1st Stop Group has joined London Stock Exchange Group’s international business support and capital raising ecosystem, ELITE.

1st Stop Group offers car finance loans, secured second charge mortgages and unsecured personal loans.

It employs 170 people across offices in Blackpool, Durham and Manchester and is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Alex Mollart, CEO and founder, said: “Joining the ELITE community allows us to become part of an extensive ecosystem of entrepreneurs, advisers, investors and stakeholders to help continue to grow our business.”

Umerah Akram, head of ELITE UK, London Stock Exchange, added: “I’m excited to present the latest group of UK companies to join ELITE, a clear demonstration of the country’s ability to grow great businesses. These companies drive innovation, employment, and create opportunities for us all.

“ELITE is committed to giving the British business stars of the future the very best chance to succeed, providing them with access to appropriate expertise and capital. It is a unique, strong community of the best and most dynamic entrepreneurs, advisers, investors and business school academics from the UK, Europe and around the world.”