Recently we caught up with Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network – Scotland, at the British Business Bank on how they can help Scottish businesses find funding to help them grow. Here's what Barry had to say:
At the British Business Bank, we help finance markets work more effectively to help businesses prosper, grow and build the economy.
Whether you’re a start-up, an established business or looking to grow, finding information and guidance around finance that can help you on your business journey can be complex and challenging.
We understand those challenges. We’re here to make them easier for you to not only understand but overcome. We do that in a number of ways:
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We work with Governments, finance providers and institutions to make finance markets work better for smaller businesses.
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We talk to businesses, trade bodies and industry experts – alongside the industry-leading research we’re carrying out – to make sure we’re giving information and guidance that’s fully relevant.
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We provide independent and impartial information – including guides, checklists, animations and articles – so you can benefit from what we know and find the right path for your business’ development.
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We help drive sustainable growth and prosperity in Scotland and the rest of the UK, and enable the transition to a net zero economy, by supporting access to finance for smaller businesses.
We don’t lend or invest directly. Instead, we work with more than 180 partners such as banks and venture capital funds. Businesses apply for finance through our partners who, because they work with us, can lend and invest more.
We believe it is essential that smaller businesses are helped at every stage of their development to understand the financial landscape they are operating in and make informed choices regarding financing their business. It’s why we created a Finance Hub, to provide independent and impartial information on finance choices and a series of guides, checklists, and articles for your business.
We would encourage businesses across Scotland to access the Hub so they can be better equipped to find the funding they need to grow and succeed.