Is your business at the point of significant expansion, and looking to secure investment to grow?
The Investing in Growth programme is designed to help SMEs in Worcestershire to secure the necessary funding required to initiate significant expansion projects. Funded through the European Regional Development Fund, Worcestershire County Council and district councils, the programme provides 18 hours of Investment Readiness advice and support at no cost to the SME. The County Council have appointed local financial specialists, John Painter and Ian Priest as delivery partners to guide businesses towards securing investment through one-to-one consultancy and workshops.
Working with SMEs trading business to business, John and Ian can work with the management team to find the most appropriate investment option and advise on the best way to present the business to secure the funds.
John and Ian have both found through their own in-depth experience that often businesses approach banks and financial lending organisations for funding but don’t always have the right business plans and information required to approach lenders. This programme offers the opportunity for businesses to gain an insight and receive help in preparing to access financial funding and approach lenders in a stronger position from the start.
John Painter, Partner at Haines Watts in Worcester, has been helping SME business owners to manage and grow their businesses for over 30 years. John offers participating businesses practical
support through a blend of coaching and consultancy aimed at providing answers and giving businesses the direction to grow. John’s experience means he can offer businesses an understanding to implement their growth aims.
“The support we received was very practical as helped put a proposal together that lenders where easily able to digest and understand”
James O’Donnell, Managing Director, Rift Technology
Ian Priest has worked in banking across Worcestershire since 1986 and has a strong understanding from both the lender and also the business owner. Ian’s knowledge of the region’s strengths and opportunities for growth, helps him offer businesses support in the right areas. The insight that Ian provides to businesses who access the 18 hours of free support, primarily helps them to both source funding and then present their case to potential lenders and investors, in a way that they can easily digest and understand.
To find out more visit: www.business-central.co.uk/investing-in-growth/
Receive 18 hours fully funded Investment Readiness Support
To support Worcestershire SMEs to become investor ready and access appropriate funds…
The 18 hours fully funded support may include:
- Support on what’s required to approach business and financial lenders
- Advice on potential types and likely cost of funding (equity, debt or a combination)
- Help to fund working capital by managing cashflow
- Introductions to potential investors
- Advice on preparation of an investor engagement plan
- Preparation and final approval of all financial material
- Business planning to capitalise on new opportunities
- Analysis of financing requirements
Eligibility: To qualify your business must be an SME located in Worcestershire, be trading “Business to Business” and have the potential to expand your business.