As businesses respond to changes in the global economy it can be daunting to consider taking on investment. To coincide with the British Business Bank’s Finance Week, Knowsley’s Business Growth Team has developed this event as a timely opportunity to listen to the latest advice and information from finance specialists and pose them questions. There will also be a number of organisations on hand to talk one to one about some of the grants, loans and practical support available to businesses.

The event is aimed at established businesses within Knowsley and is designed to take attendees on an investment journey from concept to completion. The speakers will give an overview of the investment landscape and the importance of being prepared and ‘investment ready’ before pursuing finance. With many years’ investment and banking experience, speakers will provide an insight into how businesses can improve their chances of realising their investment plans. This opportunity is not to be missed if your business is seeking to grow and wants to discover how to pitch plans and ambitions to investors.

Key themes will be:

• How do I make my business ‘investment ready’?
• What should I consider when exploring investment for my business?
• Alongside the banks, who are the main investors in Liverpool City Region? How does their approach differ from a bank?
• What does the application process involve and how long does it take?
• Would I need to use specialist advisors to help prepare my application?
• Can I get support with low carbon and energy saving projects?
• I am worried about taking out business finance in the current financial climate. What support can investors offer if things don’t go to plan?
• What are the common pitfalls when applying for government schemes?

Guest Speakers will include: George Wright – Liverpool City Region Finance Hub

The Liverpool City Region Finance Hub is a free gateway for SME’s wishing to access funding, their aim is to simplify the whole process of attracting investment whether that be by debt or equity

George had 31 years’ banking experience prior to joining and setting up the Finance Hub in 2017. As an Investment Manager within the Finance Hub, he has helped numerous businesses source funding and has coached owners through the process of becoming ‘investment ready’ with a primary focus on financial forecasting.

Jeff Cummins – River Capital

River Capital is a Fund Management company which helps ambitious small and medium sized businesses to accelerate their growth and achieve their full potential.

Jeff had a long career in Commercial Banking, mainly in Merseyside, before joining River Capital as an Investment Manager. Jeff works with business owners and advisors to identify funding needs and deliver the most suitable solutions. He is responsible for the Flexible Growth Fund which is a debt fund aimed at supporting Liverpool City Region businesses with transformational capital expenditure projects.

John Gray – Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

The Combined Authority has investment programmes focused on five key themes: green, business, innovation, inclusive economy and place & connectivity. Investment strategy is focused on property, regeneration and sustainability projects and are provided to unlock impactful projects that may have stalled due to lack of available commercial finance.

John had a background in science and manufacturing prior to moving into corporate banking. He has recently joined the CA as an Investment Manager for several revolving funds focused on urban regeneration in the Liverpool City Region.

Marketplace

This event will also include a small ‘Marketplace’ where you will have the chance to talk directly to most of the key organisations that support Knowsley businesses. There will be representatives from:

Knowsley Council Business Growth Team
Knowsley Chamber
River Capital
LCR Finance Hub
LCR Combined Authority
Nat West Bank
The Growth Platform
ECO-I North West (LJMU)
Liverpool City Region Capital Grants Fund, administered by St. Helens Chamber
British Business Bank
Liverpool Freeport

To ensure you do not miss out on this fantastic opportunity, please secure your place on the event as soon as possible by clicking on the following link:

Book my place

Upon booking, please ensure you provide your name, business name, address and contact details.

We hope to see you on the 9th November