As thoughts move to 2025, it’s the perfect time to look back and reflect on a year brimming with milestones, achievements, and meaningful partnerships that have supported business success across the region. From securing substantial funding to welcoming new team members and driving growth across diverse sectors, FFE has remained dedicated to its mission of empowering businesses to reach their goals.
Here is an overview of our key highlights and accomplishments in 2024.
Q1: A Promising Start to the Year
£25 Million Boost for Business Growth
In the first quarter, FFE made a powerful statement by securing a capital injection of £25 million from Lloyds Banking Group and Better Society Capital under the second phase of the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF).
Supporting Innovation and Expansion
We provided a £250,000 funding package to help a forward-thinking North East manufacturing company expand its operations, creating opportunities for growth and job creation.
Welcoming Ben Merrick to the Team
FFE strengthened its team by appointing Ben Merrick as Investment Manager. Ben’s expertise in financial solutions is already making a difference in delivering tailored support to businesses.
Backing Sustainability in the Waste and Recycling Sector
A growing waste and recycling company received vital support from FFE to accelerate its growth plans. This initiative highlighted our commitment to sustainability-focused businesses.
£50,000 for Innovative Solutions
Ambispace, an innovative business, secured £50,000 in enterprise funding to scale up its groundbreaking solutions, showcasing FFE’s dedication to fostering innovation.
Q2: Empowering Communities and Women in Business
Championing Women Entrepreneurs
FFE proudly supported the Invest in Women Hub, an initiative dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs and fostering gender equity in the business world.
Revitalising Local Services
An £80,000 funding package enabled the refurbishment of a vital Post Office, ensuring continued access to essential services for the community.
Expanding Expertise with a New Senior Business Lending Manager
Andy Christiansen joined the FFE team as Senior Business Lending Manager, further enhancing our ability to provide bespoke financial solutions to growing businesses.
Driving Precision Engineering Growth
We worked with Halifax Numerical Controls, a specialist engineering firm, to provide the financial support needed to achieve its growth ambitions.
Q3: Strengthening Connections and Celebrating Milestones
Showcasing Expertise at the NACB Expo
The FFE team attended the NACFB Expo, engaging with industry leaders and demonstrating our commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation.
Welcoming Adele Wells as Credit Manager
Adele joined FFE, bringing her wealth of experience to the Credit Manager role. Her appointment underscores our dedication to building a knowledgeable and supportive team.
Engaging with Policymakers
FFE hosted a visit from a local MP, showcasing how our work is driving growth and creating opportunities for businesses across Yorkshire.
Q4: Finishing the Year on a High Note
Backing Growth in Manufacturing
A blinds manufacturer received a £167,000 growth loan from FFE, enabling the company to scale its operations and meet rising demand.
Supporting Business Development in Doncaster
A Doncaster-based business secured a £250,000 enterprise loan, exemplifying our ongoing commitment to local economic growth.
Festive Celebrations
To close the year, the entire FFE team gathered at our Doncaster headquarters for a festive celebration. This event was a chance to reflect on the year’s achievements and prepare for the opportunities ahead.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to 2025, a milestone year marking FFE’s 40th anniversary, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering businesses, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth across the region. This special year provides an opportunity to reflect on four decades of success while continuing to build on our achievements and help even more businesses reach their full potential.
