News and Upcoming Events

North West-based Aerospace Engineering Tooling & Defence (AETD) is set to accelerate its growth plans after securing two five-figure loans from the British Business Bank, delivered by GC Business Finance (GCBF). These include a loan from NPIF II – GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans, which is managed by the consortium as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, alongside funding through the Start Up Loans (SUL) programme.

Manchester-based battery specialist, Cellerate, has achieved a period of sustained growth with turnover increasing 60% following a £100,000 loan from NPIF – River & GC Microfinance, managed by GC Business Finance in partnership with River Capital as part of the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). 

Disruptive marketing agency, Hussel, has secured funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II to help launch a first-of-its-kind Mobile Disruption Unit - a vehicle built for experiential campaigns, live events and brand activations.

GC Business Finance (GCBF) and River Capital have delivered £1.83m in the 2025/26 financial year through NPIF II - GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans, which is managed by the consortium as part of Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Revive Clean, a Leigh-based cleaning business specialising in student accommodation, residential and commercial cleaning, has secured a £25,000 loan from the NPIF II – GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans, which is managed by GC Business Finance on behalf of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Two years on from its launch, the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) is continuing to build momentum across the North of England, having supported more than 400 ambitious businesses and facilitated almost £275m of investment.