British Business Bank

About one in eight of the 1.5 million small businesses in the UK who were encouraged to take out loans under the COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan Scheme have fallen into arrears on their repayments.

New data shows that small businesses founded at Scottish universities accounted for the highest number of equity investment deals to UK spinouts last year, according the British Business Bank. Of the 211 equity deals involving spinouts across the UK during 2021, 44 (21% of the total) came from Scott

The British Business Bank has appointed Susan Nightingale to the role of UK network director for the Devolved Nations, leading the Bank’s activity in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Ms Nightingale has been with the bank since January 2020 following a career spanning both public and priva

Equity investment in Scotland’s smaller businesses reached record levels in 2021, with Edinburgh named as the largest UK hub for deal activity outside of London, according to the British Business Bank’s Small Business Equity Tracker. Published today, the research found a total of £

Louis Taylor has been appointed CEO of the British Business Bank, the UK’s economic development bank, and will take up the role from 1 October. Mr Taylor is currently CEO of UK Export Finance, the UK government's export credit agency.

The life sciences sector became the most popular destination for equity investment into tech-focussed smaller businesses in Scotland, as the Covid-19 pandemic increased interest in healthcare technology, according to new analysis from the British Business Bank. Using Beauhurst data that tracks equit

The British Business Bank has appointed a new Scottish representative to its UK Network team, with senior manager Barry McCulloch spearheading the Bank’s presence north of the border. Mr McCulloch takes over from Ian Mitchelmore who is stepping down due to retirement.

Smaller businesses in Scotland have the greatest understanding of the language and information on emissions and green issues in the UK, according to a new study commissioned by the British Business Bank. Only around two-fifths (39%) of Scottish respondents said they felt the language, terminology an

A Gourock-based gin brand, inspired by the heritage and craftsmanship of historical Clydeside shipbuilding, is gearing up for overseas trade following a successful launch that saw more than 1,000 bottles snapped up in its first few weeks. Andy Samuel, the founder of Shipyard Gin, is now in talks wit

Equity investment in Scotland's smaller businesses reached £403 million by the end of 2021's third quarter, more than double the same period in 2020, according to new research from the British Business Bank. Total investment values increased by 141% compared to the first nine months of 2020 an

Edinburgh-based fintech LendingCrowd has closed a funding deal with Barclays, and a large global investment firm to support SMEs across Britain as they recover from the coronavirus pandemic and return to growth. The funding will be delivered via the British Business Bank’s Recovery Loan Scheme

Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank, has delivered more than 5,800 loans to business owners in Scotland since 2012, providing almost £50 million of funding, in line with the country’s share of the UK’s business population. Entrepreneurs often dream of opening a b

The Whisky Chairmen in Inverclyde is among 12 small businesses to be selected as champions of UK start-ups by Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank. Start Up Loans Ambassador for Scotland, Rory MacDonald, received a Start Up Loan of £13,000 through British Business Bank delive

Smaller businesses account for almost a third (30%) of all current UK greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from households, industry and government) and around half (50%) of total emissions from UK businesses, the British Business Bank estimates. Its latest research report, smaller bus

Mark Sterritt, UK network director, Scotland at the British Business Bank, discusses angel investment in Scotland. The experience of the past 18 months has underlined the importance of a diverse and accessible financial ecosystem – both in terms of the type of finance available and the provide