Backing North East businesses

We’re here to help business owners across the North East access flexible funding with local expertise and one-to-one support from our team. Borrow up to £250k to move your business forward.

Talk to us about funding your next step.

Funding that works for your business

Getting finance shouldn’t hold your business back.

Traditional lenders don’t always see the full picture, but we do. Our North East team takes the time to understand your goals, your challenges and what you need to move forward.

We don’t just lend money. We work with you to find the right funding at the right time, with personal support from people who know your region and your industry.

Talk to us about funding your next step.

Meet your North East team

Our team knows the North East. We understand the challenges local businesses face and we’re ready to work with you to help your business grow.

Lee Vickers Business Loans

Linkedin 07807 592948

Antony Nicholson Business Loans

Linkedin 07512 333005

Chris McGill Business Loans

Linkedin 07921-407465

Claire Constable Start Up Loans

Linkedin 07512 333002

Shannon Donaghy Start Up Loans

Linkedin 07484 482675

Our directors share a commitment to backing local businesses and strengthening communities across the North East.

Stephen Waud CEO

Simon Jackson Director of Investments

What business loans are available in the North East?

Funding to help your business start, grow and thrive.

Flexible funding to start, grow, and thrive. Whether launching or expanding, we offer tailored loans to help your business move forward.

Looking for guidance? Get in touch

Start Up Loan £500 to £25k

Start or grow your business

Average loan is £11,500
Repay over 1-5 years
A 6% fixed interest rate
No arrangement fee
No early repayment fee
12 months free mentoring
Get funds in 3-8 weeks

Learn more

Small Business Loan Up to £250k

Grow your business

Average loan size is £75k
Repay over 1 – 5 years
13% + base interest rate
4% setup fee
Low early repayment fee
Support that stays with you
Get funds in 2 weeks or less

Learn more

Which loan is right for you?

Not sure which loan fits your needs? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right funding.

Start Up Loan

Small Business Loan

What can I use a loan for?

Why choose BEF?

Fair rates that work for you

Competitive interest rates tailored to local businesses.

Local expertise

A team based in the North East who knows your market and your challenges.

Fast decisions when you need them

Straightforward applications and quick funding decisions.

We reinvest in your success

As a not-for-profit lender, every pound we lend helps businesses grow, not shareholders.

No two businesses are the same. That's why our loans are flexible, tailored, and built around your goals. Whatever your next step, we're here to help you take it.

Make an enquiry

Client testimonials

We’ve helped thousands of businesses. Here’s what they have to say about our support.

“This investment from BEF is a game changer for us. It will allow us to reach even more mums across the UK, expand our team, and enhance the support we offer. We’re incredibly excited about the future and grateful for the opportunity to make an even bigger impact in the lives of mothers.”

Kayleigh Laverick

Mamma Social

“The Start Up Loan from BEF was a game-changer for me, allowing me to transform my vision of owning my own salon into reality and create a space that not only stands out aesthetically, but also embodies the values of community and inclusivity.”

Sara Razzaq

Nova Salon

"The £70k loan from BEF and Ceniarth has allowed for product manufacturing and marketing activities; without this money and the support from my investment manager Antony, this wasn’t going to be possible."