Accessing Finance: What Funders Are Really Looking For (Rochdale)

Date: Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Location: Fire Up, The Old Fire Station, Maclure Road, Plantation Rd, Edgworth, OL11 1DN
Cost: Free
Categories:
Corporate Finance, VC and PE
Financial and Professional Services
Member Event
SME Club

Securing funding is not just about having a good idea. It is about demonstrating strong planning, clear financials and a realistic path to growth. This session explores what lenders and investors expect to see and how you can prepare your business more effectively.

We will cover how to improve your financial visibility, present your numbers with confidence and avoid common mistakes that slow decisions down. Whether you are actively seeking funding or planning ahead, this session will help you approach the process with more clarity and confidence.

About the Speakers:

Gavin Reynolds Director and Founder - ALF Recruit

As Director and Founder of ALF Recruit, Gavin leads a specialist recruitment consultancy focused on delivering high-quality, long-term hiring solutions across Finance, Accountancy, Financial Services, Executive Search and Business Support.

He partners with PE-backed, SME and owner-managed businesses across the North West, supporting senior and qualified finance, C-suite, transactional finance and business support hires through a consultative, headhunt-led approach.

His focus is on quality over quantity, clear communication, and strong cultural alignment, ensuring both clients and candidates receive a professional, transparent and well-managed experience.

At ALF Recruit, the goal is simple: to deliver high-performing long-term hires and build trusted partnerships that create lasting value for businesses and people alike.

Carl Hankinson Regional Director - Manchester, Lancashire & Cumbria, Commercial Mid-Market - NatWest

Carl Hankinson is a senior banking leader at NatWest with extensive experience working alongside businesses, entrepreneurs and public sector partners to drive economic growth, innovation and investment across the UK. Alongside his corporate career, he serves as the UK Chief Volunteer for The Scouts, leading and supporting one of the nation’s largest volunteer movements and championing opportunities for young people to develop skills for life. Carl is also a Deputy Lieutenant, reflecting his longstanding commitment to public and community service.

Carl is Passionate about leadership, social mobility, regional economic development and creating opportunities for future generations, Carl brings a unique perspective that combines commercial expertise with a deep commitment to community service and civic leadership.

Adam Husband Senior Investment Executive - FW Capital

Based in our Manchester office, I am responsible for originating and executing investments in eligible SME businesses seeking funding from the £115 million NPIF II – Debt Finance Fund, which provides loan facilities ranging from £100k to £2m. Prior to joining FW Capital in 2017, I spent 10 years in Commercial Banking at NatWest.

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]

With thanks to pro-manchester's event partners