Funding business growth for over 40 years
One of the first things I noticed when I joined BFS was the passion our teams have for helping SMEs to grow. This isn’t just work – it’s something we really care about.
We believe every business has the potential to grow. They just need the right support around them to make this happen.
BFS was formed over 40 years ago, and since this time, the needs of our customers have changed significantly. Though the way in which we help SMEs to grow has also changed, our commitment to going the extra mile in helping SMEs to take on new orders, expand into new markets or take advantage of new opportunities has been consistent.
We’re not content with simply funding businesses. We’re committed to working with them to overcome barriers to growth, putting into practice our 40 years’ of experience so that we can succeed together. It’s for this reason we recruit, develop and keep great people who live our values and demonstrate a passion for supporting our customers every day.
We want to contribute positively to local communities and play our part in creating a sustainable future for generations to come. We’re one team connecting and collaborating with the world around us to work towards better outcomes for all.
It’s this belief in a wider purpose of business that drives us forward and enables us to positively connect with our customers, and the communities in which will live and work
Jonathan Andrew
Our support for business
- Formed in 1982, we’re one of the UK’s largest independent SME funders
- We’re part of the Bibby Line Group, a family-owned business formed in 1807
- We support SMEs across 9 countries throughout Europe and Asia, funding more than 8,500 businesses in 300 industry sectors worldwide
- We manage more than £6bn in turnover each year on behalf of our clients
- We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot and have a client satisfaction rating of 87%
- Our Compass initiative focuses on our commitment to responsible business practices
Our purpose
Business finance can be complicated, but what we do is simple in reality:
“Guided by our family values, we make SME ambitions possible by providing reliable, accessible and future focused financial solutions.”
Our values
Work Together
Be Better
Be Innovative
Do the Right Thing
Trust Each Other
Who we are
A highly customer-centred business partner providing access to flexible finance and working capital solutions that enable SMEs to thrive and grow.
Why we exist
The backbone of our communities, we’re here to be a constant, professional and reliable partner for SMEs in need of flexible financial solutions.
What we do
We offer trustworthy, professional financial partnering and business companionship to SMEs.
We provide SMEs high quality, competitive, access to flexible and tailored finance in any season and for every business stage.
How we do it?
Our DNA - a long established family business
Our local community impact - a global business with a local touch
Our people - colleagues empowered by our highly inclusive, continuous improvement-led and collaborative culture
Our history
When we started
1982
Bibby Line Group establishes a factoring business in Liverpool
Founded in 1807, the group is one of the longest established family businesses in the UK
A new era
1985
The birth of a new financial services business
The factoring business is migrated to a wholly owned subsidiary named Bibby Financial Services
New offices
2002
New offices opened on two different continents
Bibby Financial Services opens in Poland and North America
Expanding globally
2006
Office openings in France and Ireland
During 2005-06 offices open in Lyon and Dublin
Eastern Europe
2007
Launching in Eastern Europe
Czech Republic and Slovakia offices open
Expansion in Europe
2008
New European premises and acquisitions
A new office is opened in Dusseldorf, Germany, while the business completes several company acquisitions
Asia
2012
Expansion in Asia
Bibby Financial Services launches in Singapore
Expansion in the Netherlands
2015
New offices opened in the Netherlands
Bibby Financial Services also launches its Foreign Exchange service in the UK
Expanding our support for SMEs
2023
Launch of Marine Finance
BFS Marine Finance opens its doors.
Today
2025
Today, we support 8,500 business worldwide
We're celebrating over 40 years of helping businesses to survive, thrive and grow
Is BFS right for you?
Approach
Provide our clients with a personal, relationship based approach with technology to support
Growth
Enable clients to access the funding they need, when they need it so they can grow
Culture
Create a culture and environment in which colleagues can grow and develop
Communication
Be honest and clear in all of our communications
Contribute
Positively contribute to the community in which we work