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BCRS Business Loans Appoints Banking Veteran Rachel Davies as New Head of Credit

By Lauren Towner · 6 July 2026

In brief: BCRS Business Loans has appointed Rachel Davies, formerly of NatWest and Barclays, as Head of Credit to lead lending decisions for SMEs in the West Midlands and Wales.

Key facts
Loan Range£10,000 to £250,000
Target RegionsWest Midlands and Wales
Experience Level30+ years in finance
Press Release: BCRS Business Loans Appoints Banking Veteran Rachel Davies as New Head of Credit | Featured Image by FF News

Quick Summary

BCRS Business Loans has appointed Rachel Davies as Head of Credit to enhance its business loans provider capabilities. With 30 years of experience, Davies will oversee credit sanctioning to help SMEs in the West Midlands and Wales access vital funding that traditional banks often decline.

How Does Rachel Davies Strengthen BCRS Business Loans?

Rachel Davies joins BCRS with a formidable background, bringing over 30 years of experience from Tier-1 institutions like NatWest and Barclays. As a dedicated business loans provider, BCRS relies on expert credit assessment to bridge the funding gap for SMEs. Davies will lead the credit sanctioning process, ensuring that viable businesses receive the capital necessary for growth.

  • Extensive banking expertise from major UK high-street lenders.
  • Strategic deal sanctioning to streamline the application-to-funding pipeline.
  • Support for regional economies across the West Midlands and Wales.

What Funding Options are Available for Local Businesses?

BCRS Business Loans operates as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), focusing on businesses that struggle to secure traditional bank finance. By acting as a specialized business loans provider, the organization offers flexible capital solutions tailored to social and economic wellbeing. This appointment ensures that lending decisions remain robust yet accessible for underserved entrepreneurs.

  • Loan values ranging from £10,000 to £250,000.
  • Non-profit cooperative model reinvesting in local communities.
  • Focus on recovery and long-term business expansion plans.

Rachel said: “I am excited to be joining BCRS Business Loans, having seen in my previous roles how they support businesses to grow and strengthen local communities. Their commitment to helping small businesses access finance where others have been unable to really stood out to me." said Rachel Davies, Head of Credit at BCRS Business Loans.

How Does This Appointment Impact the West Midlands Economy?

The addition of a high-caliber Head of Credit allows BCRS to scale its impact during a period of high market demand. By leveraging Davies' deep understanding of small business needs, BCRS can more effectively deploy capital into the regional economy, supporting jobs and local innovation where mainstream channels fall short.

BCRS Business Loans chief executive Stephen Deakin added: “Rachel's appointment comes at an important time for BCRS Business Loans as we continue to see strong demand from businesses across the West Midlands and Wales that are struggling to access finance through mainstream channels. Her experience, combined with a genuine understanding of what smaller businesses need to grow, make her a fantastic addition to the team." said Stephen Deakin, Chief Executive of BCRS Business Loans.

FF NEWS TAKE:

The appointment of Rachel Davies as Head of Credit at BCRS Business Loans definitely moves the needle for regional SME lending. By hiring a veteran from Barclays and NatWest, BCRS signals its intent to combine institutional-grade credit rigor with the flexibility of a CDFI. As a business loans provider, BCRS is positioning itself as a critical alternative to traditional banks, ensuring that the West Midlands' economic engine remains fueled despite tightening mainstream credit conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the new Head of Credit at BCRS Business Loans?

Rachel Davies has been appointed as the new Head of Credit at BCRS Business Loans. She brings over 30 years of experience in the finance sector, having previously held senior roles at major UK banks including NatWest and Barclays.

What size loans does BCRS Business Loans provide?

BCRS Business Loans provides funding ranging from £10,000 to £250,000. These loans are specifically designed for businesses in the West Midlands and Wales that are struggling to access finance through traditional mainstream lenders.

What is the role of a Head of Credit at BCRS?

The Head of Credit, Rachel Davies, will be responsible for sanctioning deals and supporting the business development team. Her role is vital in making lending decisions that help local businesses grow while supporting the wider regional economy.

About the companies

BCRS Business Loans

Website · 1 story on FF News since 2026

Responsible Finance

Website · 2 stories on FF News since 2024

Previously on FF News:

NatWest Group

Website · 225 stories and 62 video interviews on FF News since 2019

Previously on FF News:

Companies in this story: BCRS Business Loans, Barclays Bank Plc, Responsible Finance, NatWest Group

People in this story: Rachel Davies, Stephen Deakin

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