26th February 2021
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Businesses across Greater Manchester have sought more funding than ever in the past 12 months, as the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund announces a record £15m invested in organisations in the region between April 2020 and January 2021.
In total, NPIF has now invested over £60m into 175 Greater Manchester-based businesses, this includes £31m of equity finance, and £30m of Microfinance and Debt finance. These investments have attracted an additional £67m from the private sector.
Investment has been used by businesses in the region to expand and increase staff numbers. One example is Oldham-based Linco Automotive Limited, which received a £100,000 loan through NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance to recruit staff, secure premises and for growth capital.
Over the last year, NPIF has also been able to play a key role in providing loans backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to businesses impacted by the Pandemic. This includes Rockstar Spirits, a Worsley-based premium rum brand, received an NPIF loan backed by CBILS following the enforced closure of bars and pubs during lockdown as it shifted to a consumer-focused retail strategy. Following a five-figure investment from NPIF – BFS & MSIF Microfinance, managed by GC Business Finance & MSIF, the business strengthened its digital marketing presence and secured a new contract to list its range of products with Morrisons.
Lou Cordwell, Chair of Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (GM LEP), said: “Greater Manchester’s SMEs have shown remarkable strength and adaptability throughout the pandemic. Businesses have had to access funding for a variety of reasons, and the support of a responsive, local partner has been crucial.
“NPIF’s continued investment underlines the strength of Greater Manchester’s long-term economic prospects. We will look to SMEs to play a vital role in our city-region’s economic recovery, and so any business in need of support should contact the NPIF or the Business Growth Hub to explore its options.”
Sean Hutchinson at British Business Bank said: “Over the last year, we’ve been inspired by the innovation, resilience and creativity shown by SMEs across the North. In Greater Manchester alone, we’ve seen many examples of businesses that have responded flexibly to the national lockdown and challenges arising from the pandemic.
“NPIF remains open for business in 2021 and beyond, and we encourage any business thinking of applying for funding to get in touch with our team.”
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.
If you would like to meet with one of our appointed Fund Managers to talk in more detail please go to 'Funds Available' to find the Fund Managers operating in your area
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