LCR Finance Hub matches helps firms become ‘investment-ready’ and matches them with funders and after a record performance in 2025 funding secured now totals more than £29m. Tony McDonough reports
LCR Finance Hub was set up in 2017 and so far has helped firms selling investment secure £29.25m in funding.
A division of Liverpool-based Merseyside Special Investment Fund, the LCR Finance Hub specialises in assisting businesses to become “investment-ready” and matches them with suitable funding options.
It is “agnostic” which means it does not favour any particular funders but will direct firms to the best option for them.
In the nine months to December 31, 2025, the first three quarters of its financial year, LCR Finance Hub 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 £2.43m 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 £29m 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.”
LCR Finance Hub 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.
Investment manager Lynsey Barnes added: “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.”
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And Janice Mears, head of business growth at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, also said: “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.
“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.”