North East firms urged to explore access to finance
Businesses in the North East of Scotland have the opportunity to explore a range of funding options at a key ‘Access to Finance’ seminar in Aberdeen on 28 March 2012.
With the outlook for the economy remaining uncertain and limited access to traditional forms of funding, the London Stock Exchange and Scottish Enterprise have joined forces to provide a dedicated seminar for small to mid sized companies looking to secure finance to fund future growth.
Speakers at the event, which is being delivered in partnership with Aberdeen Energy and Innovation Parks, will cover financing options from Angel Investing and Venture Capital through to flotation on AIM and Scottish Enterprise’s suite of funds available through the Scottish Investment Bank.
Mark Fahy, Head of UK Small & Mid-Cap Companies at the London Stock Exchange said, “The equity funding ladder is crucial to supporting SMEs throughout their development, from seed capital, business angels to venture capital and public markets. The London Stock Exchange and its various debt and equity markets continues to support our innovative and world-class SMEs, which are so important to the UK’s economic recovery, building on our experience as the operator of the AIM growth market.
"This seminar will highlight the different forms of funding available for Scottish businesses at all stages of their life and help them achieve their vision for growth.”
Gerard Kelly, head of the Scottish Investment Bank said, “Access to finance remains a major issue with recent research suggesting that net bank lending has dropped.
“We are working closely with our customers to understand their challenges on accessing bank finance and talking to partners and banks to try and support a greater understanding of the growth potential and needs of Scottish companies to improve access to finance that will enable them to grow bigger and faster.
“Evidence also indicates that it is not just the funding that is vital, but the wider support on offer for companies such as investor specialist and export support and we hope that this seminar will help build awareness of the range of support on offer in Scotland.”
The Access to Finance Seminar takes place on 0830hrs, 28 March 2012 at Aberdeen Innovation Park and interested businesses should contact Colliers International on 01224 332102