This grassroots investment has contributed significantly to the local economy, helping create or safeguard more than 2,000 jobs and generating more than £80 million in economic benefit across Cumbria, North Yorkshire, North Lancashire and parts of County Durham.
At its heart, Enterprise Answers is driven by relationships. As Grahame Latus, who has been the organisation’s chief executive since its inception, explains: “Finance is all about relationships. Listening to people and understanding their story is key to providing meaningful support.”
This ethos has shaped the organisation’s approach by prioritising personal engagement over rigid financial metrics.
“What might seem impossible on paper or to a computer check list can be totally different in reality when you can see that people have the drive, ambition and skills to ensure it is a success,” says Grahame.
Founded in 2005 as a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), Enterprise Answers emerged from two years of research into the financial challenges faced by rural businesses in Cumbria. Originally envisioned as a 16-month pilot, the initiative is celebrating 20 years of impact in 2025. Its flexible funding model has supported more than 540 client deals for rural businesses including Cumbria Crystal, Delkia and Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese.
Enterprise Answers does not compete with mainstream banks but complements them, often stepping in to support SMEs when traditional lenders hesitate due to market conditions or lack of collateral.
“We’re looking at the bigger picture,” says Grahame. “We’re not just lending money, we’re part of the long-term journey. Our role is to create opportunities and unlock potential. We are here to support businesses which in turn make a positive contribution to the economy, creating jobs and helping support strong communities.”
Enterprise Answers is a British Business Bank accredited institution and works closely with business advisors, local authorities, accountants and organisations such as Cumbria Chamber of Commerce. They provide loans to established SME businesses across Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire. As a social enterprise, its profits are re-invested to further its social aims.
Unique business lending:
- Finance for businesses which have been trading for at least two years
- Loans of up to £150,000 available at competitive rates with terms of up to six years
- Arrangement fee is payable but no fees for early redemption of loans
- Enterprise Answers is an accredited lender under the Government’s Growth Guarantee Scheme
- Tangible security may be required.
To find out more visit Enterprise Answers or call 01768 867118
Client testimonial
Grahame Latus, Enterprise Answers: “We’ve been with H&H Insurance Brokers for over five years. Professional indemnity insurance was difficult to source because our business doesn’t fit neatly into the usual categories but they found a policy that works perfectly for us.
“We have an excellent working relationship with their team, they’re approachable, easy to talk to, and take the time to understand our needs and how we operate. It was important to us to work with a local business and H&H Insurance Brokers delivered exactly what we were looking for.”