Finance Yorkshire

Finance Yorkshire is a prominent regional fund manager based in Barnsley, United Kingdom, dedicated to fostering economic growth and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Yorkshire and Humber region. Established in 2010, the organization initially managed a substantial £90 million fund, providing crucial capital through a diverse range of financial products, including Seedcorn, Business Loans, and Equity Linked investments. Its core mission has consistently been to address market gaps in access to finance for local businesses, thereby stimulating innovation, job creation, and overall regional prosperity.

Over its initial operational period, Finance Yorkshire demonstrated significant impact on the regional economy. The original fund, which closed to new investments in 2015 but continued to manage its portfolio, successfully deployed capital into over 600 businesses. This strategic investment facilitated the creation and safeguarding of more than 12,000 jobs within the region, underscoring its vital role in employment stability and growth. Furthermore, the fund's activities attracted over £180 million in private sector leverage, indicating its effectiveness in de-risking investments and drawing additional capital into the local business ecosystem.

In 2024, Finance Yorkshire transitioned into a new phase of its operations, becoming a key fund manager for the British Business Bank's Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). Under this new mandate, Finance Yorkshire now manages two significant regional funds: the NPIF II Yorkshire & Humber Equity Fund, capitalized at £50 million, and the NPIF II Yorkshire & Humber Debt Fund, with a size of £100 million. These new funds continue to target SMEs, offering flexible finance solutions. Typical first cheque sizes for these funds range from approximately £25,000 for debt financing up to £5 million for equity investments, catering to a broad spectrum of business needs from early-stage development to significant growth.

Through its continued evolution and strategic partnership with the British Business Bank, Finance Yorkshire remains a cornerstone of financial support for businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber. Its long-standing commitment to providing tailored funding solutions, combined with its proven track record of regional economic impact, positions it as a critical enabler for entrepreneurial success and sustainable development across Northern England.