GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO BOOST BUSINESS GROWTH

At Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking we are committed to making the UK economically stronger. We understand that for the economy to grow, it needs strong and vibrant businesses and for the UK economy to prosper, it needs to look beyond national boundaries and export for success. With this objective, we provide access to government schemes which have been designed to provide vital support to businesses to help them grow or to develop their exports.

Funding for Lending

The Bank of England and HM Treasury launched the Funding for Lending scheme in July 2012 and we welcome this initiative to further encourage business growth through discounted lending. Under the Lloyds Bank Funding for Lending Scheme, eligible businesses may benefit from a discount of up to 1% on the cost of borrowing. Please see our factsheet for further information. 

The Business Growth Fund

The Business Growth Fund (BGF) provides long term capital for fast growing British businesses. Typically working with businesses turning over between £5M and £100M, BGF provides between £2M and £10M in return for a minority stake and a seat on the board.

Growth potential is the key criteria and investments can be used to fund a range of business plans, from working capital and capex to strategic acquisitions or a step change in sales and marketing.

BGF is governed by a Main Board and includes representatives of the five shareholding banks, including Lloyds Bank. Further information can be found on the BGF website.

ECGD Bond Support Scheme

Introduced early 2011, the Bond Support Scheme provides partial guarantees to participating banks under a master bond support agreement in respect of UK exports.  Where a bank issues a contract bond (or procures its issue by an overseas bank) in respect of a UK export contract, ECGD will typically guarantee 50% of the value of the bond and up to 80% for advance payment and progress payment bonds. 

Please see our dedicated factsheet for full details of the scheme, further information can also be found on the UK Export Finance website.

ECGD Export Working Capital Scheme

The Export Working Capital Scheme has been designed to assist UK exporters to grow by gaining access to working capital finance (both pre and post-shipment)  in respect of specific export contracts. The scheme is intended to help businesses that win new contracts overseas, in particular those of a higher value than usual to that business and the types of transaction supported under the scheme are likely to be structured working capital facilities.

Please see our in-depth factsheet for full details of the scheme, further information can also be found on the UK Export Finance website.