Access to Finance

Addressing the barriers to growth that face businesses in the region, through the lack of availability of an appropriate financial package, is regarded - regionally and nationally - as a key area for intervention and articulated as such in Strategic Objective One of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES).  
 
Flowing from the objectives set out in the RES is a specific document that sets out clearly what we see are the key issues and how we intend to address them - the Finance for Business Strategy. The strategy sets out the areas where we will lead action, intervene with funding support and influence other partners/stakeholders to create a more effective and efficient financial market in the region. 
 
The main areas of activity are around:

• Addressing Market failure/market gaps
• Addressing cultural aversion to use of equity - on both demand and supply side
• Building more effective networks and synergies between both public and private sector finance providers and business intermediaries.

The core concept is that of a Financial Escalator - developing a range of financial packages, both debt and equity, that meet the needs of businesses at each stage of their growth cycle. There will be clear exit and entry routes for both investors and companies requiring investment so that they spend less time chasing finance and can devote more of their energy to their core business - increasing profitability, growth & wealth.

For national information regarding finance for business visit: 
www.sbs.gov.uk or www.berr.gov.uk 
 
For information regarding private equity and risk capital in the UK visit: 
www.bvca.co.uk