In October 2003 the South West RDA approved funding for the establishment of the South West Business Angel and Investor Network (SWAIN). The network provides an "honest broker" forum to bring together companies seeking funding with funders seeking to invest.  
 
The network is a key action stemming from the Finance for Business Strategy and will complement the activities of the South West Ventures Fund by addressing the 'gap' below their range of investment - £100k/£250k. 
 
SWAIN provides a range of services that assist with the matching of businesses and investors. These services include investor meetings, funders' database, website, media and project manager referrals. The network also acts as an 'honest broker' providing investors with easy access to a stream of well-prepared business proposals from companies based in the South West. This process will be complimented by the allocation of funding from the South West RDA for Investment Ready. 
 
The network is working to stimulate a change in the culture of funding growing businesses in the region, by promoting the benefits of business angel funding, to companies and to high net-worth individuals. 
 
 
For more information on SWAIN please read our press release or contact the Fund manager Philip Tellwright on 08700 60 65 60 or Email philip.tellwright@swain.org.uk