Tackling access to finance: what you need to know
Join Us for an Essential Conversation on understanding how the UK government is devolving funding and putting it into regional providers to help overcome SME’s and Entrepreneur’s challenges to accessing essential finance.
With the current macro-economic environment challenges and high street banks unwilling or unable to provide starts ups and SME’s access to finance, thus stifling their opportunity to grow and scale. This panel discussion will take a look at the current UK business environment and how key government backed funding programmes are trying to address the issue for businesses in GM, the North West and further afield.
This event will bring together British Business Bank (the government’s bank), key funding experts and Founders to discuss why devolved funding matters and how it is making a difference to SMEs ability to survive, grow and scale. The panel will share information, insights and lived experiences of finding and gaining critical funding.
Hear from our local Manchester city centre based Business Black Milk, and their founders journey from a hospitality worker to winning national contracts to put his product onto the shelves of supermarket stores across the UK. Key funding and support has helped them scale this business and turn an idea into success. Whether you are an SME business owner, new entrepreneur or a potential introducer, this event will provide you with practical insights and inspire action.
A post-panel networking reception will allow attendees to connect with speakers and fellow business leaders.
Spaces are limited – register now to be part pf the vital conversation.
About the Speakers:
Sue Barnard is the Senior Manager for the UK Network team at the British Business Bank and her role is to obtain a greater understanding of the North West of England and gather detailed insights in to the North West’s characteristics, strengths, issues and strategic priorities, along with intel on the features, players, strengths and weaknesses of the SME access to finance eco-system in your region.
Sue also develops working-level relationships and partnerships with key organisations involved in helping SMEs grow (across the private, public and SME member organisation sectors) within your region and at the same time raising awareness of BBB and its services amongst these regional organisations.
One of Sue’s passions is to champion the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund which she has been involved in since the launch back in 2017 and continues to support the NW Fund Managers.
Sue has held similar positions for over 10 years with the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub and the North West Development Agency promoting a range of programmes from the North West Fund, The Manufacturing Advisory Service and through to North West Business Angels and the Start Up Loans Programme.
Specialties: Building & Maintaining Key Strategic Relationships, Key Account Management, Contract Management, Foreign direct investment, Inward Investment, Investor Development, Public and Private Sector Finance, Proposition Development, Research & Development & Process Management.
Founder and Creative Director at Black Milk. Founded by Oliver Taylor nine years ago, Black Milk started out as a milkshake and cereal café, selling baked goods, and has since expanded its product offering to include pancakes, gelato and more. Black Milk also has an online shop, where it stocks spreads and granolas, which are also used in the products made in store.
Oliver previously worked in French and Argentinian restaurants and believed the incredible desserts, sauces and ice creams could become front and centre of his new concept, Black Milk.
NPIF finding support the business in securing new brand collaborations. In April, it partnered with the English Cheesecake Company, to produce a vanilla and hazelnut cheesecake, with the product stocked in 750 stores. Black Milk also partners with Yockenthwaite Farm in Skipton, which supplies the café with its famous granola for its granola-based products.
Black Milk now supplies to the likes of Selfridges, Tesco, Krispy Kreme, Delli, Booths, Modern Milkman, Amazon, CO-OP & Ocado.
With over 12 years experience at GC Business Finance, Ashley brings extensive experience in start-up funding and specialist knowledge of the Start-Up Loan scheme ( Loans from £500 – £25,000 per owner)
Alison is an Investment Manager at GC Business Finance, supporting SMEs across the North West through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) Smaller Loans. I’ve spent four years at GCBF and previously worked for 15 years in a high street bank, gaining strong experience in lending, credit assessment, and business support. I’m passionate about helping SMEs access the finance they need to grow and succeed. Specialising in delivering NPIF II loans (Smaller Loans of between £25,000 – £100,000)
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
For any further enquires about this event, contact [email protected]
