• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Wednesday July 22 2026

British Business Bank backs 2,800 South West firms as £500 million economic boost forecast

The British Business Bank supported 2,800 smaller businesses across the South West in 2025/26, with the funding expected to generate a £500m uplift in regional economic output.

Figures from the Bank’s third annual Impact Report show the backed firms are forecast to create around 2,900 new jobs while supporting a further 31,000 existing roles.

Collectively, they are expected to deliver £1.3 billion in additional turnover over the lifetime of the finance.

The Bank said the results highlight its role in driving growth across the region, with its £200 million South West Investment Fund already supporting hundreds of businesses.

It is also expanding activity through a new £8.5m innovation cluster in the West of England, aimed at increasing equity investment into companies operating in priority Industrial Strategy sectors.

Early-stage firms are also benefiting, with nearly £14m of Start Up Loans delivered across the South West during 2025.

Ed Tellwright, director for the South West at the British Business Bank, said: “These figures show the important role access to finance plays in helping smaller businesses to start and grow, and the significant contribution they make to the South West.

“By newly supporting 2,800 businesses during 2025/26, we’ve helped ambitious companies invest, create jobs and strengthen the region’s economy. Through the South West Investment Fund and new innovation cluster funding, we’re backing businesses with the capital they need to start, scale and succeed.”

Nationally, the Bank supported £9.4 billion of finance in 2025/26, with 87 per cent directed to businesses outside London. The funding is expected to generate £19.7 billion in additional turnover and 39,000 new jobs, with every UK nation and region forecast to see at least a £100 million boost to economic output.

Pictured: Swindon-based safety footwear manufacturer Tuffking, which last year received a six-figure investment from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund