Latest news with #DevelopmentBank
Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Development Bank Backs Captains' Training and Mentorship Platform From Top Sporting Leaders
Ria Burrage-Male, Captains Clubhouse; Chris Stork, Development Bank of Wales; Vicki Sutton, Captains Clubhouse Two Welsh elite sportswomen have launched a new business to support and upskill sports captains across the UK and beyond. The pair has been backed by a £20,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales. Captains Clubhouse is a world-first global platform dedicated to growing and supporting sports teams' captains, vice-captains and aspiring captains at every level, from amateur clubs to international professionals. Founders Ria Burrage-Male and Vicki Sutton have years of experience in the sports sector, including serving as team captains themselves, along with backgrounds in leadership, mentoring and consulting. Ria is founder of KIBO Group and owner of Aberdare Feet podiatry. She is also a trustee of Cymru Women's Sport and former CEO of Hockey Wales, while Vicki is a member of the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) Woman's Rugby Committee, and a former CEO of Wales Netball and Cardiff Dragons Netball. Through the Captains Clubhouse platform, the duo will connect members to a global community of sporting peers, and offer captaincy tools, training and support networks to boost their performance on and off the field, court or pitch. It also offers guidance on team dynamics, decision-making, emotional intelligence and more, as well as exclusive recorded interviews with veteran captains. The £20,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales will allow Vicki and Ria to invest in content creation and marketing for Captains Clubhouse. Vicki Sutton said: 'This is the only platform of its kind that we know of. We couldn't find anything that was similarly global or pan-sport, going from grass roots sporting right up to the elite.' The duo realised the potential of the Captains Clubhouse platform after trialling it with 25 sporting professionals as part of a pilot. Vicki said: 'We had a lot of people on the pilot, and they said they couldn't believe no-one had thought of something like it before. We realised it would be an exciting opportunity – but we also recognised people wouldn't know they needed it until we started it.' She added: 'Both Ria and I have spent money and time ourselves to get the business to a good starting position, but we knew we needed more support to take it further. The Development Bank was the perfect solution to what we needed. We're both quite determined and like getting stuff done quickly. It suited ours needs brilliantly.' Chris Stork, Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: 'Ria and Vicki are doing fantastic work in an area which is largely untapped. The services they provide bring together sporting captains to provide them with catered support and training, improving themselves and the teams they lead.' The Development Bank offers micro loans from £1,000 to £100,000, with fixed interest rates for the duration of a loan, flexible terms and fast-track applications available. For more information, visit Development Bank of Wales – Micro Loans
Business News Wales
31-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Investment Specialists Join the Board of the Development Bank of Wales
Annie Ropar, Non-Executive Director; Giles Thorley, Chief Executive; Sally Bridgeland, Chair; Paul Oldham, Non-Executive Director Leading UK finance specialists Annie Ropar and Paul Oldham have joined the Board of the Development Bank of Wales as Non-Executive Directors. Annie is Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of the National Wealth Fund. She was previously one of the first employees of the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), joining as its inaugural Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer. Annie also spent five years with Aequitas NEO Exchange Inc. (now CBOE Canada), and nine years with Royal Bank of Canada's Capital Markets arm, where her career spanned finance, private equity and the institutional equity trading business. Paul Oldham is a Portfolio Director and Investment Committee member of equity investment company BGF. He joined BGF in May 2011 and established and managed the company's offices in Bristol, Cardiff and Reading. He previously worked as a private equity investor for 16 years with 3i and LDC. Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG, Paul's career has also included a period of six years as a Partner with Grant Thornton during which time he led the firm's South West and South Wales corporate finance advisory team. Honorary Group Captain Sally Bridgeland is Chair of the Development Bank. She said: 'I'm delighted to welcome Annie and Paul as Board members at this exciting time for the Development Bank of Wales. With over £2 billion in funds under management and a portfolio of more than 3,600 businesses, our influence is growing and reaching deeper into communities across Wales. 'The Development Bank has become a vital link between institutional investors and local enterprises—bridging the gap and unlocking opportunities for partnership between the public and private sectors. I firmly believe collaboration is the cornerstone of sustainable growth, and with these new appointments, we are further strengthening our position as a trusted partner to Welsh businesses, investors and communities.' Paul Oldham said: 'The Development Bank is widely respected as the leading provider of sustainable and effective finance for Welsh businesses. The business model ensures Welsh taxpayer funds are treated responsibly without compromising ambition while the early-stage support for high-potential ventures is preparing companies like Development Bank-backed Coincover and Space Forge to compete on the global stage. 'I'm looking forward to what I am sure will be a deeply rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of SMEs across Wales by guiding funding decisions that enable startups, scale-ups, and communities to thrive.' Annie Ropar added: 'The Development Bank of Wales is a catalyst for local innovation, job creation, and economic balance. With a focus on sustainable economic growth, we have the potential to transform regions by unlocking talent, building ecosystems, and levelling up opportunity where it's needed most. I saw the difference that this approach made in Canada during my time with the Canada Infrastructure Bank and it is now also at the heart of the work that we're doing at the National Wealth Fund. I'm excited about bringing this experience to Wales and doing what I can to encourage collaboration and maximise the impact of private investment alongside public finance for the people of Wales.' As a public finance institution owned by the Welsh Government, the Development Bank of Wales provides loans and equity for Welsh businesses, people and communities in support of the Government's wider policy objectives including the transition to a low-carbon economy and the development of new homes and commercial property. £959 million has been invested in SME businesses and property developers by the Development Bank since its launch in 2017. The Development Bank now has £2 billion in funds under management and a portfolio of more than 3,600 small business customers. Debt and equity funding totalling £152 million helped 502 businesses to create and safeguard 6,185 jobs across Wales during 2024/25.
Observer
27-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Development Bank loan approvals rise 13% to RO 110 million in H1 2025
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, JULY 27 Development Bank has approved 3,716 loans worth RO 110 million ($286 million) during the first six months of 2025, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects the bank's commitment to supporting Oman Vision 2040 by promoting economic diversification and strengthening the private sector across the country. 'The loans and programs we provide contribute substantial added value to our national economy,' said Hamad al Harthi, MSME Chief & Portfolio Management, Development Bank. 'We're helping meet food security requirements, reduce reliance on imports and encourage entrepreneurs to pursue new opportunities.' The bank's success stems from its tailored approach that recognizes the unique needs of businesses at different stages of development. 'We craft solutions that align with their business strategies,' Al Harthi explained, enabling both start-ups and established companies to grow and expand their operations. Building on this comprehensive strategy, H1 financing was distributed across key economic sectors that drive national development. Manufacturing received the largest allocation at RO 38 million ($99 million) reflecting the sector's important role in reducing import dependence. General professional services attracted RO 19 million ($49 million) while traditional sectors also saw strong support with fisheries receiving RO 14 million ($36 million), agriculture RO9 million ($23 million) and mining RO8 million ($21 million). This sector-focused approach was matched by broad geographical reach across Oman. Muscat Governorate received RO 25 million ($65 million) while regional development was supported through considerable allocations to North Al Batinah at RO18 million ($47 million) and South Al Sharqiyah at RO 14 million ($36 million). South Al Batinah received RO 11 million ($29 million) and Al Wusta Governorate RO8 million ($21 million) ensuring development opportunities reach communities nationwide. The increased lending demonstrates the bank's commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and SMEs to large corporates. This approach enables entrepreneurs to implement projects across growth-driving sectors while maximizing local value creation and contributing to Oman's strategic economic goals. As part of a broader ecosystem of government organizations aligned with Oman Vision 2040, Development Bank continues to provide support and incentives to strengthen national industries and promote in-country value. 'Our shared goal is sustainable and inclusive progress,' Al Harthi concluded. 'We're proud that our support is helping ambitious, growing companies fulfill their potential while driving economic transformation.' Development Bank (DB) is a key enabler of economic growth, providing innovative financing solutions to support Oman's Vision 2040 and the transition to a diversified, sustainable economy. DB offers tailored financial products and services to a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy, health, education and logistics, focusing on projects that drive in-country value and job creation. Caption: H1 financing was distributed across key economic sectors that drive national development.
Muscat Daily
27-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Development Bank approves loans worth RO110mn during H1 2025
Muscat – Oman's Development Bank approved 3,716 loans worth RO110mn during the first half of 2025, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects the bank's ongoing commitment to supporting Oman Vision 2040 by promoting economic diversification and strengthening the private sector across the country. 'The loans and programmes we provide contribute significant added value to our national economy,' said Hamad al Harthi, MSME Chief & Portfolio Management at Development Bank. 'We're helping to meet food security requirements, reduce reliance on imports, and encourage entrepreneurs to pursue new opportunities.' The bank's success stems from its tailored approach, which recognises the unique needs of businesses at various stages of development. 'We craft solutions that align with their business strategies,' Harthi explained, enabling both start-ups and established companies to grow and expand their operations. As part of this comprehensive strategy, H1 2025 financing was distributed across key economic sectors driving national development. Manufacturing received the largest allocation at RO38mn, reflecting the sector's critical role in reducing import dependence. General professional services attracted RO19mn, while traditional sectors also received strong support, with fisheries receiving RO14mn, agriculture RO9mn, and mining RO8mn. This sector-focused strategy was complemented by a broad geographical reach across Oman. Muscat Governorate received RO25mn, while regional development was supported through significant allocations to North Al Batinah at RO18mn and South Al Sharqiyah at RO14mn. South Al Batinah received RO11mn, and Al Wusta Governorate RO8mn—ensuring development opportunities reach communities nationwide. The increased lending demonstrates the Development Bank's commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and SMEs to large corporates. This inclusive approach enables entrepreneurs to implement projects across growth-driving sectors while maximising local value creation and contributing to Oman's strategic economic objectives. As part of a broader ecosystem of government institutions aligned with Oman Vision 2040, Development Bank continues to provide support and incentives aimed at strengthening national industries and promoting in-country value. 'Our shared goal is sustainable and inclusive progress,' Harthi said. 'We're proud that our support is helping ambitious, growing companies fulfil their potential while driving economic transformation.'
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.
