A not-for-profit lender has provided a significant £14.2 million boost to the local economy to benefit the Coventry and Warwickshire region.
Thanks to Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust’s (CWRT) support, businesses across both regions have been able to safeguard a staggering 339 jobs and forecasted a further 248 jobs to be created.
Throughout the year, over £4.3 million has been distributed in loans as part of CWRT’s commitment to supporting SME’s, with almost £1million of this going to women-led businesses. CWRT has worked closely local partners such as Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, CWLEP Growth Hub and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to ensure that the needs of local businesses were met.
And as an extra bonus for the year, CWRT successfully gained accreditation by British Business Bank as one of the delivery partners for the Recovery Loan Scheme.
Sheridan Sulskis, CEO at CWRT, said: “We are delighted and proud that CWRT has been able to make a sizeable impact to the region’s economy during 2022.
"We continue to be devoted to tackling local disparity in the market by offering dedicated loan and business support packages specifically designed to support SMEs through volatile markets and tightening credit conditions.”
Not only has CWRT been providing vital access to finance support to businesses based in Coventry and Warwickshire, but they have also focused their efforts in supporting businesses and individuals through their specialised business support services.
One of those is the successfully piloted The Financial Fit, a free business support programme that assists women in business. Furthermore, in 2022 alone, CWRT has supported the creation of 40 new businesses through its Jumpstart workshops which are part-funded by Warwickshire County Council.
Sheridan added: “The JumpStart project has been instrumental in assisting those that continue to feel the effects caused by the pandemic by offering a specifically designed free workshops to those that have recently been made redundant, on less contracted hours, households that had a dramatic loss of income and need to utilise their skills or turn their passions into a business to generate a source of income.
“The workshops gave the opportunity for those considering setting up a business to meet in one space – learn together, share ideas and network.”
Alongside extensive efforts to support the local economy, CWRT has been able to almost double its workforce, recruiting an additional six new roles during the year 2022.
The new team have praised the organisation for its inclusive work environment. “CWRT is a small but diverse team, they have supported me in every way whether it’s attending specialised training or adjusting to demanding parenting schedules. It’s a brilliant company to work with, I have nothing but praise,” said Angele Gulbinaite, who joined as a Marketing Officer in May.
Alexander Vill who joined the team as a Loans Officer in January said: ‘’It’s great to be a part of a team that truly values its customers and always tries to support where they can. Having a hands-on approach when helping clients with their loan applications is really rewarding.’’
To learn more about CWRT’s finance offering and free business support services and the team visit www.cwrt.uk.com or give them a call on 02476 551777.
Picture shows CWRT staff members Sahib Sehmbey , Colin Diamond, Alexander Vill, Angele Gulbinaite, Naomi Hurst, Sheridan Sulskis and Marie McDermott.