This year marks a major milestone for Finance For Enterprise (FFE) as we celebrate 40 years of helping SME businesses unlock their growth potential.
From our origins in 1985, FFE has grown from a local initiative supporting Doncaster’s business community into one of the most trusted alternative lending providers in the UK.
Originally established as Donbac, and backed by British Rail Engineering, FFE was one of the UK’s first enterprise agencies. Our pioneering business model combined practical business advice with ethical, affordable business loans. The interest paid by borrowers was reinvested into the fund, enabling more small businesses to benefit. By the 1990’s, the success of this approach saw the fund extended across South Yorkshire.
In the wake of the 2008 financial crash, FFE played a vital role in supporting viable but underserved businesses struggling to access funding from mainstream banks. In response, FFE relaunched and refocused its loan fund to prioritise businesses unable to secure traditional finance – an approach it continues today.
Rebranded as Finance For Enterprise in 2014, we have since expanded our geographical reach, supporting SMEs across England.
Andrew Austwick, Managing Director at Finance For Enterprise said “We’ve come a long way since 1985, but our mission remains unchanged – helping SMEs to thrive by delivering the right funding at the right time. For four decades, we’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with business owners, providing more than just financial support. Our strength lies in our values – ethical lending, trusted relationships and genuine commitment to the local economy.”
Today, FFE provides a range of flexible lending options from £25,001 up to £250,000, supporting job creation, equipment investment and product innovation. Over the past five years alone, FFE has delivered more than £57 million in lending, helping to create over 1,400 jobs, safeguard a further 1,800 roles, and generate a net economic contribution exceeding £140 million.
Paula Foreman, Operations Director at FFE added “We’re incredibly proud of what the team has achieved. Our success is driven by the businesses we support. Many of them return to us time and again because they know they’re not just getting a loan – they’re gaining a trusted partner who understands the challenges and ambitions of SMEs.”
To mark our 40th anniversary, we held a special celebration event at our Doncaster headquarters, bringing together staff, as well as hosting Radio Doncaster’s “Bruce on the Loose”. A series of events and initiatives are also planned throughout the rest of the year.
High-profile deals completed over the past year demonstrate the continued strength and reach of FFE’s impact:
- £208,500 to support the management buyout of Parker Oak, a specialist construction firm
- £250,000 to Dynamic Vines Ltd, enabling the launch of a new retail store and wine bar in East Dulwich, London
- £250,000 to Rhodes of Thorne, a growing Doncaster-based bakery expanding its operations
As it enters its fifth decade, Finance For Enterprise remains steadfast in its belief that access to finance should never be a barrier to business success.
