The LCR Finance Hub, which specialises in assisting businesses to become investment ready and matching them with suitable funding options, has seen consistent year-on-year growth in both enquiries and successful funding facilitation. In the first nine months of the current financial year the LCR Finance Hub has received a record number of enquiries totalling 480, marking the strongest performance since being established in 2017. In the same period 33 drawdowns were completed totalling £2.43 million of funding.
This milestone pushes the LCR Finance Hub’s total impact to 5,000 business enquiries and more than £29.25 million in funding, secured across 349 successful deals. The ongoing success of the MSIF service that is jointly funded by MSIF and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, proves it continues to play a vital role in the region’s business support infrastructure.
George Wright, LCR Finance Hub Manager Lead said:
“Reaching 480 enquiries represents our strongest year yet, and it demonstrates the growing appetite among Liverpool City Region businesses for expert financial guidance,”
“Surpassing 5,000 total enquiries and £29 million in funding facilitated since 2017 is a proud milestone, but what matters most is the real impact—hundreds of local businesses that have been able to start, grow, and thrive thanks to securing the right financial support.”
The organisation works with businesses at all stages, from startups seeking early-stage funding to established companies looking for growth capital or specialised financing solutions. Its expertise spans grant funding, debt finance, equity investment, and alternative funding sources.
Lynsey Barnes, LCR Finance Hub Investment Manager.
“As our economic landscape evolves, accessing the right financial support continues to be a key focus for ambitious businesses ready to grow,”
“Our commitment to simplifying the funding ecosystem and preparing businesses to effectively engage with investors has created more opportunities than ever for sustainable growth and success.”
MSIF Chair Neil Asbridge commented on the performance, saying:
“The LCR Finance Hub’s record-breaking performance in the current financial year year to end March 2026, reinforces MSIF’s decision to invest in a vital component of the LCR’s business support infrastructure.
Achieving 480 enquiries in just nine months while surpassing £29 million in total funding facilitated demonstrates the Hub’s growing importance to ambitious businesses across Liverpool City Region. MSIF is proud to continue to provide support to help the Hub build on this momentum.”
Janice Mears, head of business growth at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority welcomed the news and said:
“This is fantastic news from the LCR Finance Hub. Our ambition has always been to ensure every small and medium‑sized business in the City Region can access the financial guidance and support they need to grow and create jobs. Handling more than 5,000 enquiries and helping businesses secure over £29 million in funding since 2017 is a testament to the Finance Hub team’s impact.
“Small businesses are vital to our City Region’s long‑term prosperity. By supporting the LCR Finance Hub, we’re helping more SMEs access the advice and finance they need to thrive- creating quality local jobs and driving our economy forward.”
Janice added: “As the business support service for the LCRCA, Growth Platform will continue to work closely with the Finance Hub to ensure businesses across our region get the support they need.”