British Business Bank Midlands

Former JLR research electrochemist has raised £4.65m to unlock use of sodium-ion batteries for mass market applications such as electric bikes, scooters, vehicles and power tools. Sodium-ion battery specialist Sanzhar Taizhan founded TaiSan to deliver batteries that are lighter and more compact than existing sodium-ion and lithium-ion alternatives, making them suitable for a much broader range of applications. The funding secured from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through Mercia Ventures will enable TaiSan to begin pilot tests with manufacturers, expand its existing Cambridge laboratory and establish manufacturing operations in Coventry. "This innovation aims to provide an alternative solution to commonly used electric appliances that are part of everyday life," says our Senior Investment Manager Bethan Bannister.

West Midlands smaller businesses raised £234m in equity investment in 2025 📈 The region secured £234m across 52 announced equity deals last year. Our Small Business Equity Tracker 2026 also highlights investor interest in AI, reflected in the West Midlands’ £100m megadeal investment into AI software company Joblogic Service Management Software 💬 “The concentration of investor interest in AI and its related technologies plays well for the West Midlands, given its developed tech ecosystem, institutions, talent and potential,” says Mark Sterritt our MD, Local Growth Team. See more insights from the report 👉

"The treats are all about the love. They must be high quality." When Shanice Lindo-McIntosh's French bulldog, Bella, became paralysed at just two years old, her focus was on helping her recover. During months of hydrotherapy, Shanice saw first-hand how the treats she used to motivate Bella played a part in her progress. That experience sparked an idea. In 2021, while continuing her career as a nurse, she launched Bella Loves, a handmade dog treat business inspired by Bella's journey. Starting from her mum's kitchen, Shanice developed her products with support from The King's Trust and later secured a £4,000 Start Up Loan to invest in equipment, stock and opportunities to grow the brand. Today, she's building the business with ambitions to expand across the UK. Sometimes the best business ideas come from real-life challenges, not business plans. What experience or problem inspired you to start your business? 👇

“I have always loved Back To The Future, which was made iconic by its use of the DeLorean car 🚘 I wanted to buy a DeLorean and found one available for sale, so I needed finance to cover the purchase, along with transportation, insurance and repairs." Trentham Based Cars On Screen secured £40,000 from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through BCRS Business Loans The funding was used to buy an iconic DeLorean, the car made famous in the movie Back To The Future, which featured as a time machine throughout the popular comedy film trilogy. Director Will Morris launched the business as a spin-off to his IT consultancy Behind The Scenes, which works with leading media businesses. Since then, the business has expanded to supply period vehicles for weddings, school proms and exhibitions.

A new Pilates studio in Leicester is helping people move, strengthen and build confidence through Reformer Pilates. Founded in 2024 by Jodie Wilson, Reform and Glow used a £15,000 Start Up Loan and support from First Enterprise, to launch of the business. After gaining experience teaching at other studios, Jodie set out to create a welcoming space focused on wellbeing, community and a more personalised fitness experience. The funding has helped Reform and Glow: ✅ Cover early-stage start-up costs ✅ Purchase specialist Reformer Pilates equipment ✅ Recruit staff ✅ Fit out the studio space Today, the boutique fitness studio offers five class levels, helping make Reformer Pilates accessible to people with a range of abilities and experience levels.

A Touch of Tapping, an alternative therapy business based in Lincolnshire, has secured £3,000 with support from First Enterprisee under our @Start Start Up Loans Company. Founder Carol Hudson, an experienced special needs teacher, saw a gap in the support children and young people receive for managing their emotions. The funding has allowed Carol to: 🧑🏫Access further EFT training 🤝Work with a business coach 📃Support networking ventures that have led to new charity partner contracts

“We’ve faced challenges… but the loan really helped get our business off the ground.” For the Bailey family, Next Level Vending Ltd builds on nearly two decades in the industry. They’ve been working in vending since 2007 — with Paul bringing a further 25 years of experience in fast-paced consumer goods logistics. When they spotted a gap for a specialised vending machine courier service, they decided to act. With over £30,000 in Start Up Loans and support from First Enterprise they’ve been able to turn that idea into a working business. The funding is helping them to: ⚙️ invest in specialist equipment 🪧 add company signage to promote the business on the move 🚛 support the transport needed to safely deliver machines across the UK Alongside the funding, they received hands-on support to shape their business plan and navigate the application process. Now, they’re focused on building a reliable, specialist service backed by years of industry experience.

In case you missed it 👇 Think for the Future have secured a £745,000 investment from our Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, delivered by Maven Capital Partners is now supporting the next phase of growth. 'This funding allows us to scale our Inclusion Centres while continuing to innovate through our Purple data analysis platform,' said Cherie White, CEO of Think for the Future. Read on to find out more 👇

Nottingham-based Think for the Future, founded by Cherie White, supports schools and multi-academy trusts to keep young people engaged in education. Working with more than 180 schools across the UK, the business delivers targeted, in-school programmes designed to improve behaviour, attendance and academic progress. A £745,000 investment from our Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, delivered by Maven Capital Partners is now supporting the next phase of growth. This includes: 📍 Expanding Inclusion Centres within mainstream schools 📍 Supporting more pupils at risk of exclusion 📍 Scaling the Purple platform to help schools better track and understand impact 🗨️ “This investment marks a significant milestone for Think for the Future. Demand for high-quality, inclusive provision within mainstream schools is growing rapidly, and this funding allows us to scale our Inclusion Centres while continuing to innovate through our Purple data analysis platform," said Cherie White. It’s a strong example of how funding can help established businesses grow their reach while continuing to drive meaningful outcomes.

Don’t wait for perfect. Launch and learn 🚀 Christian Heath, founder of Sunnyside Drinks Co, shares his top tip for new entrepreneurs: ✅ Get started as soon as possible ✅ Take your product to market ✅ Use real-world feedback to keep improving #StartUpTips #Entrepreneurship #SunnysideDrinks #BusinessGrowth