Liverpool City Region Finance Hub reports ‘unprecedented growth’ as it supports 33 business deals to the tune of £4.77m in the space of 12 months. Tony McDonough reports

A funding support hub for small businesses in Liverpool city region is reporting “unprecedented growth” after handling 626 business enquiries in 12 months.

Originally founded by Liverpool business loan and equity provider MSIF in 2017, the LCR Finance Hub (previously known as the MSIF Finance Hub) is funded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, MSIF and Growth Platform.

During the most recent financial year the hub has facilitated 33 funding deals worth a combined £4.77m. This takes the total number of deals supported since 2017 to 315 with a total value of £26.5m. In that time it has handled more than 4,500 business enquiries.

“These figures represent real businesses across Liverpool city region that have been able to start, grow, and thrive thanks to securing the right financial support,” said George Wright LCR Finance Hub manager lead.

“Each enquiry represents a business with ambition, and we’re proud to have helped connect so many of them with appropriate funding solutions.”

LCR Finance Hub specialises in assisting businesses to become investment ready and matching them with suitable funding options. It has seen consistent year-on-year growth in both enquiries and successful funding facilitation.

It works with businesses at all stages, from startups seeking early stage funding to established companies looking for growth capital or specialised financing and its expertise spans grant funding, debt finance, equity investment, and alternative funding.

Lynsey Barnes, LCR Finance Hub investment manager, added: “As our economic landscape evolves, accessing the right financial support continues to be a key focus for ambitious businesses ready to grow.

“Our commitment to simplifying the funding ecosystem and preparing businesses to effectively engage with investors has created more opportunities than ever for sustainable growth and success.”

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MSIF chair Neil Ashbridge also said: “MSIF continues to regard the LCR Finance Hub as a crucial part of the region’s financial ecosystem. 

“Given another successful year assisting businesses in the region secure the right financial assistance, MSIF remain committed to supporting the Hub and plans to increase its investment in the next 12 months.”