Lloyds makes £2.5 billion finance commitment for West Midlands firms

Lloyds Banking Group has announced £2.5 billion of new finance available to businesses across the West Midlands in 2026.

This forms part of the banking group’s plan to make over £35 billion of new finance available to companies operating and investing across the UK in 2026.

New research from Lloyds’ Business Barometer reveals 92 per cent of businesses have a clear view of their biggest opportunities for growth.

Businesses identified investing in their workforce, developing new products or services, and introducing new technology as their leading growth drivers over the next six months. 

Dave Atkinson (pictured), regional director for the West Midlands at Lloyds, said: “Lloyds Banking Group is proud to make £2.5 billion of new finance available for local firms in the West Midlands, helping them grow their business, invest in innovation and create new jobs. 

“Whether it’s supporting a small company taking its first step into exporting, or a larger firm scaling up to meet growing demand, we’re committed to helping businesses turn their potential into growth.” 

Firms across the West Midlands are already benefitting from Lloyds’ support. 

Staffordshire-based Autosmart International secured £36 million from Lloyds to complete a management buyout and fund its next phase of growth.

The manufacturer supplies professional vehicle cleaning products to customers across eight countries through a franchise network of around 300 showrooms.    

Justin Woodman, group managing director at Autosmart International, said: “We’re proud of our British manufacturing heritage and our franchise partnership model, and we’re investing in the people, systems and more sustainable ways of working that will help us grow.