Business Enterprise Fund has added to its core Bradford team with five new appointments.

The not-for-profit finance firm has appointed Chris Conroy, Tom Kelton and Habib Karimi as associate investment managers, while Anna Muir has joined as human resources manager, and Saharesh Naz comes on board as fund administrator.

Simon Jackson, head of investments at BEF, says: “The last few years have been busier than ever as we have helped small businesses across the north navigate tricky times or pivot in order to thrive. We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues to the team as we expect the next 12 months to be busier than ever.”

One of the organisations accredited with the government’s Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS), BEF provides finance to help community development, business growth and job creation, providing funds where the banks can’t.

Last year the independent loans provider invested £70m in the region’s economy – a y/o/y increase of £25m – helping 286 new businesses launch: 52 more than the previous year. 3,524 jobs across the north were created or safeguarded thanks to its provisions of resource to small businesses, with over a quarter (26%) of the investment going to the construction industry.

“We will be looking to make more appointments in the coming weeks,” concludes Jackson. “We’re continuing to support businesses across the region with Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) facilities up to £250,000, creating jobs and financial security across all sectors to support the northern economy.”