British Business Bank Supported £9.4bn of Finance for Smaller Businesses in 2025/26
The British Business Bank supported £9.4 billion of finance for smaller businesses in 2025/26 and reached 38,000 firms, 87% of the newly supported outside London. It made a pre-tax profit of £426 million.
By Entrepreneur Group · Published · Updated
The British Business Bank supported £9.4 billion of finance for smaller UK businesses in the year to March 2026, according to its annual results. It reached 38,000 businesses, about 30,000 of which had not had Bank-supported finance before, and 87% of the newly supported businesses were outside London. The government-owned bank also made a pre-tax profit of £426 million, up from £144 million.
For founders, the more useful number is the mix: most of the £9.4 billion was private money that the Bank's programmes brought in, rather than direct public lending.
Where the £9.4 billion came from
- £1.3 billion of public funding.
- £4.3 billion of private capital invested alongside the Bank's programmes.
- £3.7 billion of lending backed by Bank guarantees.
Its investment portfolio grew 25% to £5.8 billion (£4.4 billion equity and £1.5 billion debt), and guarantee commitments rose 26% to £2.5 billion, including £1.3 billion under the Growth Guarantee Scheme, IT Brief UK reports.
Expected impact
The Bank estimates the finance it supported in the year will lead to 39,000 additional jobs and £8.8 billion of extra economic output (gross value added) over its lifetime, including £5.3 billion outside London. IT Brief UK adds that the Bank expects it to support 340,000 existing jobs and generate £19.7 billion of additional business turnover.
Chief executive Louis Taylor said: "The Bank has returned a pre-tax profit of £426m this year, a 3x increase on last year's £144m profit." Chair Stephen Welton said the Bank is "targeting by 2030 up to 370,000 new jobs and up to £57bn of additional GVA under our Five-year Strategic Plan".
How founders reach Bank-backed finance
The British Business Bank rarely lends to businesses directly. Its money reaches founders through partners: banks and lenders using its guarantee schemes, venture capital funds it backs, and regional investment funds.
This section is editorial guidance, not financial advice.
- Borrowing. If you need a loan and lack security, ask your lender whether it offers loans under the Growth Guarantee Scheme. Read the terms carefully, including any personal guarantee the lender asks for.
- Equity. Many UK venture funds have the Bank as an investor. Looking at its published fund commitments can help you find investors active at your stage and in your sector.
- Outside London. With 87% of newly supported businesses outside London, regional funds are a real route. Check the Bank's nations and regions funds for your area.
- Starting up. The Bank also runs Start Up Loans, personal loans for new businesses, which have their own eligibility rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much finance did the British Business Bank support in 2025/26?
It supported £9.4 billion of finance for smaller businesses: £1.3 billion of public funding, £4.3 billion of private capital alongside its programmes and £3.7 billion of guaranteed lending.
How many businesses did the British Business Bank support?
It supported 38,000 businesses in 2025/26, including about 30,000 that had not previously received Bank-supported finance. 87% of newly supported businesses were outside London.
Does the British Business Bank lend directly to small businesses?
Mostly not. It works through partners such as banks, lenders, venture capital funds and regional funds, using guarantees and investments. Founders apply to those partners.