The British Business Bank has facilitated £5bn in lending to UK SMEs through its ENABLE Guarantees and ENABLE Build schemes, with around £500m directed to businesses in the East Midlands.
These programmes, designed to improve credit access for smaller firms, use government-backed guarantees to reduce lender risk. ENABLE Guarantees supports general SME lending, while ENABLE Build focuses on funding for SME housebuilders.
The schemes have significantly benefited the construction and housing sectors, with ENABLE Build delivering approximately £1.2bn in finance and supporting the development of 5,866 homes nationwide. Other industries receiving substantial support include hospitality (£270m) and agriculture (£260m).
Since its launch in 2017, ENABLE has operated through a combination of bank and non-bank lenders. Participating lenders, such as United Trust Bank, have delivered nearly 450 facilities under the schemes, funding the development of thousands of new homes despite wider economic disruption.
The East Midlands share reflects the programme’s aim to target regions beyond London and the South East, supporting economic resilience and growth in underserved areas. The Bank’s Structured Financial Institutions team continues to expand the programme’s reach, working closely with lenders to tailor finance solutions for evolving market needs.
