Latest news with #DevelopmentBank
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Fuel your business ambitions with the Development Bank of Wales
Whether you're turning a new idea into a reality or planning to scale your existing business, the Development Bank of Wales is here to help. With regional teams based throughout the country, the Development Bank provides flexible and tailored funding to support Welsh businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether you need funding to launch a new product, refurbish premises, or grow your team, loans are built to be flexible and accessible. Read on to find out more. Business loans designed to fit your needs The Development Bank offers a range of business loans to suit businesses of all sizes and ambitions: Micro loans from £1,000 to £100,000 to help small businesses get started or move forward. from £1,000 to £100,000 to help small businesses get started or move forward. Larger loans of up to £10 million to support established companies looking to expand or relocate to Wales. of up to £10 million to support established companies looking to expand or relocate to Wales. Property development finance for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments - up to £10 million is available. Make your business greener - and more efficient The Green Business Loan Scheme helps Welsh businesses make environmentally conscious investments which help cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. With uncertainty around energy costs and increasing environmental targets, now is the perfect time to take action. The scheme offers: Discounted fixed-interest rates Capital repayment holidays Flexible patient repayment Take Wild Lakes, for example. As Wales' first wake park, this Narbeth-based business has switched to solar power following a £40,700 loan from the Welsh Government-backed Green Business Loan Scheme. The new 20kWh solar array has allowed Wild Lakes' owners to switch from powering the cables that create the artificial surf in its wakeboarding park with a diesel engine to clean solar energy. Eligible projects Eligible projects include: Upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems Improving building fabric through insulation, double glazing, and LED lighting Installing renewable energy like solar PV or heat pumps Enhancing water efficiency and waste reduction Replacing or improving key equipment with greener technology To qualify, businesses must be based in Wales and have been trading for at least two years, with one set of filed annual accounts. Equity investment to power high-growth ambitions Equity investment may offer the ideal solution for companies needing capital to scale up or innovate quickly. The Development Bank can invest from £50,000 to £10 million, with ongoing support from an experienced team and access to a wide investor network. Equity finance is a powerful tool for: Tech start-ups that lack collateral but have strong intellectual assets Established businesses with ambitious expansion plans Management teams undertaking a business buy-out Business owners preparing for sale and seeking to boost value It's also a flexible option that can complement traditional lending, giving businesses the firepower to reach their full potential. More than just finance What sets the Development Bank of Wales apart is its deep commitment to Welsh businesses and communities. Alongside funding, customers benefit from: Local, relationship-based support Access to industry experts and professional networks A long-term partner who understands the challenges of growing a business in Wales Whether you need patient capital to fund a transition, strategic equity to scale quickly, or a green loan to modernise sustainably, the Development Bank can tailor support that fits your vision. Find out more Why not pop along to one of the breakfast meetings or coffee mornings that your local team from the Development Bank will be hosting over the next few months? It's an opportunity to get to know the team and find out more about the funding available. You can register for events by emailing event@ In the meantime, if you're ready to take your next step, visit or call 0800 587 4140 to speak with a member of the team.
Business News Wales
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
South Wales Print Firm Paves Way for Growth as Development Bank Supports MBO
(L-R) Bob Adams; Sam Macalister-Smith, Development Bank of Wales;' Shaun Davies; Darren Coxon; Tom Dean A management buy-out (MBO) part-funded with a significant equity investment from the Development Bank of Wales has ensured continuity for Ferndale-based Screentec, as the print business prepares for future growth. Screentec, which employs 26 people locally, has been a trusted supplier of high-quality screen, digital, and large format printing solutions since 1997. Based in the Rhondda Valley, the company has built a reputation for quality and innovation, with clients in sectors including manufacturing, construction and professional services. The equity investment from the Development Bank has enabled the founding directors David Dean and Darren James to pursue other business interests. The new ownership team is led by Tom Dean as Managing Director, along with Shaun Davies as Operations Director and Bob Adams as Finance Director. The team are joined by Darren Coxon, previously of the Pensord Group, as a non-executive Chair. The Ferndale-based firm has plans to grow its team with four new jobs, bringing its total workforce up to 30. Tom Dean, Managing Director at Screentec, said the completion of the MBO would allow the business to focus on driving growth under the new leadership team, with plans to increase market share in South Wales and expand into new client sectors. He added: 'The MBO will allow us to build on the strong foundations already in place and accelerate our plans to grow the business further. With the support of our dedicated team and loyal client base, we're in a great position to take Screentec into its next phase. 'We're also very grateful to the support we had from the Development Bank of Wales in helping to complete the transaction smoothly, and supporting us throughout the transaction. We look forward to working with them as we continue our growth plans.' Darren Coxon, new non-executive Chair at Screentec, said: 'Screentec has an excellent reputation, and I'm delighted to have been appointed as Chair to help the team achieve their immediate and longer-term objectives. 'The drive and determination shown by the new leadership team to date is infectious and I'm certain that through innovation and hard work we'll see the company grow in strength and numbers.' Sam Macalister-Smith, speaking on behalf of the Development Bank, said: 'We had no hesitation in supporting the Screentec team on their journey. The business has a proven track record, a strong market presence, and a clear strategy for growth – exactly the kind of company we're proud to support. 'With a fresh yet experienced perspective, the new team has a keen focus on future growth, and we're pleased to have supported them with this investment.' He added: 'We'd like to thank Richard Jones and his team at Blake Morgan for advising us on this investment.' The funding for Screentec came from the Wales Management Succession Fund . Financed by Welsh Government and the Clwyd Pension Fund, it provides support to management teams looking to buy out businesses, with loans and equity investments between £500,000 and £3 million available. Terms range from one to seven years. For more information, visit
Business News Wales
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Celebrating Pride Cymru: A Commitment to Inclusivity and Positive Change
I'm looking forward to joining my colleagues at the Development Bank of Wales in celebrating Pride Cymru in Cardiff this weekend. Events like Pride Cymru hold real significance, standing as a beacon of visibility, unity, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. They remind us that equality is not a passive ideal but something that must be continuously nurtured and defended. Whether through the efforts of campaigning individuals or the support of public institutions and large employers, Pride embodies the power of solidarity and progress. Throughout my time at the Development Bank of Wales, since starting with Finance Wales in 2002, I have been incredibly proud of how we embrace equality, diversity, and inclusivity. These values are not just words in a strategy document but are actively embedded in everything we do, shaping our workplace, our partnerships, and the communities that we serve. From the support we provide to our employees and colleagues to the entrepreneurs and business owners that we fund, we champion fairness, accountability, and transparency. The Development Bank is more than just a financial institution—we are a force for positive change, using our influence to foster an environment where everyone can thrive. Our commitment to ethics and social responsibility drives us to be purposefully engaged in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. It's not just about business; it's about doing what's right. This commitment is clearly reflected in our recruitment strategies. In 2024/25, one-fifth of all our new starters came from ethnic minority backgrounds—well above the national average of six per cent. It's this kind of intentional inclusivity that matters, not just for our workforce but for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. When organisations take active steps to build diverse workplaces, they send a powerful message: You are seen, valued, and supported. We also recognise that true inclusion goes beyond hiring; it's about continuous growth and development. That's why we prioritise personal and professional growth. Being named one of the UK's Best Workplaces for 2025 by Great Place to Work was a proud moment for us, as was receiving their Development Award—a recognition of our commitment to helping employees become the best version of themselves. One shining example of how we support diversity in business is Freya Curtis, a determined 21-year-old entrepreneur who opened Merthyr Tydfil's first LGBTQ+ themed bar, Sparkles, with the help of a £35,000 loan from the Development Bank. Sparkles, which hosts live shows, karaoke nights, and drag performances, has quickly become a popular space for the local community—providing not only entertainment but also a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Through her vision, Freya has created a hub of celebration and connection while generating local jobs, demonstrating how empowered entrepreneurs can make a real difference. The Development Bank of Wales is more than just a workplace; it's a place where people, businesses, and communities flourish. As we come together for Pride Cymru, I'm reminded that progress is never a solo journey—it's a collective effort. By celebrating diversity, amplifying voices, and standing up for what's right, we move forward, together. I am proud to be part of that journey. You can find out more about the Development Bank at
Business News Wales
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Tredegar Business Transitions to New Ownership with Development Bank Equity Backing
John Babalola, Development Bank of Wales; Dominic Thew, Atal; Scott Hughes, Development Bank of Wales. Dominic Thew, general manager of Tredegar-based Atal UK, has completed a management buy-out of a structural and basement waterproofing business in a deal that has been part-funded by a seven-figure debt and equity investment from the Development Bank of Wales. Atal UK was established in 2012. Based on the Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate, the company now employs 19 people and provides structural and basement waterproofing services along with ground gas protection solutions for architects, contractors and groundworkers throughout the UK. Dominic joined Atal in 2015. He will take over from business founder David Rees. Dominic Thew said: 'I've worked alongside David over the last ten years to help build Atal as a leading UK provider of structural and basement waterproofing services. Using the most advanced materials available, we offer a comprehensive range of value driven and cost-effective bespoke solutions for individual projects. We also provide expert onsite training with regular site inspections to help the installers throughout the work. 'We have always invested in our people who have played an important role in our journey to date. As a team, most of whom are local, we're proud of our reputation where we encourage one another to grow themselves and now look forward to growing the business alongside the support of Simon as our new Chair and the Development Bank as our investment partner.' Scott Hughes, Senior Investment Executive with the Development Bank, worked on the deal alongside Investment Executive John Babalola. Scott said: 'It's great to be able to support a long-standing employee to take the reins at Atal, an established business providing essential, legally-required services to the construction industry. This buyout not only preserves the company's legacy, but also safeguards jobs and ensures continued service excellence for their clients.' The deal was also supported by Alex Butler at Geldards; Stephen Thompson at Darwin Gray; and Tanya Wilson, formerly of Haines Watts. The investment by the Development Bank came from the £25 million Wales Management Succession Fund. Financed by Welsh Government and the Clwyd Pension Fund, loans and equity investments between £500,000 and £3 million are available for management teams seeking to own and run their own business. Terms range from one to seven years.
Cambrian News
10-06-2025
- Business
- Cambrian News
Six-figure investment gets cliff railway back on track
Robert Gray, Director of Constitution Hill Limited said: 'Our railway is an iconic attraction and an important part of local heritage. It's enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year, most of whom go on to spend time and money in the local area. The support of Welsh Government and the funding from the Development Bank has made the biggest difference to the future sustainability of the railway; allowing us to carry out essential maintenance work and invest in our facilities for the benefit of local people and visitors alike.'
