HSBC UK commits ₤250 million to SMEs in Liverpool & Cheshire

HSBC UK launched a ₤250 million lending fund to support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Liverpool and Cheshire, as part of its commitment to help businesses realise their ambitions for growth and navigate Brexit. The Liverpool and Cheshire Fund is part of a wider ₤14 billion fund for SMEs across the UK. Since launching the SME Fund in 2014, HSBC has committed more than ₤60 billion to UK SMEs as part of its commitment to help British businesses innovate, evolve and grow.

The HSBC UK 2019 Fund includes increased ring fenced pots for international businesses and for the agriculture sector. The allocation for international business has been doubled to ₤2 billion to help companies grow overseas, while the agriculture pot has increased to ₤1 billion from ₤300 million last year.

Scott Solberg, Regional Director for the North, HSBC UK, said:- "The launch of this year's fund shows our commitment to support the growth aspirations of SMEs across Liverpool and Cheshire. This fund is all about helping businesses to take new opportunities and grow and we want to reassure them that we're here to support them in achieving their goals."

As part of last year's SME fund, HSBC UK supported Cheshire based Tiger Trailers, 1  of the UK's leading truck trailer and bodywork manufacturers, to launch its new 168,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Winsford - creating 200 new jobs in the process.

Amanda Murphy, Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC UK, added:- "Our SME Fund will help companies seize new opportunities for growth at home and overseas. We've always supported ambitious businesses, and we see it as our responsibility to be there for our customers whether conditions are benign or challenging. This year's Fund is therefore part of a broader range of initiatives that we have in place to support British business as they navigate Brexit in a fast-changing world."

To help customers prepare for Brexit, HSBC UK has launched a dedicated helpline for customers with Brexit related financial concerns and setup an online resource hub which provides support and advice on the steps businesses should take to plan for the future.

The bank has had more than 15,000 conversations with customers about Brexit so far this year and has held more than 60 sessions across the country to talk to SMEs about the current economic landscape and how to plan for growth.

Hope Capital helps raise more than ₤5,000 for Aintree breast cancer support group

LIVERPOOL based bridging lender Hope Capital has helped The Sunshine Breast Cancer Support Group raise ₤5,465 by sponsoring its annual Sunshine Ball for the 3rd year running.  The Sunshine Breast Cancer Support Group supports ladies who are suffering from or have previously suffered from, breast cancer. It offers emotional and practical support through its monthly meetings at Aintree University Hospital, funds days out for its 250 members and pays for things they need such as post op bras. Former cancer patient Ann Coffey runs the group and organises events like the ball to raise vital funds and give members the chance to enjoy an evening out. The 4th Annual Sunshine Ball, that was held at the Marriott Hotel, in Liverpool, on Saturday, 21 September 2019. The event had 220 people attending, around ½ of whom were members of the Sunshine Breast Cancer Support Group. The evening included:- a meal, drinks, a disco and a raffle. Prizes included signed Liverpool and Everton football shirts, a ₤400 holiday voucher and spa breaks, as well as prizes specifically for group members including eyebrow microblading and aromatherapy candles. Hope Capital, which had 2 tables at the event, has sponsored the Sunshine Ball for the past 3 years and Ann says she couldn't run it without their support.

Ann commented:- "The ball is such an important event, both in terms of the funds it raises and the fact it gives our members such a fantastic night out together, but without Hope Capital's sponsorship, we wouldn't be able to do it, so I am very grateful for their continued support. This year was the most popular and well attended yet, and I have already had more than 100 enquires about next year. Thankfully Hope Capital has already agreed to sponsor again in 2020, which is fantastic news."

Miriam Howarth, head of marketing at Hope Capital added:- "The lovely thing about the Sunshine ball is that, unlike other big charity events, it is not just attended by corporates - more than ˝ of those who come along are patients and their families. That's why we are so pleased to be able to sponsor the Sunshine Ball, because, not only does it raises funds for such a worthwhile group, but also gives the members themselves the opportunity to come together and enjoy themselves."

For more information about the Sunshine Breast Cancer Support Group, please contact:- Ann.Coffey@BlueYonder.Co.UK or call them on:- 07815619971.