FFE celebrates milestone anniversary

A Yorkshire-based finance provider has celebrated 40 years of supporting small and medium-sized businesses.

Finance For Enterprise (FFE), originally founded as Donbac in 1985, began as a local initiative offering affordable loans and practical advice to businesses in Doncaster.

It has since grown into one of the UK’s leading community development finance institutions, expanding its reach across the country.

In the past five years, FFE, which rebranded in 2014, has provided more than £57 million in loans, helping create and safeguard thousands of jobs.

Recent deals include providing £208,500 to support the management buyout of Parker Oak, a specialist construction firm, as well as a £250,000 loan to Rhodes of Thorne, a growing Doncaster-based bakery.

The lender also gave £250,000 to Dynamic Vines Ltd, enabling the launch of a new retail store and wine bar in East Dulwich, London.

Andrew Austwick, managing director at FFE, 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.”

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