# UK regional business investment and funding > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-regional-business-investment-and-funding > Updated: 2026-10-12T03:40:35.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. The British Business Bank has implemented various funding initiatives to support high-growth businesses through its Nations and Regions Investment Funds programme. In Northern England, more than £57 million has been allocated to five Innovation Clusters, including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the North East, the Liverpool City Region, and South Yorkshire. This investment, managed by NPIF II equity fund managers, targets sectors such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences to bridge capital access gaps. An evaluation by SQW Ltd suggests these funds are successfully improving finance access for smaller businesses. For example, the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland has facilitated £44 million in deals, while NPIF II has supported over 400 businesses with nearly £275 million. However, despite these developments, some business leaders in Yorkshire report that the Government’s Industrial Strategy could provide more support for innovation, citing barriers such as financial constraints and skills gaps. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: UK regional investment funds improve business access to finance An evaluation of the British Business Bank’s investment funds shows improved finance access in Northern Ireland and Northern England, though Yorkshire businesses call for better innovation support. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-regional-investment-funds-improve-business-access-to-finance ### 2026-10-07: British Business Bank allocates £57m to Northern England Innovation Clusters The British Business Bank has allocated over £57 million to five Innovation Clusters in Northern England to support high-growth sectors like clean energy and digital technologies. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/british-business-bank-allocates-57m-to-northern-england-innovation-clusters --- Cite as: UK regional business investment and funding. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-regional-business-investment-and-funding