Independent invoice finance provider Bibby Financial Services has developed relationships with 130 SMEs since setting up shop in Birmingham towards the end of 2014.

The firm announce it has also boosted funding to Midland companies by £20 million in the first half of 2015.

BFS opened its West Midlands Business Centre in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District in October 2014.

Jim Davis, head of sales for BFS West Midlands, said: “The West Midlands is a hotbed for entrepreneurship and we’re delighted we have been able to support so many businesses in the area with our funding.

“Over recent years the region’s central location and supporting infrastructure links to the rest of the UK have put it firmly on the map as an area for inward investment.

“Our local presence means we can offer hands-on support to the region’s army of SMEs and business advisers.”

Mr Davis said BFS’s figures were a sign SMEs in the region were looking more widely when it comes to securing funding to grow their businesses.

He added: “Gone are the days when banks would be the first and only port of call for businesses looking for finance. “SMEs are now looking for more flexible sources of funding to grow, including invoice finance.”

BFS’s Midlands team of 11 is based in Bank House.