One of the UK's fastest growing peer-to-peer business lenders has opened a new branch in Tewkesbury and expects to introduce over £20million in finance to an estimated 100 businesses in its first year.

Folk2Folk's new branch in Church Street is the third opening from the Cornwall-based company, which was launched in 2013, and will create four local jobs to service local business owners looking for a loan or customers looking to invest.

CEO Jane Dumeresque said, "We are delighted to become part of the local business community in Tewkesbury and Gloucestershire.

"Our mission is to help local businesses get access to the finance they need to grow by matching them to local investors in a quick, simple and personal process.

"By establishing a local presence, we can encourage the local community to invest through Folk2Folk to help local business owners prosper and thrive.

"We believe it's always more interesting and reassuring when an investor can see what exciting project their money is supporting."

Picture: Mayor of Tewkesbury Gill Blackwell opening the new branch of Folk2Folk in Tewkesbury