GC Business Finance

09/10/2026

Behind every growing business is a story of ambition, resilience and growth.

NPIF II Smaller Loans provide funding from £25,000 to £100,000 for start-ups and growing businesses across the North West, helping businesses invest in new equipment, expand operations, recruit staff and unlock their next stage of growth.

Check your eligibility. https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/what-we-do/npif-2-smaller-loans/

02/10/2026

Hussel, a disruptive marketing firm based in the North West, has launched a fully branded mobile campaign vehicle following investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

The investment will help the business expand its innovative marketing services, enabling brands to engage audiences through eye-catching, experiential campaigns that create real-world impact.

It's great to see ambitious businesses using finance to create new opportunities, and bring fresh ideas to market.

Read more about Hussel's growth journey here: https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/news/posts/2026/august/disruptive-marketing-firm-hussel-launches-mobile-campaign-vehicle-with-npif-ii-investment/

Have big plans for your business? Speak to our team about the funding opportunities available to help you grow. https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/what-we-do/npif-2-smaller-loans/

24/09/2026

Inspired by their father's barbershop business, the three brothers set out to create a legacy of their own. A passion for barbering and entrepreneurship became Changed Studios. It's a space where people can connect, build confidence, and feel part of a community.

With support from a £20,000 Start Up Loan, the brothers fitted out a brand-new premises that has already:

✅ Created six local jobs
✅ Provided training opportunities for local college students
✅ Supported the local economy and wider community
✅ Established a welcoming space inspired by 90s culture and creativity

And this is just the beginning, with plans to create even more opportunities as the business grows. 🎥 Watch their story.

🚀 Thinking about starting or growing your own business? Find out how a Start Up Loan could help: https://businessfinancestartup.co.uk/

16/09/2026

💡 It's always rewarding to see how funding can help ambitious businesses turn bold ideas into reality.

With support from NPIF II – GC Business Finance, Hussel launched a mobile campaign vehicle designed to help brands connect with audiences in creative, engaging and memorable ways. The investment has supported the business' growth and helped expand its innovative marketing offering.

🚀 Looking to take your business to the next level? Explore how NPIF II funding could help support your growth ambitions. 🔗https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/what-we-do/npif-2-smaller-loans/

📖 Read the full case study to discover how Hussel used funding to bring its vision to life and accelerate growth. 🔗https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/news/posts/2026/august/disruptive-marketing-firm-hussel-launches-mobile-campaign-vehicle-with-npif-ii-investment/

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16/09/2026

🎨 We're pleased to see QuAC (Q***r Art Community) open a dedicated creative workspace in Manchester after securing more than £10,000 in Start Up Loans funding through GC Business Finance.

Founded by Marcus Stones, QuAC was created to provide opportunities for artists, performers and creatives from underrepresented backgrounds. The new workspace offers flexible facilities for a range of creative disciplines, helping creatives collaborate, develop their work and connect with wider audiences.

The funding enabled Marcus to secure and develop the premises, launch the workspace, invest in marketing and access mentoring support at a key stage of growth.

We look forward to seeing QuAC continue to grow and create opportunities for creatives across Greater Manchester.

Read the full story: https://businessfinancestartup.co.uk/news/start-up-loans-funding-helps-quac-open-dedicated-creative-workspace-for-artists-and-performers/

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04/09/2026

Looking for funding to accelerate your business growth in the North West?

NPIF II – GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans help ambitious SMEs access the funding and support they need to grow with confidence.

Why businesses choose us-
💡 We support businesses that may be unable to secure mainstream funding and are passionate about helping them achieve their growth ambitions.
💷 Loans from £25,000–£100,000
🔄 Flexible terms shaped around your business needs
🤝 A dedicated account manager
📞 Bespoke 1‑to‑1 support throughout the application process

Whether you’re seeking working capital, expanding into new premises, investing in assets, or scaling operations, our funding is built to empower your growth.

Who can apply-
➡️ SMEs based in the North West of England with clear start‑up, development, or growth plans.
➡️A business plan will be required as part of the application.

If you’re ready to take the next step or even just have a conversation, we’re here to help you move with confidence.

🔗https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/what-we-do/npif-2-smaller-loans/

24/08/2026

Could your workplace do more to support colleagues affected by cancer?

Cancer touches every workplace. In fact, one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and there were 17,000 diagnoses across Greater Manchester last year.

Despite this, more than half of employees in Greater Manchester (54%) are unaware of any cancer support available through their workplace.

That's why we're supporting the Get Cancer Clever Breakfast Briefing, delivered by The Growth Company and Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance. The event will bring together business leaders, HR professionals and wellbeing teams to discuss practical ways employers can raise awareness, recognise signs and symptoms, and better support employees affected by cancer.

📅 Tuesday 22 September 2026
🕒 8:30am - 10:30am
📍 People's History Museum, Manchester

Secure your free place today 👇
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-cancer-clever-breakfast-briefing-tickets-1994938989219

20/08/2026

🎯 From idea to international growth.

When Greg Taylor spotted a gap in the market for grassroots darts leagues, he created Big Fish Darts, a platform helping pubs run interactive competitions while generating additional revenue.

With support from the Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance, Greg accelerated app development, invested in marketing, and has already signed up over 250 pubs across the UK. The platform is now being used internationally in South Africa, Mexico and Belgium.

Ready to start your business journey? Find out how a Start Up Loan could help. https://businessfinancestartup.co.uk/

Read Greg's story 👇
🔗https://businessfinancestartup.co.uk/news/start-up-loan-funding-helps-cumbria-entrepreneur-launch-darts-app-supporting-uk-pubs/

14/08/2026

Could £100,000 of funding help transform a business?

For Manchester-based battery specialist Cellerate, it helped drive a 60% increase in turnover, support a move to a larger custom-built facility, and expand its reach into international markets across Asia, Europe and North America. ⚡

Since securing funding through the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), Cellerate has:

✅ Increased turnover from £1m to £1.6m
✅ Expanded its customer base from 8 to 40 clients
✅ Invested in advanced battery manufacturing equipment
✅ Taken on larger and more complex contracts
✅ Continued developing next-generation energy storage technologies

Founded in 2020 by Dr Richard Fields, Cellerate is helping accelerate battery innovation globally while strengthening the North's advanced manufacturing sector.

👉 Read the full story: https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/news/posts/2026/august/cellerate-supercharges-turnover-by-60-following-100k-npif-funding/

Cellerate's growth story shows how the right funding can help ambitious businesses innovate, scale and reach new markets. Find out how NPIF II could support your business

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

21/07/2026

Driving growth through NPIF II Smaller Loans

Our NPIF II team continues to empower ambitious businesses across the North, helping them access the funding they need to scale and create jobs.

Impact at a glance:

🔹 33 NPIF II Smaller Loans delivered
💷 £1.8m injected into ambitious businesses
🌱 167 new jobs created

We’re proud to keep supporting business growth and driving regional prosperity through accessible finance.

📘 Read the full Impact Report – https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/what-we-do/impact-report/