News

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced business lending manager (from a Business or Commercial Banking or SME lending background) to join a successful team currently delivering a  large debt element of The Investment Fund for Scotland  dedicated to the Scotland & Islands Region.

You will be responsible for origination, appraisal, and execution of loans to growing and innovative SME’s, from £100k to £2m. The debt fund was launched in October 2023 to provide funding to scale up and growing businesses which struggle to secure projection led growth debt finance.

The fund covers the whole of Scotland and the islands region. We require the successful applicant to be based in Scotland with an existing strong network of professional introducers. The position is home based with flexibility of location across Scotland.

You will be expected to:

• Originate a consistent pipeline of suitable lending opportunities, developing relationships with introducers, and marketing the product (business loans from £100k - £2million) to appropriate audiences
• Carry out evaluation and due diligence on suitable proposals in line with the Fund’s Lending Policy and Operational Guidelines.
• Create and present a credit proposal report to an independent credit committee for approval.
• Manage completion matters post approval including completion of facility documentation and instructing security.
• Pro-actively manage client portfolio, monitoring performance and identifying early potential default situations.
• Contribute to periodic fund reporting requirements.

Skills & Experience:

You should be able to clearly demonstrate

• significant prior experience in lending to SMEs where the primary repayment source is future cash flow based on planned expansion.
• A strong ability to assess and structure loan propositions based on future business plans and financial forecasts
• A collaborative approach working with a remote team
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise deadlines to meet customer expectations.
• An established network of professional introducers in Scotland
• Good presentation skills & ability to communicate and interact at all levels of management.
• A high level of IT proficiency, particularly on Microsoft Office 365 products
• A diligent working style and experience using CRM systems to manage & track proposal activities.

What we offer:

• A competitive base salary commensurate with your experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus usual Bank holidays in England & Wales. You will also get your birthday off and 1 day for a volunteering purpose (CSR day)
• Ability for you to use 1 day for Corporate Social Responsibility purposes annually.
• 8% employer contribution to pension scheme,
• Death in Service benefit
• Health cash plan scheme
• Income protection scheme
• 50% company funded private medical insurance scheme.

The role is primarily home based however you should have own transport to travel to customers/introducers and there may be some face to face team meet ups. Access to a good quality/speed home internet is a must.

About The FSE Group:

Our primary goal is to provide tailored funding solutions and support for ambitious and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them achieve their maximum potential. With over £325m of debt and equity funds under management, the Group is continuing to grow and prides itself on taking a holistic approach to the funding needs of our clients. For more information see www.thefsegroup.com

With one of our core values being inclusivity, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunity employer and treat all applications fairly and welcome job applicants from all communities and affinity groups.

Job Types: Full-time, (but open to requests for part time of 4 days per week minimum).

Applicants must have unrestricted access to work in the UK.

Strictly no agencies.

To express interest in this role, please apply through the LinkedIn advert https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4240107923

West Yorkshire-based Amity Brew Co is expanding into the UK trade and overseas markets with investment from Finance Yorkshire.

The company – founded in 2020 during the Covid lockdown – is opening a new production facility in Bradford to increase the supply of beers to its existing taproom in Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley.

The £150,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire’s loan fund will support Amity Brew’s fit out of the new brewing operation at Albion Mills in Greengates.

The increase in brewing capacity will also enable the company to increase its sales elsewhere, including the supply of new markets in Europe, Asia and Scandinavia.

Amity Brew was founded by experienced beer experts Rich Degnan and Russell Clarke.

Rich said: “We are ambitious to expand our offer to customers across West Yorkshire as well as further afield. With the support of Finance Yorkshire, our new brewery operation will enable us to stay true to our vision of community, friendship and good beer while extending our reach to a much wider customer base.”

Finance Yorkshire’s investment has also enabled Amity Brew Co to strengthen its team with the appointment of Josh Waldock as sales and events manager. A well-known figure in the craft beer industry, Josh brings over a decade of experience and a passion for connecting people and building relationships.

“My journey started behind the bar where I developed a deep appreciation for the art of brewing and the stories that come with every pint,” said Josh. “Whether it’s collaborating with like-minded breweries, organising unforgettable events or exploring new ways to grow, I’m all about making meaningful connections that drive results. I’m excited to be part of Amity as we build something special in Bradford and beyond.”

Alex McWhirter, CEO of Finance Yorkshire, said: “In a short space of time, the Amity Brew team have established a solid and exciting brand which is ready to broaden its appeal to a larger home and a new and developing overseas market.

“Finance Yorkshire is looking forward to supporting Amity with investment for its new brewery and equipment which will help fulfil the team’s enthusiastic growth ambitions – particularly as a community-orientated business.”

Evolution AM Holdings, the parent company of Evo 3D and Rapid Fusion, has secured a £400,000 growth loan from British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group. 

Supporting the commercialisation of Evolution AM’s latest innovation, Medusa, the funding will drive research and development, marketing efforts, and job creation to enhance product rollout and client service, positioning the business at the forefront of the rapidly expanding 3D printing market. 

Evo 3D, which distributes and sells large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) 3D printers, alongside Rapid Fusion, an original equipment manufacturer, are strategically poised to capitalise on the growing demand for 3D printing technologies. The market, valued at approximately $20 billion in 2023, is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2032, with industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy driving growth. 

Jake Hand, Group Managing Director at Evolution AM which is based at Skypark on the edge of Exeter, said: "This South West Investment Fund loan is helping us bring Medusa to market, a product we believe will redefine standards in the 3D printing sector. Our experienced team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology, ensuring that we can be leaders in this vibrant industry and we’re delighted to work with the team at FSE as we scale for further growth." 

Rob Ward, FSE Investment Manager for the deal, commented: "We are thrilled to fund this young and dynamic business as it continues to leverage its strengths, which include a strong track-record of sales, a robust R&D pipeline, and fully owned intellectual property. The commitment to innovation and strategic approach to growth makes Evolution AM an ideal portfolio addition and we look forward to seeing their continued success in the 3D printing space." 

Since their inception in 2021 and 2023, Evo 3D and Rapid Fusion have both experienced significant growth in a competitive landscape. The parent company forecasts an impressive increase to approximately £6 million turnover in the next three years. 

The secured loan will facilitate the creation of skilled jobs within the local area, contributing positively to the economy. Evolution AM says it is committed to building sought-after solutions across a range of sectors and applications, aspiring to become the market leader in innovation and technology within the 3D printing industry. 

Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: 
"The South West Investment Fund is here to unlock the potential of ambitious businesses across the region, and Evolution AM is a great example of that. Their innovation in 3D printing, especially with the launch of Medusa, demonstrates the kind of cutting-edge technology being developed right here in the South West. We’re proud to support their journey as they scale, create skilled jobs, and push the boundaries of what's possible in additive manufacturing." 

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million. 

The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Relationship Manager from a Business or Commercial Banking or SME lending background to join a team for a debt fund dedicated to the Yorkshire & Humber Region.

You will be responsible for origination, appraisal, and execution of loans to growing and innovative SME’s, from £25k to £250k. The debt fund was established to provide funding to scale up businesses which struggle to secure debt finance particularly new fast-growing companies which are too young to have a credit history.

Whilst the fund covers the whole of Yorkshire and Humber region, we require the successful applicant to be based in West Yorkshire. They should have an existing network of introducer  contacts in this area, and there is a requirement to be in the stakeholders Barnsley office one day a week.

You will be expected to:

• build a pipeline of suitable lending opportunities, grow your existing network of introducers, and marketing the product to appropriate audiences
• carry out evaluation and due diligence on suitable proposals in line with the Fund’s Lending Policy and Operational Guidelines.
• present proposals to the independent credit committee
• manage completion matters post approval including completion of facility documentation.
• work alongside company solicitors to ensure all security requirements are met
• pro-actively manage client portfolio, monitoring performance and identifying early potential default situations.
• contribute to periodic stakeholder fund reporting.

Skills & Experience

You should demonstrate:

• significant prior experience in lending to SMEs where primary repayment source is future cashflow generation based on planned expansion
• strong ability to assess and structure loan propositions based on future business plans
• an established network of professional introduces in the West Yorkshire area
• ability to multi-task and prioritise deadlines to meet customer expectations.
• good presentation skills & ability to communicate and interact at all levels of management.

• a high level of IT proficiency, particularly on Microsoft Office 365
• a diligent working style and experience using CRM systems to manage & track proposal activities.

What we offer:

• A competitive base salary commensurate with your experience
• 25 days annual leave plus usual Bank holidays in England & Wales. You also get your birthday off and one day for a volunteering purpose.
• 8% contribution to employer pension scheme,
• Private medical scheme (50% employer contribution to premium)
• Death in Service benefit equivalent to 4x salary.
• Health Cash plan scheme
• Income protection – covers up to 50% of salary for 2 years in event of long term illness/inability to work

About The FSE Group:

Our primary goal is to provide tailored funding solutions and support for ambitious and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them achieve their maximum potential. With over £325m of debt and equity funds under management, the Group is continuing to grow and prides itself on taking a holistic approach to the funding needs of our clients. For more information see www.thefsegroup.com

Job Type: This is a fixed term contract for 18 months to tie in with the end of deployment period of the fund. There is a possibility that the deployment period will be extended.

Full-time, but open to requests for part time of 4 days per week minimum on a pro rata basis.  

Strictly no agencies.

You must have unrestricted access to work in the UK

Please apply through the Linkedin advert here.

Following initial investment in 2022, Clothes Doctor, leader in premium eco-friendly laundry care products, has secured a £500,000 follow-on equity from the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF). The funding comes via appointed Fund Manager, The FSE Group, as part of a £1 million round that includes funding from private investors.  

The investment aims to fuel the company's global expansion and further its commitment to sustainable innovation, creating several new jobs across the business. 

Founded in 2017, Clothes Doctor has grown rapidly with its range of plastic-free, palm oil-free, and vegan-friendly laundry care products. With more than 100,000 customers and 190 high-end wholesale clients across 65 countries in five continents, the company has positioned itself as a frontrunner at the premium end of the £106 billion global clothing care market. 

With its biodegradable, Made in Britain formulations, Clothes Doctor products can be used as an alternative to expensive and time-consuming dry cleaning. The decision to use aluminium containers, which are lighter and more recyclable than plastic, further underscores their commitment to sustainable production.  

Lulu O’Connor, Clothes Doctor Founder and CEO, said: " This investment marks a pivotal moment for Clothes Doctor. With FSE's support, we're not just expanding our reach; we're redefining eco-friendly laundry care on a global scale. Our innovative products, such as our 'spritz' line and our renowned wool and cashmere detergents, are setting new standards in the industry. We're committed to continual innovation and sustainability, and this funding will propel us into new markets and opportunities." 

The latest funding follows a £500,000 CIOSIF investment from FSE in 2022, since which, Clothes Doctor has seen a 300% increase in revenue. Although CIOSIF is closed to new investees, the fund managers are able to support businesses that have previously benefited from the fund. 

Meg Salt, FSE Investment Manager, commented: " We are incredibly impressed by the strides Clothes Doctor has made and our continued investment reflects our confidence in their innovative products and strategic vision. Lulu is a collaborative, forward-thinking founder and under her leadership the company has shown remarkable growth. This is a fantastic opportunity to further support a strong management team in a highly-scalable business and we are excited to continue to work with Clothes Doctor as they expand their global footprint." 

As Clothes Doctor looks to the future, this investment will not only support its expansion into new markets but also reinforce its position as a leader in sustainable laundry care. The company remains committed to delivering premium quality, innovative products with a focus on eco-credentials and exceptional customer care. 

Funding through CIOSIF came to an end for new investees in December 2023 but wider funding is now available through the British Business Bank’s £200m South West Investment Fund providing loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m. 

CIOSIF has been 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.