A FINANCE provider which has injected more than £90 million into growing enterprises was crowned the winner of the inaugural Corporate Investment Award.

In this financial year alone, Finance Yorkshire has invested more than £29 million in regional businesses through its Seedcorn, Business Loan and Equity Linked Investments.

Providing between £15,000 to £2 million, its funding is designed to help small to medium sized businesses meet the gaps in the market for the funding they need to grow and develop.

Overall, Finance Yorkshire investments to date have created and safeguarded 10,196 jobs across Yorkshire and the Humber, increased turnover by £309 million and generated private sector leverage of £179 million.

Judges said: "Finance Yorkshire has clearly demonstrated that they have made a huge impact to the York and North Yorkshire Region by providing finance and business support across a range of sectors and a substantial number of transactions."

Suzanne Tinkler, from Finance Yorkshire, said: "As of December 2014, Finance Yorkshire has invested £90 million and is continuing to invest in Yorkshire SMEs.

“At the same time, we expect regional job figures and turnover to increase still further as companies exploit the investment already secured from our fund.

“Over the last 12 months, Finance Yorkshire has made a raft of investments in North Yorkshire companies which have generated business growth, created jobs and increased profitability, helping to boost the local economy."