South Yorkshire Pension Authority has announced the launch of two new funds to support small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region after identifying funding gaps that are hindering growth. The Pension Authority has appointed FW Capital and Foresight Group to manage the funds.
Launched earlier this week with an event at Cutler’s Hall, The South Yorkshire Debt Fund will be managed by FW Capital and South Yorkshire Growth Equity Fund by Foresight Group. Each fund will deliver a £20million commitment of much needed finance and provide new sources of investment to support businesses to scale up and innovate. It is designed to stimulate regional growth and create high-quality, sustainable jobs.
Councillor Jayne Dunn, Chair of the South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, said: “We are proud to launch these two £20million investment funds in partnership with Foresight and FW Capital, providing vital support for SMEs across South Yorkshire. By backing local businesses, we are not only fostering economic growth but also creating jobs and driving innovation in our region. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in South Yorkshire’s future and ensuring long-term prosperity for our communities.”
The South Yorkshire Debt Fund will be managed by FW Capital, one of the UK’s largest regional fund managers with a strong record of supporting businesses in Yorkshire. The new fund is designed to support growing businesses across Barnsley, Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham with loans of up to £2million. Funding can be used for a variety of purposes, such as boosting working capital, purchasing equipment, recruitment, marketing and product development.
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