £4.2m and […]
Craft + Common, a unique all-in-one craft studio and bar, has opened its third studio in Lancaster, following the continued success of its Lytham St Annes and Lymm sites. Long-time friends Lauren Rowland and Hannah Muir set up Craft + Common in 2023 in Lytham St Annes, with a mission to create a vibrant community […]
An Essex pharmacy has agreed a £900,000 deal with Metro Bank to support its growth. The deal will allow Maylands Pharmacy in Hornchurch to grow and secure a second outlet in the area. Metro Bank’s support will ensure it continues to provide essential community and NHS services such as prescription services, blood pressure monitoring and […]
BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor, has made a multi-million-pound investment in CWC Group, a family-owned specialist care provider based in Co Down. The investment is the first BGF has made into a female-powered business since it committed at least £300 million to the Invest in Women Taskforce’s funding pot to support […]
An Edinburgh mum has launched a children’s clothing brand designed specifically for children with disabilities after receiving specialised start-up support from Business Gateway. Blue Bee Mike, founded by Kasia McGavigan, offers sensory-considerate clothing that supports the needs of children with additional support requirements. It is the only Scottish brand that creates this type of clothing. […]
Metro Bank has supported Darwin Leisure Development Fund (DLDF), which owns some of the UK’s leading holiday parks with £50mn in refinancing. The £50mn deal, comprising a £10mn revolving credit facility and a £40mn term loan, will provide DLDF with flexible growth financing as it continues to develop and expand its portfolio of high-quality luxury […]
