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Guide2012

We are dedicated to minimising our environmental impact and, under our environment policy,we are committed to: Keeping up to date with environmental issues and changes inlegislation, so that we may comply fully and indeed surpass expectations. Continually lookingfor novel ways to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. Sourcing products and materials locally, orexploring the options which minimise transportation when this is not possible. Maintainingemployee awareness and commitment to our environmental aims. Encouraging all suppliersand contractors to carry out environmentally sound practices. We continue to support the useof FSC and PEFC products and services. Monitoring our environmental performance andreporting our progress, alongside improving our environmental targets on a regular basis.

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If you have any comments or would like to make any future contributions to this guide, please email us

at [email protected] or alternatively complete this feedback form and post it to:

North East Access to Finance Limited

Level 10, Baltic Place West

South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3AE

Name

Company

Email

Your comments on the Access to Finance Guide 2012

This publication is a general guide only. It has been prepared by North East Access to Finance Ltd

(NEA2F) from information provided by the third parties named in this guide.

NEA2F accepts no responsibility for any actions taken or not taken in reliance on or in connection with

this guide. Where reference or links (which may not be active links) are made to external publications or

websites, the views expressed are those of the authors of those publications or websites which are not

necessarily those of NEA2F and NEA2F accepts no responsibility for the contents or accuracy of those

publications or websites.

The information in the guide was correct at the time of going to press and that it may be subject

to change.

FEEDBACK FORM

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North East Access To Finance Guide 2012

Introduction 3North East Access to Finance Limited 4The Experience Bank 4North Eastern Local Enterprise Partnership 5Tees Valley Unlimited 6What’s the alternative? By Ward Hadaway 7-8

EQUITY FUNDING 10-24Finance for Business North East Accelerator Fund 10Finance for Business North East Angel Fund 11Finance for Business North East Growth Fund 12Finance for Business North East Growth Fund Plus 13Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund 14Finance for Business North East Technology Fund 15Bridges Ventures 16Business Growth Fund 17Enterprise Capital Funds 18EV Growth Fund 19NESTA 20NVM Private Equity Limited 21RisingStars Growth Fund 22The Coalfields Funds 23UK Steel Enterprise Limited 24

LOANS 25-37Finance for Business North East Micro Loan Fund 25Asset Finance 26Bank Funding 27Bank Assistance from the Regional Growth Fund 28Darlington Borough Council - The Falchion Fund 29Enterprise Finance Guarantee 30Export Enterprise Finance Guarantee 31National Loan Guarantee Scheme 32Regional Growth Fund 33Social Enterprise Loan Fund 34Social Impact Co-Investment Fund 35Street North East 36The Co-operative Loan Fund 37

GRANTS 38-46Hartlepool Borough Council - Business Grants 38Home Working Fund 39Investment for Growth 40NBSL Grant 41Rural Development Programme for England 42Stockton on Tees Borough Council – Start Up Grant 43Sunderland City Council - Business Investment Team 44Technology Strategy Board 45The North East SME Innovation Programme 46

BUSINESS ANGELS 47-53Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme 47The Business Angel Co-Investment Fund 48British Business Angels Association 48Angel and Entrepreneurs Club - Rivers Capital Partners 49Braveheart Ventures Limited 49Business Investors Group 50

CONTENTS

2202 NEA2F Guide PRINT_Layout 1 04/04/2012 14:57 Page 1

2 North East Access To Finance Guide 2012

Entrust - Investor Forum 50European Business Angel Network 51Gabriel Investors LLP 51Hotspur Capital Partners 52North East Business Angels 52Tiger Corporate Finance Limited 52Yorkshire Association of Business Angels 53

BUSINESS SUPPORT 54-68Be Franchising 55Bridge Club Limited 55Business & Enterprise Group 55Business and IP Centre - Newcastle 56Business Link 56British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association 56Confederation of British Industry 57Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences 57Centre for Process Innovation 57Codeworks 57Derwentside Enterprise Agency 58Design Network North 58DigitalCity 58EEF 58Entrepreneurs' Forum 59Entrust 59Federation of Small Businesses 59Finance Tree 59Five Lamps Organisation 60Generate Ventures North LLP 60Generator - Business of music 60Knowledge Transfer Partnerships 60National Renewable Energy Centre 61NBSL 61North East Process Industry Cluster 62NETPark Net 62Newcastle Science City - Business Support Team 62NOF Energy 63North East Business and Innovation Centre 63North East Chamber of Commerce 63Northern Defence Industries 64Northern Film & Media 64Northern Pinetree Trust 64Project North East 65RTC North 65South Tyneside Council - Business Assistance 65Sunderland Software City 65TEDCO Limited 66Tees Valley Business Club 66The Alchemists 66The Experience Bank 67The Investment Centre 67The Prince's Trust 68Tyne and Wear Development Company 68UK Trade and Investment 68Women into the Network 68

INDEX 70-72


3North East Access To Finance Guide 2012

I am grateful to all for the expressions of thanks and support as I write this third introduction to what is a

unique publication. No other English region has produced such a wealth of information that has proved

indispensable to the region's businesses and their advisors at a time when raising finance has become

even more of a marathon. The scope of the guide has been widened this year to include all providers

outside the region who are known to have invested in the North East.

I think it is fair to say that, for well managed larger companies turning over more than £10 million

a year and with a solid record of profitability and growth, credit conditions have eased somewhat in the

last twelve months. For smaller businesses, the challenges remain. The cost of money looks set to rise

through the coming year as banks continue to strengthen their balance sheets at a time of

international uncertainty.

The National Loan Guarantee Scheme, launched in March, offers a one per cent discount for SMEs on

bank borrowing and is welcome. However, loan approvals will continue to be made under the banks’

normal lending criteria. This means that the banks’ risk appetite will remain low and it is likely that

companies enjoying bank support will see their borrowing costs come down whilst higher risk start-ups

will still find fund raising difficult.

In the Guide, we continue to pinpoint all well-established sources of finance, help and advice.

It is worth pointing out that the £125m Finance for Business North East Fund is nearly half way through

its investment phase and work will be starting later this year on drawing up plans for a replacement suite

of funds to commence investment in 2015.

We look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders in this endeavour. As always, my thanks

go to the production team and a special thank you to Ward Hadaway for their sponsorship, without

which this guide would not be possible.

Hugh Morgan Williams OBE

INTRODUCTION


The key objectives of North East Access to Finance Limited (NEA2F) are as follows:

• Thought leadership around issues of Access to Finance for SMEs in North East England;

• Maximising the legacy of the various investment funds under our control in the region;

• Redeployment and leveraging of legacy monies to develop a successor fund to the current Finance

for Business North East Fund; and

• Initiating investee support programmes for SMEs applying to the current Finance for Business North

East Fund.

The investor readiness support programme is branded as Routes to Investment. It includes:

• Investment Readiness workshops delivered in partnership with Newcastle Science City give access to

training in a range of topics designed to make businesses more investable;

• Experience Bank – access to persons with business experience.

THE EXPERIENCE BANK

Part of the Routes to Investment programme; the Experience Bank has been set up by North East Access to

Finance Limited (NEA2F) to encourage experienced people to become involved in helping regional

businesses to start and to grow. The Experience Bank is a directory of people who have business experience

and are willing to use their skills and know-how to help local businesses.

NEA2F’s role is to manage the Experience Bank database and to introduce businesses to members of the

Bank. Local businesses access the Bank via professional firms, fund managers, business groups/clubs and

clearing banks and directly through NEA2F.

NEA2F holds occasional professional development and information seminars for Experience Bank members.

An Experience Bank member who is chosen by a business knows that they may find themselves, initially,

acting as a free of charge critical friend, coach or mentor. How the relationship develops over time is up to

them and the business involved – for example they could choose to become a non-executive director or an

investor (business angel), or simply stay as a hugely valuable mentor and business friend.

The eventual arrangement between the Experience Bank member and the business is left entirely between

themselves.

For further information on the Routes to Investment support programme or to become part of the

Experience Bank contact:

Tim Potts

Tel: 0191 481 3152

Email: [email protected]

www.routestoinvestment.co.uk

NORTH EAST ACCESSTO FINANCE LIMITED



The North Eastern Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP) is the fourth largest LEP in England and covers

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Durham Local Authorities. This is a £32bn economy with 43,000

businesses and 800,000 employees.

Our role is to help ensure that our economy has the infrastructure, skills and investment to support and

sustain long-term economic growth and employment.

The LEP is a business led organisation and its role is to bring together businesses and Local Authorities to

develop ideas and secure the support needed to make them happen. We can only deliver by working with

partners. The days of regional structures that aim to produce growth are gone.

The NELEP Board was appointed in July 2011. Helping ensure that there is good access to funding of all

sorts for our businesses is vital to help our region grow. We have historically led the way in developing new

financial instruments like JEREMIE that can provide finance to start-ups and early stage businesses. Working

with North East Access to Finance we need to build on this leadership and secure new funds in the future

for our region.

So far we have made some progress. £17m has been secured from the Growing Places Fund, we have

approval for our Enterprise Zone bid including the recent extension into land around the Port of Blyth and

are looking at a range of other initiatives.

The NELEP executive team will shortly be in place and will help us drive forward our plans. NELEP can

be a champion for our area with Government, we can promote what is an amazing place to live and work

to investors, we can bring influencers together on big issues and we can access funding. However we will

only make significant progress if the business community at large rally round, get involved and drive

growth. The LEP really can be a tool for businesses to use to develop and promote ideas that can help our

area grow.

So this fantastic guide is a welcome sight once again. The door is open to influence your Local Enterprise

Partnership. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

Jeremy Middleton

NELEP Board Member and owner of Middleton Enterprises Ltd

NORTH EASTERN LOCALENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP



Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) is a public/private partnership led by a Leadership Board on which the

Leaders and Mayors of five Borough Councils, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and

Cleveland and Stockton sit together with eight representatives of the private sector. In November 2010

the Government approved TVU as the Local Enterprise Partnership for our area with the remit to drive

forward economic prosperity by stimulating private sector growth. 2011 saw both the national and local

economy struggling to grow. However, there were some real bright spots during the year which give

rise to some optimism for the year ahead. First and foremost the announcement that SSI had agreed to

purchase and restart steelmaking on Teesside was a real boost to morale.

Generally our processing, energy, biomass and engineering industries did much better than predicted

with exports at really encouraging levels. TVU itself was delighted to have helped over 20 companies to

win more than £67m from the two rounds of Regional Growth Fund bidding. In addition, we were

successful in securing perhaps the most innovative Enterprise Zone in the whole of the country

comprising some 12 different sites throughout Tees Valley.

Key to our short term and long term growth is the ability of companies particularly small businesses to

access finance at economic rates. Unfortunately, traditional bank lending to this sector is still at much

lower levels than pre-recession and that is why other sources of finance such as the Finance for

Business North East Fund is so important. I am optimistic about the future but helping businesses access

much needed finance remains the single biggest barrier to growth in 2012.

Stephen Catchpole

Managing Director, Tees Valley Unlimited

6

TEES VALLEY UNLIMITED



By Julie Harrison, Partner and Head of Banking and Katherine Hay Heddle, Corporate Finance Partner,

at law firm Ward Hadaway

UNLESS they are particularly fortunate, businesses need access to finance in order to grow.

In times past, most viable organisations looking to expand would look to an overdraft or working capital

facility from their bank.

However, the seismic shocks caused by the financial crisis have meant that things are not so simple

anymore and may not be so simple for a while. The easy money of the early noughties is perhaps the

exception rather than these times of austerity.

Traditional debt funding is still around, but many businesses are either unaware of that or unable or

unwilling to go down that route to secure the funding they need.

So what are the alternatives?

Venture capital and equity funding have previously been seen as more difficult and costly to obtain than

bank funding but this is starting to change; partly due to the success of funds like the £125m Finance for

Business North East Fund (FBNEF).

Since its arrival in 2010, the FBNEF has provided funding packages to an eclectic range of companies in the

North East, helping everything from software start-ups to engineering and technology companies.

The basic principle behind venture capital or private equity funding is simple – an external investor agrees

to provide a sum of money in exchange for a stake in the business.

Equity finance, unlike debt finance, does not offer a guaranteed return to the investor and so it is inherently

more risky than other forms of finance. To reflect the risk that they are taking, investors look for larger

returns than debt providers.

One key point to remember is that your position and the investor's position is aligned - if the investor’s

share of the business has substantially increased in value then you also benefit as your share of the business

has also increased in value.

A key question – do you want 100% of a stagnating business or a smaller percentage of a growing

business?

Venture capital funding is available at many different stages, from promising start-up businesses which

need cash to develop, to businesses which are already successful but want to develop new products or


WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?


markets, or management teams looking to carry out a management buy-out. If you think venture capital is right

for you then appoint a good team of advisors on board early on. They will be able to explain the documentation

and to outline the various effects that VC funding will have on your business.

At Ward Hadaway we have helped a range of businesses receiving VC funding as well as investor companies

themselves and have advised on over 60 deals involving the Finance for Business North East Fund.

For businesses that don’t want to follow the VC route there are more financial products coming to the forefront

which are tailored towards specific needs.

These are partly being driven by banks’ need for more certainty on business lending, but they also have

advantages for companies.

This is asset-backed finance for particular purposes, finance backed by specific assets of the business, its debts,

or equipment.

There is a product called an "advance payment guarantee" which offers businesses the chance to buy new

equipment from an overseas supplier, which gives the supplier the guarantee of payment but only when the

equipment has been delivered and the business is satisfied with its performance.

There are export finance and letter of credit facilities allowing guaranteed payment upon delivery.

The bank is happy as it knows exactly where its money is going, unlike with an overdraft; where the supplier is

happy as they know they will get paid and the purchaser receives delivery of the goods before they pay.

Whichever route to finance you decide on, it is vital to get your business ready for investment.

This includes having:

• a good management team in place;

• quality information available for funders about your business and its future prospects as well as

historical performance;

• a sound business plan.

Your chances of accessing the finance which your business needs to progress – as well as the overall success of

the venture - will be greatly enhanced by concentrating on these factors.

Julie Harrison can be contacted on 0191 204 4221 or email [email protected] and

Katherine Hay-Heddle can be contacted on 0191 204 4278 or email [email protected]


Julie Harrison Katherine Hay-Heddle


9

FUN

DIN

G

North East Access To Finance 2012

FUNDING

Equity 10-24Loans 25-37Grants 38-46Business Angels 47-53


What is the focus of the Fund?

The Fund invests in high growth, innovative early stage

businesses, with individual investments ranging in size from

£100k to £750k. The Fund is managed by Northstar Ventures;

a Newcastle-based venture capital company that specialises in

investing in early stage opportunities. Investments are

generally equity-based deals, and are often syndicated with

private sector investors, including business angels, institutional

investors and corporates. Debt or quasi-equity investments

will be made where appropriate. Northstar seeks to invest in

companies located, or with substantial operations in the North

East of England, or those that are willing to relocate to the

region.

Who can apply?

Early stage SMEs in most sectors who possess the following

characteristics:

• A strong management team with the ability to grow

the company.

• A focus on under-served, growing and potentially

substantial markets.

• A scalable business model.

• Market-driven rather than technology-led business plans.

Where can I get more information?

The Fund is managed by:

Northstar Ventures Limited

5th Floor, Maybrook House

27-35 Grainger Street

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5JE

Tel: 0191 229 2770

Fax: 0191 229 2795


www.northstarventures.co.uk

10

EQU

ITY FU

ND

ING

Type

Equity

Area

North East England

Target

SMEs and Start-ups

Availability

To 31/12/2014


FinanceFor Business

North EastAccelerator Fund



The North East Angel Fund is a £7.5m fund which invests in

start-up and existing businesses with growth potential. It is

not biased towards any specific industry sector but works

with new or early stage businesses. The fund generally

invests between £50k and £150k with the ability to attract

significantly more capital from co-investors. The fund is

actively engaged with the region’s early stage business

community and with investors, both institutional and

business angels, in the North East region as well as London

and the South.

Who can apply?

Most sectors are eligible but check the website

for exclusions.



Rivers Capital Partners Limited

16-18 Hood Street

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6JQ

Tel: 0191 230 6370

Fax: 0191 261 8884


www.riverscap.com

11

EQU

ITY

FUN

DIN

G

Type

Equity

Area

North East England

Target

SMEs and Start-ups

Availability

To 31/12/2014


FinanceFor Business

North EastAngel Fund



The £20m Growth Fund has been set up to help

ambitious companies that are looking to expand

and create new jobs across the North East to achieve

their goals.

Investments are usually from £50k to £400k. The Fund

Manager has the discretion on the use of financial

instruments but a substantial proportion of the fund will

be invested in quasi-equity/mezzanine instruments.

Who can apply?

Relatively mature companies at development and

growth stages in most sectors are eligible to apply to

the Growth Fund although there are a number of

exclusions which can be found on the NEL website.



NEL Fund Managers Limited

Akenside Studio

3 Akenside Hill

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3UF

Tel: 0845 111 1850

Fax: 0845 111 1853


www.nel.co.uk

12

EQU

ITY FU

ND

ING

Type

Equity

Area

North East England

Target

SMEs and Start-ups

Availability

To 31/12/2014


FinanceFor Business

North EastGrowth Fund



FW Capital can invest from £350k to £1.25m in

a single round. FW Capital also seeks to syndicate with

banks, venture capital houses, the public sector and

private investors such as business angels whilst

having the discretion on the use of quasi-equity type

deals within mixed-instrument deals.

Who can apply?

FW Capital typically invests in businesses with

established revenues that require an injection of

development capital to add impetus to their future

growth plans and who are:

• seeking to expand, invest in new infrastructure or

purchase new equipment;

• looking to buy into or acquire a business;

• preparing for flotation;

• implementing new technology or processes.



FW Capital Limited

Cuthbert House, City Road, All Saints

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2ET

Tel: 0191 350 6310

Fax: 0191 350 6311


www.fwcapital.co.uk

13

EQU

ITY

FUN

DIN

G

Type

Equity

Area

North East England

Target

SMEs, established, expansion

Availability

To 31/12/2014


FinanceFor Business

North EastGrowth Plus Fund


What is the focus of the Fund?The Fund’s investments will generally be inconvertible loan or Equity form, £20k to £100k, but ithas the ability to complete follow-on investmentsabove this level. The Fund is available to eligibletechnology businesses located, or with substantialoperations, in the North East of England. NorthstarVentures, the company managing the Fund, also seeksto invest in businesses that are willing to relocate tothe region.

The Fund supports the very early stages of businesscreation within the technology sector. Northstarworks with the region’s universities, Centres ofExcellence, individual entrepreneurs, technology start-ups and SMEs to develop new businesses or tofund specific, innovative commercial opportunities.

Who can apply?Existing businesses, start-ups or universities whopossess the following characteristics:• A credible management team.• A focus on under-served, growing, and potentially

substantial markets, and a scalable business model.• Proprietary technology with a strong IPR and a

defensible technological advantage over thecompetition.

• Market-driven rather than technology-leddevelopment.

Where can I get more information?The Fund is managed by:

Northstar Ventures Limited 5th Floor, Maybrook House27-35 Grainger StreetNewcastle upon Tyne NE1 5JE

Tel: 0191 299 2770Fax: 0191 229 2795Email: [email protected]

14

EQU

ITY FU

ND

ING

Type

Equity

Area

North East England

Target

SMEs and start ups

Availability

To 31/12/2014


FinanceFor Business

North EastProof of Concept Fund


What is the focus of the Fund?The investments range from £50k to £1.25m at the initialround with follow on finance available. The Fund managercan co-invest with other institutional, private or corporateinvestors acting either in a lead capacity or as a syndicateparticipant.

Who can apply?Technology companies seeking finance at any stage of theirmaturity extending from proof of concept and seed todevelopment capital. To qualify for investment theopportunity should possess the following characteristics:

• A strong management team with the breadth of skills andability to grow the company quickly. Not all of theelements of the team need to be in place at the time ofinvestment. We can help build the team as required.

• A focus on under-served, growing and potentiallysubstantial markets.

• Products with international potential and a scalablebusiness model.

• Proprietary technology with strong IPR and a defensibletechnological advantage over the competition.

• Market-driven rather than technology-led developmentand potential to achieve an exit for investors within four tosix years.


IP Group plcSuite 1, Floor 7, West OneForth BanksNewcastle upon Tyne NE1 3PA

Tel: 0845 519 4112Email: [email protected]

15

EQU

ITY

FUN

DIN

G

Type

Equity & Mezzanine

Area

North East England

Target

SMEs at all stages of

development

Availability

To 31/12/2014


FinanceFor Business

North EastTechnology Fund


Size of the deals?

The Bridges Venture Funds invest up to £10m with a

particular focus in the £2m - £6m range. They invest in:

• Ambitious businesses that are located in the most

underserved parts of the UK, where we can make a

difference by creating jobs, stimulating economic

dynamism, and fostering entrepreneurs to become role

models of success.

• Businesses in sustainable sectors. Key sectors include

education & training, environment, health & well- being.

Bridges Ventures will invest alone and in partnership.

Who can apply?

Unquoted or smaller quoted companies with the potential

to increase their value substantially in three to five years.

Early stage businesses must be able to demonstrate

commercial traction. Pre-revenue only in exceptional

circumstances.


Bridges Ventures LLP

1 Craven Hill

London W2 3EN

Tel: 020 7262 5566

Fax: 020 7262 6389


www.bridgesventures.com

16

BRIDGES VENTURES

EQU

ITY FU

ND

ING

Type

Equity

Area

All UK in Bridges Ventures

target areas

Target

Growth capital, early stage

and buy-ins/buy-outs

Availability

On-going



The Business Growth Fund works to support establishedcompanies with strong growth potential and turnover inthe range of £5m to £100m.

The investment provided is in the form of equity capital.The minimum equity stake in any business will be 10% andthe duration of the investment is flexible; typically from 2 to10 years.

The Business Growth Fund will:• invest around £2 million to £10 million in return for an

equity stake in the business and two seats on the board; • invest in established UK companies that can demonstrate

a strong growth trajectory; • have enough capital and resources at hand to move very

quickly to the right opportunities; • offer longer-term funding over five to seven years or

more; investing off its own balance sheet; • develop a partnership approach with investee businesses

agreeing shared goals and objectives from the outset; • look for businesses with evidence of a strong track record

and demonstrable growth potential; • carry out targeted due diligence in a cost-effective and

timely manner and consider investment opportunitiesand business in all sectors apart from financial servicesand real estate.

Where can I get more information?Business Growth Fund plcPall Mall Court61-67 King StreetManchester M2 4PD


17

BUSINESS GROWTH FUND

EQU

ITY

FUN

DIN

G

Type

Equity

Area

England

Target

Established Medium Sized

Enterprises with £5m - £100m

turnover

Availability

On-going



Enterprise Capital Funds (ECFs) address a market

weakness in the provision of equity finance to SMEs by

using Government funding alongside private sector

investment to establish funds that operate within the

‘equity gap’.

In April 2008 responsibility for the management of ECFs

was transferred to Capital for Enterprise Limited who can

be contacted through their website:

www.capitalforenterprise.gov.uk

ECFs are managed by 10 Fund Managers; those who are

still in their investment period are listed below for SMEs

to contact.

MMC Venture Managers

Tel: 020 7938 2220

www.mmcventures.com

Dawn Capital

Tel: 0207 811 0260

www.dawncapital.co.uk

Panoramic Growth Equity

Tel: 020 7100 3715

www.pgequity.com

Passion Capital

www.passioncapital.com

18

ENTERPRISE CAPITAL FUNDS

EQU

ITY FU

ND

ING

Type

Equity

Area

England

Target

SMEs

Availability

On-going



What is the focus of the Fund?The EV Growth Fund offers equity funding of up to £2mto support and build growth orientated companiesthroughout the UK, with ideas, skills and a keen eye on success.

Investments are typically between £500k and £2m inbusinesses with pre-tax profits in the range of £250k to£1m, or those that show the potential to achieve this.

The Fund invests at various stages of the business cycle, including:

• Expansion finance.• Management buy-out and management buy-in.• Acquisition finance. • Restructuring. • Refinancing.

EV Growth uses orthodox equity investment structureswith a sensibly tailored package of debt and equityreturns through a combination of yield, performance-related dividends and capital gain on exit, over a periodof three to five years.


Enterprise Ventures Limited1 WhitehallWhitehall RoadLeeds LS1 4HR

Contact Paul BettsTel: 07540 014 911www.evgroup.uk.com

19

EV GROWTH FUND

EQU

ITY

FUN

DIN

G

Type

Equity

Area

UK

Target

Acquisitions, buy-in/buy-outs,

expansion, refinancing,

restructuring

Availability

On-going



Size of the deals?

£500k to £2m – as lead investor or part of a syndicate.

Who can apply?

Ambitious entrepreneurs running early stage

technology based companies that are targeting

large markets.


NESTA

1 Plough Place

London EC4A 1DE

Tel: 020 7438 2500


www.nesta.org/investments

20

NESTA

EQU

ITY FU

ND

ING

Type

Equity

Area

UK

Target

SMEs and start ups

Availability

On-going



Size of the deals?

Long-term equity and loan funding of between £2m

to £10m.

Who can apply?

Businesses seeking funding for organic growth,

acquisitions or changes of ownership.


NVM Private Equity Limited

Northumberland House, Princess Square

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ER

Tel: 0191 244 6000


www.nvm.co.uk

21

NVM PRIVATE EQUITY LIMITED

EQU

ITY

FUN

DIN

G

Type

Equity

Area

All UK

Target

Acquisitions, buy-ins/buy-outs

Availability

On-going



What is the focus of the Fund?The Fund invests in proof of concept/early stagetechnology deals where the first round might be up to£350k drawn down in tranches.

The funds have the capacity to follow on up to £1mand beyond and will often seek to co-invest.

Investments are usually from £50k to £1m.

Who can apply?Seed and start-up technology companies or pre-IPO with unique technologies and exceptionalprospects.




22

RISINGSTARS GROWTH FUND

EQU

ITY FU

ND

ING

Type

Equity

Area

All North East

Target

Start ups

Availability

On-going



What is the focus of the Fund?The Coalfields Funds were established by the Department forCommunities and Local Government to finance growth-orientated companies and encourage entrepreneurship inEngland’s former coalfield areas.

These regions had previously been reliant upon the economicbenefit of coal mining and there remains an on-going need toencourage and assist both individuals and companies todiversify into new high growth sectors.

The Coalfields Funds are able to offer commercial investmentfrom £40k up to £1m in the form of equity and equity-relatedfunding and are flexible in their approach. Companies at anystage in their development may apply for investment from theFunds; from start-ups and early stage companies, to on-goingdevelopment capital and management buy-outs and buy-ins ofmore established businesses.

The Fund is able to support up to 50% of the total fundingrequirement.

Who can apply?SMEs where either their principal place of business, or asignificant proportion of their workforce, or where it will bringmaterial economic benefit to an eligible coalfield ward, mayapply. See website to confirm location.

The Fund also offers a broad range of support and guidance inassisting companies with their strategic, market and operationaldevelopment, and in achieving their full potential.




23

THE COALFIELDS FUNDS

EQU

ITY

FUN

DIN

G

Type

Equity

Area

England, in eligible

coalfield wards

Target

SMEs

Availability

On-going



Size of the deals?Share capital and share/loan packages up to £750k.

Small loans are generally unsecured.

Funding could also be made available from theEnterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme.

Who can apply?Finance is available for start-ups, expansions,acquisitions and buy-ins/buy-outs across manybusiness sectors including manufacturing andservices to manufacturing.

Where can I get more information?UK Steel Enterprise LtdThe Innovation Centre, Vienna CourtKirkleatham Business Park, Redcar TS10 5SH

Tel: 01642 777888Fax: 01642 777999Email: [email protected]

24

UK STEEL ENTERPRISELIMITED

EQU

ITY FU

ND

ING

Type

Equity and Debt

Area

Derwentside, Tees Valley

Target

Acquisitions, buy-ins/buy-

outs, established, expansions,

start-ups

Availability

On-going



25

LOA

NS


What is the focus of the fund?Entrust manages the £5m Microloan Fund on behalfof North East Finance and aims to support thecreation of new enterprises and the growth of existingmicro and small businesses (including Third SectorOrganisations) across the region.

The fund will help to stimulate the creation of new business and secure jobs within the North East of England.

Size of the loans?£1k to £25k.

Who can apply?New and existing micro and small businesses(including Third Sector Organisations) across theNorth East who are finding it difficult to securemainstream finance but have a viable businesscapable of repaying a loan.


EntrustPortman HousePortland RoadNewcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AQ


Type

Loan

Area

North East England

Target

SMEs, sole trader, micro,

third sector

Availability

To 31/12/2014

FinanceFor Business

North EastMicroloan Fund


26

LOA

NS


Asset Finance is one of the most common sources of

finance for businesses. Asset Finance funds around 25% of

all fixed capital investment, other than property and

own-account software, in the UK. It provides finance to

around 20% of all SMEs, and to around 33% of SMEs that

seek external funding. It is particularly important in the

manufacturing, agriculture and transport sectors.

The two main forms of Asset Finance are Leasing and

Hire Purchase.

Leasing

Under a leasing agreement, the leasing company or lessors

buys and owns the asset. The customer, or lessee, then hires

the asset, paying rental over a fixed period. At the end of the

contract, the customer usually has a choice of extending the

lease, buying the asset or simply returning it.

Hire Purchase

is a financing solution for companies wishing to purchase

business assets. The customer pays an initial deposit,

with the remainder of the balance and interest paid over a

period of time. On completion, ownership of the asset

transfers to the customer.

The Finance & Leasing Association is the leading trade

association for the asset finance sector in the UK.

The association provides guidance on all areas of asset

finance and can help businesses discover which funding

solution is right for them.


Finance & Leasing Association

2nd Floor

Imperial House

15-19 Kingsway

London WC2B 6UN

Tel: 020 7836 6511

www.fla.org.uk/asset

ASSET FINANCE

Type

Loan & Hire Purchase

Area

UK

Target

SMEs

Availability

On-going


27

LOA

NS


Banks are an important source of finance; they can provide the funding which businesses need to grow.A wide range of finance solutions is available from High Street Banks and a summary is given below.

SHORT TERM FINANCEOverdrafts are used in conjunction with business bank accounts and can be a flexible source ofworking capital for short-term needs.

Bridging finance is provided by banks to businesses to maintain cash flow while awaiting funds fromthe drawdown of commercial mortgages or loan agreements, or other confirmed sources of futureincome.

WORKING CAPITAL FUNDING Invoice finance offers ways to access working capital by unlocking the value of invoices, although interest rates and charges apply on the cash advanced.

Invoice discounting allows you to draw on funding secured against approved invoices, while infactoring you can sell invoices to your financier. If your buyer introduces a supplier finance scheme(also known as supply chain finance or reverse factoring), this will provide the same benefits at apotentially much lower cost.

MEDIUM TERM FINANCETerm loans have a fixed or variable interest rate and mature over a 1 to 7 year period. They are typicallyused to buy fixed assets such as property, or machinery or other purchases of a capital nature.

LONG TERM FINANCECommercial mortgages are provided by banks to finance the purchase of business premises. Types of mortgage available include; repayment, commercial endowment or pension. The mortgage will usually be repayable over a 15 year period.

Fixed asset loans are loans for assets that cannot easily be turned into cash – e.g. property, plant or machinery. The loans can be fixed for up to ten years. With this type of loan, the asset itself is the collateral and can be repossessed if you do not maintain repayments.

There are over 200 banks operating in the UK listed with the British Bankers’ Association. It is beyond the scope of this guide to provide a description of each and every financial institution,whose products and offerings change regularly.

Where can I get more information?Tel: 020 7216 8800www.bba.org.uk/customer

BANK FUNDING


28

LOA

NS


SANTANDER and RBSG have both indicated that they are

taking part in the Government’s Regional Growth Fund

initiative. At the moment we are unable to announce what

these programmes will be. Details will follow later in

the year.

HSBC is already participating in the scheme which will

operate across England from 2011 to 2014. HSBC will receive

£25m from the fund to support businesses that have a

turnover of up to £25m, are recruiting new employees and

purchasing new fixed assets such as machinery and vehicles.

HSBC is one of the first financial services providers to

participate in the programme. They have created the

‘Assisted Asset Purchase Scheme’ which enables qualifying

businesses to obtain funding towards the acquisition of assets

where they would not ordinarily be eligible due to the lack of

a sufficient stake.

The level of available support (grant) is based upon the size

of your business, the location in which the asset will be

employed, level of asset investment and the number of full

time equivalent (FTE) jobs being created.


To discuss how you could benefit from Regional Growth

Funding and to talk through your funding options speak

with your local HSBC branch, or call 0845 607 6007 for

more details.

www.hsbc.co.uk/business

BANK ASSISTANCE FROM THEREGIONAL GROWTH FUND

Type

Loan or Grant

Area

England

Target

SMEs with turnover up to

£25m

Availability

To 2014


29

LOA

NS


What is the focus of the fund?

The Falchion Fund is a loan scheme dedicated to

supporting new and existing businesses located in

Darlington which employ up to 250 people.

The Fund offers loans:

• to start-up and existing businesses;

• of not less than 3k up to a maximum of £10k;

• up to a 5 year term, and at a preferential rate of interest.

Applications are encouraged from new start and existing

businesses operating in sectors that have been identified as

currently being of significance to the Darlington economy.

Eligible categories include Business & Financial services,

Logistics & Distribution, Construction, Engineering &

Manufacturing and Health and Social Care.

Other categories that have future potential will also be

considered such as Creative Industries & Digital Media,

Renewable Energy, Chemicals, Retail, Tourism & Leisure

and the Food Economy.


Business Engagement Team

Darlington Borough Council

Town Hall

Darlington DL1 5QT

Tel: 01325 388 682

Fax: 01325 388 900


www.darlington.gov.uk/business

Darlington Borough CouncilThe Falchion Fund

Type

Loan

Area

Darlington

Target

SMEs and start-ups

Availability

On-going


30

LOA

NS


What is the focus of the loan?

The scheme enables funding for appropriate projects where

there is insufficient security available in business assets to

access a secured loan from the usual commercial sources.

Effectively the Government provide a guarantee to the

lender against part of the loan amount.

Size of loans

£1k to £1m.

The main features and criteria of the scheme are

listed below:

• Available to qualifying UK businesses with an annual

turnover of up to £25m.

• Qualifying businesses may be provided with total loans

under the scheme of up to £1m which is repayable over a

period of months or up to a maximum of 10 years.

• Loans may be given under the scheme to businesses in

most sectors and for most business purposes, although

there are some restrictions.

• The recipient of the loan is required to pay a quarterly

guarantee premium to the Government which is

calculated as 2% per annum on the outstanding

loan balance.


Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)

1 Victoria Street

London SW1H 0ET

www.bis.gov.uk

Further information on the Enterprise Finance Guarantee

can be accessed through all major high street banks and

other accredited lenders.

ENTERPRISE FINANCE GUARANTEE

Type

Loan

Area

UK

Target

SMEs

Availability

To March 2015


31

LOA

NS


What is the focus of the loan?

The Export Enterprise Finance Guarantee (ExEFG) is a new

loan guarantee scheme, it is based on the existing Enterprise

Finance Guarantee (EFG) but aimed specifically at viable SMEs

seeking export finance facilities. It offers loans of between

£25k to £1m.

ExEFG is available to viable SMEs that lack the security of

normal commercial export finance facilities. ExEFG covers

finance for export purposes that are not permitted under EFG.

ExEFG facilitates lending that would not otherwise be

available by providing lenders with a partial guarantee.

Businesses should approach a number of lenders to discuss

their borrowing needs. A list of accredited ExEFG lenders is on

the BIS website.

ExEFG can be made available (at the lender's discretion):

• to small and medium-sized businesses with an annual

turnover of up to £25 million;

• ExEFG backed facilities are available for terms of up to two

years, in increments of three months;

• loans may be given under the scheme to businesses in all

sectors;

• a premium (equivalent to three percent per annum pro

rata) is payable up-front to the Department for Business,

Innovation and Skills (BIS) in addition to any fees or charges

due to your lender. It is not an insurance premium.



1 Victoria Street

London SW1H 0ET

www.bis.gov.uk

EXPORT ENTERPRISEFINANCE GUARANTEE

Type

Loan

Area

UK

Target

SMEs looking to export

Availability

On-going


The National Loan Guarantee Scheme (NLGS) was launched

on 20 March 2012 and is aimed at helping businesses access

cheaper finance by reducing the cost of bank loans under the

scheme by 1 percentage point.

The NLGS works by providing banks with up to £20 billion of

guarantees to issue unsecured debt. This will enable

participating banks to borrow at a cheaper rate. These banks

will pass on the entire benefit of the guarantees to smaller

businesses through cheaper loans.

The provision of guarantees is being administered by the UK

Debt Management Office.


In order to benefit from this scheme, businesses with a

turnover of not more than £50m should apply for loans at

any of the participating banks below:

Barclays Tel: 0800 015 4242

Bank of Scotland Tel: 0845 606 0286

Lloyds TSB Tel: 0800 022 4376

Natwest Tel: 0800 096 5099

RBS Tel: 0800 121 129

Santander Tel: 0845 607 0666

Aldermore Tel: 01733 404 500

You can find out more about the scheme by visiting

www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/nlgs

32

NATIONAL LOAN GUARANTEESCHEME (NLGS)

LOA

NS

Type

Loan

Area

UK

Target

Businesses with turnover less

than £50m

Availability

On-going



33

LOA

NS



The Regional Growth Fund is a three year fund from

2011/12 to 2013/14. The third round of bidding is due to

commence in February 2012.

Grants, loans and/or loan guarantees with a minimum

bid threshold of £1m. No specific levels of private/public

leverage are being sought. However, the fund is

competitive and bids that best lever private sector

investment, meet the fund objectives and criteria,

and offer the best value for money will be supported.

Who can apply?

Private sector investments and private/public partnerships

based in England. Public sector only bids are not eligible

for support from the Regional Growth Fund.

Projects should demonstrate that they:

• create additional sustainable private sector growth;

• rebalance the economy towards those areas currently

dependant on the public sector;

• would not otherwise go ahead without support;

• offer value for money and are state aid compliant.


Regional Growth Fund


1 Victoria Street

London SW1H 0ET

Tel: 0191 202 3838


www.bis.gov.uk

REGIONAL GROWTH FUND

Type

Grants, loans, loan guarantees

Area

England

Target

Private Sector investments and

private/public partnerships

Availability

From 2012 to 2013/14


34

LOA

NS



The Fund provides loans to charities and social

enterprises that are unable to secure sufficient

funding from mainstream sources. It specifically aims

to help organisations that have a social impact,

especially those working in disadvantaged

communities.


TSELF

Third Floor

1-5 Wandsworth Road

London SW8 2LN

Tel: 020 7526 3440

Fax: 020 7488 9231


www.tself.org.uk

SOCIAL ENTERPRISELOAN FUND

Type

Loan

Area

Regional Funds throughout

England

Target

Charities and social

enterprises

Availability

On-going


35

LOA

NS


What is the focus of the Fund?The Social Impact Co-Investment Fund, managed by The FSEGroup with lead partner Resonance, aims to enhance thesupply of funding to the social enterprise sector. In particular:the Fund seeks to encourage business angel investors to investin viable social enterprises.

Size of loansThe Fund provides loans between £25k and £100k repayableover 1 to 5 years on a ‘match-funding’ basis alongsideinvestment from private sector sources.

Eligibility Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (no applications fromindividuals or sole traders) based in the UK with the socialimpact being delivered primarily within the UK.

The Fund has been designed to provide expansion funding forbusinesses which have established initial trading but nowrequire support to achieve critical mass and fulfil potential.

Who can apply?• Social mission driven with a profitable business model.• Structured in a manner that meets business angel

requirements (delivery of adequate returns with anidentifiable exit route).

• A clearly defined expansion project that needs externalfunding.

• Sufficient cash will be generated to achieve satisfactoryservicing of all borrowings.

Where can I get more information?Contact Martin CarruthersTel: 01276 608 524 Email: [email protected] www.resonance.ltd.uk

Finance Tree is a key regional partner in the North East workingwith the FSE Group to help companies access the new SocialImpact Co-Investment Fund. Contact Jonathan GoldTel: 0191 230 6370Email: [email protected]

SOCIAL IMPACT CO-INVESTMENT FUND

Type

Loan

Area

UK

Target

SMEs in the social

enterprise sector

Availability

On-going


36

LOA

NS


Street North East is a not-for-profit organisation helping theNorth East's small businesses to grow with simple businessadvice and easy manageable finance. Street North East is not aloan company; it is a Community Development FinancialInstitution (CDFI) and an accredited member of theCommunity Development Finance Association.

Whether you need the money for equipment, marketing,working capital or even just to ease cash flow, we can workout how much finance will make a difference and how muchyour business can realistically afford. We will also make surethat your business is getting the most out of the money youput in.

Size of loans£500 to £10k.

Who can apply?Existing self-employed, small and micro businesses (less than10 employees) that are unable to access mainstream financeand early stage businesses that can demonstrate a positivecash-flow for at least six months.

Where can I get more information?Street North EastPortman HousePortland RoadNewcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AQ


STREET NORTH EAST

Type

Loan

Area

North East England

Target

Micro, start-ups, SMEs

Availability

On-going


37

LOA

NS



The Co-operative Loan Fund supports co-operatives

throughout the UK through the provision of accessible,

ethical loan finance. Loan applications are welcome from

those that require finance to:

• set up a new enterprise;

• expand an existing enterprise;

• assist employee buyouts or company successions;

• purchase a property or business;

• purchase capital equipment or create working capital.

Size of loans

£5k to £75k.

The company is funded by The Co-operative Group,

Midcounties Co-operative,East of England Co-operative

Society and Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society, as well as

the Co-operative Bank and Co-operative Insurance Society.

It is overseen by a board of directors who represent each of

the funders.


Tel: 0117 916 6750


www.co-operativeloanfund.co.uk

THE CO-OPERATIVE LOAN FUND

Type

Loan

Area

UK

Target

Co-operatives

Availability

On-going


38

GR

AN

TS


Hartlepool Enterprise Development Fund invests up to £5k

for start-up and expansion. Assistance offered to sole traders

is up to £2k and other businesses up to £5k.

Hartlepool Access to Markets Fund invests up to £2.5k and

offers funding of up to 50% for project costs including

marketing and websites.

Rates Equivalent Grant offers up to 50% of the first year’s

business rates subject to a maximum of £10k.

Capital Investment Grant offers up to 50% of eligible costs

on plant and equipment up to a maximum of £10k.

Job Creation Grant offers up to £1k per job created for

unemployed Hartlepool residents up to a maximum of £10k.

ICT Grant Scheme offers up to a maximum of £2k towards

consultancy, software, capital equipment, staff training,

website development and R&D.

Women’s Development Fund offers up to £500 for

advertising and publicity. Women setting up new businesses

or who are self-employed can apply.

Where Can I get more information?

Hartlepool Enterprise Centre

Brougham Terrace,

Hartlepool TS24 8EY

Tel: 01429 867 677


www.investinhartlepool.com

HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL –BUSINESS GRANTS

Type

Grant

Area

Hartlepool

Target

SMEs, sole traders, start-ups,

expansions

Availability

On-going subject to change


39

GR

AN

TS


Entrust manages the Home Working Fund that aims to

enable companies to create new jobs for home workers

in the region. The innovative £1.1m Fund will help

organisations overcome the initial cost barrier of

implementing a home working operation.

The Fund is open to any appropriate businesses in the

region and will provide direct financial support, up to a

maximum of £3k* per FTE home worker. This comprises of

up to £2k for skills development and up to £1k towards

capital equipment (*Eligibility criteria apply. Subject to terms

and conditions.) The capital equipment supported will be

specific computer hardware, software, associated telephony

and home office furniture.

This Fund will operate on a “first come, first served” basis.

Interested parties are encouraged to register interest early to

avoid disappointment.


Entrust

Portman House

Portland Road

Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AQ

Tel: 0191 244 4008


www.entrust.co.uk

HOME WORKING FUND

Type

Grant

Area

North East England

Target

Any eligible organisation

looking at employing home

workers in the North East

of England

Availability

To March 2013


40

GR

AN

TS


A new European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant is

available to small and medium enterprises in the North East

through a programme delivered by the Investment Centre.

Investment for Growth is available to eligible companies

planning to improve their business through investing in

projects which will result in creating or safeguarding jobs.

The fund will bring investment of around £10m into the

economy and provide grants of around 30% to 40% for a

wide range of projects including:

• Product and market diversification.

• Business change management.

• Business expansion.

• Development of environmental/efficiency programmes.

• Process and system improvement.

• Supply chain improvement.

• Product development.

• Marketing planning.

• Brand / re-brand design.

The programme, which will be able to help both new and

established businesses including eligible social enterprises,

runs until 2014.


Tel: 0191 426 6408


www.investment4growth.co.uk

INVESTMENT FOR GROWTH

Type

Grant

Area

North East of England

Target

SMEs

Availability

To 2014


41

GR

AN

TS



Businesses in the North East region that need to grow to

compete may be eligible for up to £1k of funding to assist with

their development needs. NBSL has been running the North

East’s Leadership and Management Advisory Service since

2004 and can provide grant support giving businesses a

fantastic opportunity to access specialist help that will kick start

their growth.

Who can apply?

If you can answer yes to four simple questions then you too

may be eligible for support from the North East Leadership &

Management Advisory Service.

Do you employ between 2 – 249 people?

Is your business a private company or a social enterprise?

Do you want your business to grow over the next 3 years?

Are you the senior leader of your business?

Getting involved couldn’t be simpler: NBSL will work with you

to ensure that your development activity matches the needs

of your business – exactly, by providing you with one to one

support, funding to match your own investment in the

development activity up to £1k and assistance with

measuring results and planning future strategy.


NBSL

Wansbeck Business Centre

Wansbeck Business Park

Rotary Parkway

Ashington

Northumberland NE63 8QZ

Tel: 01670 813 322

www.nbsl.org.uk

NBSL GRANT

Type

Grant

Area

North East England

Target

SMEs

Availability



42

GR

AN

TS


RDPE is the mechanism for delivering money allocated toEngland from the EU and DEFRA via the European Fund for RuralDevelopment from 2007 to 2013.

Funding is targeted at making agriculture and forestry morecompetitive and sustainable through diversifying into newopportunities. It supports rural businesses by helping thembecome more competitive, diverse, flexible and environmentallyresponsible.

RDPE offers a number of schemes, including:• Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme – small grants to

help farmers, foresters and horticultural businesses improvetheir competitiveness.

• Rural Community Broadband Fund – a joint fund withBroadband Delivery UK providing grants to communities toestablish superfast broadband in hard-to-reach areas.

• Rural Economy Grant – grants of up to £1m or more for microand SME businesses to boost farm competiveness, and supportsignificant growth in the agri-food, rural tourism, forestry,renewable energy, and other high-potential (e.g. ICT andcreative) sectors particularly. The fund will be launched in early 2012.

• Skills and Knowledge Transfer (up to £20m) – a flexible andlocally targetable skills training programme to enable ruralbusiness growth. The fund will be launched summer 2012following completion of existing local skills programmes.

Where can I get more information?DEFRA RDPE Delivery Team - North EastLancaster HouseHampshire CourtNewcastle Business ParkNewcastle upon Tyne NE4 7YH

Tel: 0191 226 5436Email: rdpedeliverynortheast@defra.gsi.gov.ukwww.rdpenetwork.defra.gov.uk

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR ENGLAND

Type

Grant

Area

England

Target

SMEs, start-ups, expansions

Availability

To 2013


43

GR

AN

TS


The following financial assistance is available via Stockton

Council’s Business Development Team to help start-up

businesses in the Borough.

The Start-up Grant is intended to promote and support new

business entrepreneurship in the Borough, in particular those

residents coming off benefits. The grant is available to

businesses that are in the process of starting up. The grant is

subject to available funding and up to a maximum of £1k.

Applicants will be expected to have sourced support through

the Neighbourhood Enterprise Gateways or a recognised

Enterprise Agency.

Assistance is available for capital equipment, ICT software or

hardware (essential not replacement) and other essential

Start-up costs. The grant is not available for drawings of

salaries, mandatory or statutory training/accreditation,

insurance or stock.

Please note: Take-away food and retail businesses that do

not add distinctiveness or diversity to the Borough of

Stockton-on-Tees are excluded from the grant assistance

packages.


Stockton on Tees Borough Council - Business Development

Team

P.O Box 34

Municipal Buildings

Church Road

Stockton on Tees TS18 1LE

Tel: 01642 528 384


www.stockton.gov.uk

STOCKTON ON TEES BOROUGHCOUNCIL – START UP GRANT

Type

Grant

Area

Stockton on Tees

Target

SMEs

Availability

On-going


44

GR

AN

TS


The Council’s Business Investment Team co-ordinate a

range of financial incentives for businesses wishing to

start-up, expand or relocate in Sunderland.

In order to qualify, projects must meet certain criteria as

follows:

• The business must be located in Sunderland or looking

to relocate to Sunderland.

• The business must demonstrate viability.

• All applications must be made before committing to

any project.

• In most cases projects must create new jobs.

• The final award will depend on the number of new

jobs being created.

Sunderland City Council’s financial incentives scheme is

targeted at businesses which are engaged in

manufacturing and priority sectors such as Software and

Low Carbon Technology. All grants are discretionary and

may be subject to change.


Sunderland City Council

Business Investment Team

Office of the Chief Executive

Evolve Business Centre

Cygnet Way

Rainton Bridge South Business Park

Houghton Le Spring DH4 5QY

Tel: 0191 305 1194


www.investinsunderland.co.uk

SUNDERLAND CITY COUNCIL –BUSINESS INVESTMENT TEAM

Type

Grant

Area

Sunderland

Target

SMEs, start-ups, expansions

Availability



45

GR

AN

TS


The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) offers a programme of

funding which supports innovative business ideas. The TSB

also has an advisory role and identifies sectors which would

benefit from innovation.

This scheme is offering funding to small and medium-sized

enterprises (SMEs) to engage in research and development

projects in the strategically important areas of science,

engineering and technology from which successful new

products, processes and services could emerge.

What is the focus of the Grant?

SMART - DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOTYPE

The Development of Prototype grant can be used by

businesses to develop a technologically innovative product,

service or industrial process.

SMART – PROOF OF CONCEPT

The Proof of Concept grant may be used to explore the

technical feasibility and commercial potential of a new

technology, product or process.

SMART - PROOF OF MARKET GRANT

The Proof of Market grant enables businesses to assess the

commercial viability of a project, through market research,

market testing and competitor analysis, intellectual property

position and initial planning for commercialisation.


Tel. 01793 442 700


www.innovateuk.org

TECHNOLOGYSTRATEGY BOARD

Type

Grant

Area

UK

Target

SMEs

Availability

On-going


46

GR

AN

TS


What are the size of deals?

The Innovation Programme is subsidised by the European

Regional Development Fund and is specifically designed to

help North East businesses prosper by investing in

innovative developments.

The Programme seeks to support SMEs in the North East

region to achieve significant improvements in their

performance through the introduction of innovative

strategies.

The concept is to use an individual project as the vehicle

to assist companies through the innovation process.

This could include:

• broadening a product base;

• introduction to a new service;

• introduction to new markets;

• changing operating methods;

• developing new financial tools;

• making better use of new technology;

• ultimately reducing long term risk and

increasing sustainability.


Tel: 0191 516 6021


www.ne-bic.co.uk

THE NORTH EAST SME INNOVATION PROGRAMME

Type

Grant

Area

North East England

Target

SMEs

Availability

On-going


47

BU

SIN

ESS

AN

GEL

S


Business Angels are private individuals who invariably have been successful in business and

who are capable of investing their own money, mainly in the form of equity, in businesses.

Typically they invest in the early stage investment cycle up to £250k and can either invest

individually or they may choose to join an angel syndicate and thus invest through a pooled

resource with other like-minded investors.

Businesses seeking business angel investment can either approach a Business angel Network

or go directly to a Business Angel Syndicate.

Business Angel Networks will have angels as members to whom the network will regularly

circulate investment opportunities and also events will be held at which businesses will have

the opportunity to make a pitch to an audience of investors.

SEED ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SCHEME (SEIS)

The SEIS will make it more attractive for business angels and investors to support early-stage

small firms by providing income tax relief of 50% of the investment to individuals investing

up to £100k in qualifying companies.

For the first year of the scheme there will be a capital gains tax exemption on gains realised

in 2012/13 and reinvested in SEIS. The relief will exempt investors from capital gains of up to

28%, which in conjunction with the 50% income tax relief will give potential total relief on

the investment of up to 78%.

SEIS starts on 6 April 2012 and will run alongside the existing Enterprise Investment Scheme.

BUSINESSANGELS

www.bis.gov.uk


48

BU

SINESS A

NG

ELS


THE BUSINESS ANGEL CO INVESTMENT FUND

The Business Angel Co Investment Fund has been made possible because of a successful bid

to the UK Government's Regional Growth Fund. The Co Investment Fund will make £50m

available to invest alongside Business Angel networks or syndicates into eligible SMEs.

The Fund has been designed and established by a consortium of private and public bodies

with expertise in business angel investment. It is a private sector body with clear objectives

to boost the quality and quantity of business angel investing in England and to support

long-term, high quality jobs in growing companies.

The Fund is able to make initial equity investments of between £100k and £1m in to SMEs

alongside syndicates of business angels, subject to certain geographical restrictions, and an

upper limit of 49% of any investment round. Investment decisions will be made by the

independent Investment Committee of the fund based on the detailed proposals put forward

by business angel syndicates.

The Fund is not open to direct approaches from individual businesses and those seeking

investment should first secure the interest of the business angel syndicate or network.

BRITISH BUSINESS ANGELS ASSOCIATION (BBAA)

The BBAA is useful for information regarding angel investment and sourcing angel networks.

It boasts a publicly searchable online directory of angel networks, early stage VC funds and

professional service providers, as well as useful information for entrepreneurs and investors.

British Business Angels Association, 100 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5NQ.




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ANGEL AND ENTREPRENEURS CLUB – RIVERS CAPITAL PARTNERS

Members of the Angel and Entrepreneurs Club will have opportunities to invest in North

East based propositions alongside Rivers Capital Partners’ established private investor base

and the North East Angel Fund.

The Club’s service is open to individual, professional and corporate investors who are

seeking to invest sums of £5k to £500k in early stage ventures with major profits potential.

Members of the Angel and Entrepreneurs Club will also be invited to regular receptions.

These receptions bring together companies who have had investment or who are in receipt

of offers from the North East Angel Fund with investors and Business Angels.

BRAVEHEART VENTURES LIMITED

Braveheart Ventures Ltd was formed in 1997 by four Scottish businessmen as an informal

investment syndicate. In 2003, Braveheart Investment Group plc was incorporated, and

subsequently acquired Braveheart Ventures.

Service offerings include bespoke EIS portfolios, fund management, investment facilitation

and management services. They make investments in young, emerging, unlisted companies

where there is potential for significant growth through successful commercialisation of IP.

They have close relationships with a number of leading universities and innovation centres

and access to a wide variety of emerging commercial opportunities at early stages.

There are 21 companies in Braveheart’s directly held portfolio (as at 30th September 2011)

and they have completed over 90 deals in their 15 year history.

Braveheart Investment Group, c/o Inkopo, Metic House, Ripley Drive, Normanton, West

Yorkshire, WF6 1QT.




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BUSINESS INVESTORS GROUP (BiG)

BiG provides equity finance and business support expertise to established owner-managers,

or potential managers who can demonstrate growth potential, coupled with good

management skills or an established track record. BiG is able to provide equity funding from

£10k to £1m and more. BiG will help businesses of any size, and it will syndicate with other

financial partners to offer the best total, balanced-funding package. During the last fourteen

years, BiG has assisted over 51 companies (57% of which are still progressing) and has

invested more than £16.5m.

BiG has created a vital regional funding source and has given direction to small and

medium size enterprises in the North East of England that are looking to start-up or develop

their growth. BiG members also assist in developing entry or exit strategies. Because of BiG's

expertise and high profile networking programme its members are exceptionally well placed

to understand the problems of the entrepreneur.

BiG members are also able to provide a wide range of professional skills to assist companies

in both pre-and post-investment stages.

Business Investors Group, PO Box 198, Chester-le-Street, DH3 9AE.

ENTRUST – INVESTOR FORUM

Entrust has operated Investor Forum: a formal Business Angel Network (BAN) since 1994.

The Forum provides a showcase for high-growth potential companies to present their

investment proposals to an audience of local and national investors as well as other

entrepreneurs and leading figures from the region's professional services community.

The aim is to engage with high-growth businesses, to develop a community and to provide

more opportunity for them to access the financial resources and business skills they need

to succeed.

The network includes private equity and venture capital investors, business angels, private

wealth managers, successful entrepreneurs, business advisors, and corporate financiers.

We bring together talented people who can maximise shareholder value in companies

with significant growth potential.

Entrust, Portman House, Portland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AQ.




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EUROPEAN BUSINESS ANGEL NETWORK (EBAN)

EBAN serves business angels, business angel networks, seed funds and other early stage

investment professionals across Europe.

EBAN is the representative in Brussels through direct and indirect membership of more

than 250 business angel networks in Europe. These in turn federate some 20,000 angels,

and receive about 40,000 business plans a year.

EBAN brings together over 112 member organisations in 27 countries today.

EBAN is the networking platform enabling its members to:

• stay on top of trends in the early stage investment market in Europe;

• build new relationships and new business opportunities by networking with peers

across borders;

• get answers to day-to-day challenges: don’t reinvent the wheel as they may have

the solution;

• access their resource centre and get on-going capacity building opportunities;

• be represented under one voice representing the interests of early stage investors near

European policy makers.

GABRIEL INVESTORS LLP

Credible and connected; Gabriel Investors invest time and money in ambitious companies.

Investment is either in loan or equity form falling in the £5k to £100k band. Working

with them means working with some of the country’s most successful and connected

businesswomen.

Tel: 0032 (0) 2 626 20 63Email: [email protected]



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HOTSPUR CAPITAL PARTNERS

Hotspur Capital Partners is an Angel Investment Group set up in November 2007 and

comprises high net worth individuals who have been/are successful entrepreneurs

themselves with experience of building and exiting businesses. It is based in the North East

but invests in 1-2 deals across the UK per annum. In the region it is an investor in the

Ignite100 acceleration programme.

NORTH EAST BUSINESS ANGELS (NEaBA)

NEaBA is an introduction service that puts private investors, looking to invest in start-up,

growth stage and turnaround opportunities, in touch with entrepreneurs and companies

seeking finance.

The Association regularly holds round table investment meetings hosted throughout the

North East to see entrepreneurs introduce their ideas to an audience of business angel

members. NEaBA will look for co-investment opportunities for members to leverage

funding and share risk.

NEaBA’s introduction service enables entrepreneurs to not only personally present their

business proposals at the meetings, but also publish an executive summary on the NEaBA

extranet where the angel investors can log-in to view summaries and contact the

entrepreneurs directly.

TIGER CORPORATE FINANCE LIMITED

Tiger Corporate Finance is an independent corporate finance house specialising in deal

origination and equity finance. The company was formed by Roland Tate in 2005 after he

spent several years with PWC and KPMG where he was Director of Corporate Finance,

gaining considerable experience in mergers and acquisitions.

There are 15 members actively seeking opportunities in most sectors.

Contact: Colin WillisEmail: [email protected]


Contact: Roland TateTel: 0191 252 1823


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YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS ANGELS (YABA)

YABA is a unique forum which brings together the finance and expertise of business angels

with entrepreneurs and their business ideas.

The network was formed in 1995 and its membership has grown to over 190 angel and

associate members.

Bi-monthly investment forums are held at various venues throughout Yorkshire &

Humberside where entrepreneurs are invited to introduce their business ideas to an

audience of business angels and some of the most influential business leaders in the region.

In addition: the introduction service enables businesses to publish an executive summary

on the members’ only area of the YABA website.

To see the benefits of being a member of Yorkshire Association of Business Angels or if you

would like to use the entrepreneur service please visit:



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BUSINESS SUPPORT


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BE FRANCHISING

Be Franchising is an accredited Affiliate Member of the British Franchise Association and is

a not for profit business. They offer advice and guidance, help in accessing finance,

help to franchise your business, opportunities to run one of their franchise businesses,

pre-approved franchises and quality assistance at the best rates.

BRIDGE CLUB LIMITED

The Bridge Club is an expert provider of contacts and connections. The Bridge Club’s ethos

stems from ‘bridging the gap’ within the enterprise community through events such as In

Conversation and FIRST.

Bridge Club specialises in business collaboration and access to finance, markets and

management through networking.

Bridge Club has a team that is active throughout the region with leads in both Newcastle

and the Tees Valley.

BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE GROUP

Business & Enterprise Group is a national business services specialist, that helps businesses

to be more competitive, productive and profitable.

With a clear purpose to help more businesses to succeed and grow, the Group specialises

in business improvement services, access to investment, supply chain development,

international trade and event management and production.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Tel: 0845 602 7988www.befranchising.com

Tel: 0191 406 9081www.bridgeclubnorth.com

Tel: 0191 426 6100www.business-enterprise.net


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BUSINESS AND IP CENTRE – NEWCASTLE

The only dedicated Business and Intellectual Property Centre outside London. The Centre is

a resource hub for small to medium businesses, business start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The Business and Intellectual Property Centre is a comprehensive one-stop-shop for the

region’s business talent, offering everything from research materials to subscription

database access; tailored 1:1 consultation sessions to the latest business journals.

BUSINESS LINK

Business Link is the Government's online resource for businesses. The website contains

essential information, support and services for you and your business whether you work for

a large organisation or are on your way to starting up. Support includes Solutions for

Business (SfB) which is a package of publicly funded business support products and services

designed to help businesses start, grow and succeed.

BRITISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL ASSOCIATION (BVCA)

The BVCA is the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity and

venture capital industry in the UK. Its membership comprises more than 500 firms,

including general partners, limited partners and professional advisers.

The BVCA is a useful source of information about the industry and raising venture capital.

Its communications, research, events and training programmes are accessed by private

equity and venture capital firms, entrepreneurs, investors and advisers worldwide.

The BVCA Member Directory includes listings of PE/VC firms that provide funding in most

sectors and stages, as well as advisers and other organisations associated with the industry.

Tel: 0191 277 4100www.bipcnewcastle.co.uk

www.businesslink.gov.uk

Tel: 020 7420 1800www.bvca.co.uk


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CONFEDERATION OF BRITISH INDUSTRY (CBI)

The CBI’s mission is to help create and sustain the conditions in which businesses in the

United Kingdom can compete and prosper for the benefit of all. They are the premier

lobbying organisation for UK business on national and international issues.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR LIFE SCIENCES (CELS)

CELS is a specialist business services organisation providing a unique range of business

development solutions to the life science and healthcare sector. It is committed to

developing a strong life science and healthcare cluster across the North of England to

encourage both national and international growth.

CENTRE FOR PROCESS INNOVATION (CPI)

CPI uses applied knowledge in science and engineering combined with state of the art

development facilities to enable our clients to develop, scale up and take new products

and processes to market. We provide solutions for the pharma, food, chemical, energy,

transportation and printable electronics markets.

We help to develop and introduce the next generation of processes and products by

reducing risk, reducing cost and increasing the speed of development programmes.

We do this by bringing together unique, flexible assets with outstanding engineering

talent and market knowledge supported by sustained public investment in our open

innovation model.

CODEWORKS

Codeworks is a centre for digital innovation based in North East England. They provide

support in innovation, business development, networking and promotion.

Tel: 0191 255 4410

www.cbi.org.uk

Tel: 0191 269 5444

www.celsgroup.com

Tel: 0191 490 9192

www.codeworks.net

Tel: 01642 455 340

www.uk-cpi.com


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DERWENTSIDE ENTERPRISE AGENCY (DEA)

DEA aim to offer hands-on, practical support to anyone wishing to a start a business in

Derwentside. They can help you assess the viability of your business idea and, as necessary,

develop your business plan. They aim to provide a simple, clear overview of the grants,

funding and other support services you can access and to help you maximize your benefit

from what is available.

DESIGN NETWORK NORTH

Design Network North supports innovative companies by helping them to utilise high quality

design skills and processes. They accomplish this by offering specialised product design,

industrial design and new product development support.

DIGITALCITY

DigitalCity is creating the most vibrant digital hub in the UK; a successful and self-sustaining

digital media, digital technology and creative super cluster based in the North East.

Along the way they are developing a worldwide reputation for creativity, imagination and daring.

DigitalCity provides support for start-up companies, business development companies and high

growth companies.

EEF

EEF is dedicated to the future of manufacturing. As the manufacturers' organisation, they believe

that a modern, competitive and innovative manufacturing industry is central to the UK's

economic future. Powering its growth with potent thought leadership. Making it fit for the future

- and effective in the present - with switched-on business services. And representing its interests

at the heart of government. When manufacturing gets moving, EEF is its engine.

Tel: 01207 580 011www.derwentsideenterprise.co.uk

Tel: 0191 516 4400www.designnetworknorth.org

Tel: 01642 248 692www.dcbusiness.eu

Tel: 0191 497 3240www.eef.org.uk


ENTREPRENEURS’ FORUM

The Forum provides a dynamic entrepreneurial environment for business leaders to be inspired,create connections and share knowledge that leads to business growth and success. People come together via the Forum’s well renowned events calendar and respected mentoringprogramme called ‘if we can you can’ which can be accessed via www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk

ENTRUST

Entrust, established in 1982, is one of the oldest business support organisations in the country. A not-for-profit organisation; they work with clients across all industry sectors and at all stagesof development. Whether you are looking to start up in business, or have an establishedbusiness, Entrust can provide the customised support needed to deliver your businessobjectives. This support manifests itself in three key areas: Money; Markets; People - the keyenablers for growth.

FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES (FSB)

Representing approximately 4,000 small and micro businesses; the FSB works to ensure that the voice of small businesses is listened to by Government nationally, regionally and locally. The FSB also offers protection for small and micro businesses through our membership offerincluding 24/7 access to legal advice, a tax helpline and free business banking for life.

FINANCE TREE

Finance Tree improves your ability to raise finance. They work with you from assessing youroptions and preparing your investment proposals and business plans right through to investorintroductions and presentations.

Their innovative business model keeps overheads low which means that you are paying for theirexperience and their time. Their team members are experienced in running and owning theirown businesses as well as corporate finance: which gives them a unique insight into yourchallenges and needs.

Tel: 0191 244 4000www.entrust.co.uk

Tel: 0191 500 7780www.entrepreneursforum.net

Tel: 01207 506 138www.fsb.org.uk

Tel: 0191 230 6370www.financetree.biz

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FIVE LAMPS ORGANISATION

Five Lamps can offer you one to one advice and support throughout the life of your

enterprise; from developing your business idea, to assisting you to research and secure

sources of finance for your business.

GENERATE VENTURES NORTH

Generate Ventures North is a collective of experienced business practitioners who deliver

impact-driven and quality monitored business improvement coaching. Their unique

commercial assessment and business growth processes combined with the right expertise,

experience and commercial analytical abilities lead to better delivery and business

development for its clients.

GENERATOR – BUSINESS OF MUSIC

Based in Newcastle, Generator is the UK’s leading music development agency; providing

support to regional music businesses at all levels from start-up companies to those with

proven commercial success. They offer a range of services including advice on identifying

revenue streams, raising finance for new music businesses and help with developing future

business plans.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIPS (KTPs)

By participating in KTP businesses can access qualified people to spearhead new projects;

access experts who can help take your business forward; develop innovative solutions to

help your business grow and improve your performance/business operations.

You will be able to access knowledge and skills from the UK Knowledge Base (Further and

Higher Education Institutions or research organisations) for use in the strategic

development of their business. Each partnership employs one or more high-calibre KTP

Associates for a project in the applicant company lasting a typical duration of one to

three years.

Tel: 01642 608 316www.fivelamps.org.uk

Tel: 08700 341 555www.generateventuresnorthllp.com

Tel: 0191 231 4016www.generator.org.uk


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A KTP is part-funded by a grant from the Technology Strategy Board. A small to

medium-sized enterprise (SME) would be expected to contribute about a third of the costs

involved in the project. All the Universities in the North East of England offer this scheme.

NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTRE (NAREC)

NAREC located in Blyth, Northumberland provides R&D, consultancy, test and

demonstration facilities for the renewable and electrical power sectors. NAREC works with

industry to reduce product costs and development cycles, and increase device reliability

within acceptable timescales to catalyse technology development and the growth of

offshore renewables in the UK.

NBSL

NBSL is an Enterprise Agency based in Northumberland, operating across the county

and the North East of England. Their strength is in their experience and ways of working

with local, regional and national partners to build their customers a bespoke package

of assistance.

Their network of high-street located Business Advice Centres house dedicated teams of

staff to help you with problems faced when starting up and running a business. They can

provide business advice, source useful information and help steer your business in the

right direction.

Tel: 0300 321 4357www.ktponline.org.uk

Tel: 01670 359 555www.narec.co.uk

Tel: 01670 813 322www.nbsl.org.uk


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NORTH EAST PROCESS INDUSTRY CLUSTER (NEPIC)

NEPIC represents 500 companies based in North East England. It is a membership

organisation, established to improve the competitiveness and growth of its members and

the sector. It does this by co-ordination of mutually beneficial activities, attraction of trade

and investment opportunities through industry leadership.

NETPARK NET

NETPark Net is a virtual innovation network of nearly 300 science, engineering and

technology businesses. NETPark Net offers a total business support environment with

access to personalised content and pro-active information via an online platform.

As well as this they provide bespoke grant and equity searches, access to new opportunities

and contracts, market intelligence, access to equipment and facilities as well as providing

companies with a gateway to expert advice through a series of clinics, workshops

and conferences.

NEWCASTLE SCIENCE CITY – BUSINESS SUPPORT TEAM

Newcastle Science City aims to create and support high-growth innovative companies

within the North East. Businesses and entrepreneurs who Newcastle Science City agrees to

support benefit from the following:

• an initial sounding board;

• bespoke help to bring ideas to market using a unique insight innovation model

• funding for specialist services in areas such as prototyping, market research and

intellectual property;

• an investor readiness programme delivered in partnership with North East Access

to Finance.

Tel: 01642 442 560www.nepic.co.uk

Tel: 01740 625 180www.uknetpark.net

Tel: 0191 211 3015www.newcastlesciencecity.com


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NOF ENERGY

NOF Energy is a business development organisation for the oil, gas, nuclear and off-shore

renewable sectors in the UK. They offer a wide range of support services by supplying

contacts, providing support and guidance, promoting your company to a global audience

and keeping you up-to-date with industry activities.

NORTH EAST BUSINESS AND INNOVATION CENTRE (BIC)

The North East BIC offers a wide range of support services for businesses of all shapes and

sizes. With a team of eight experienced business advisers, a resident franchising expert and

registered NVQ assessors, the BIC provides practical hands-on advice and support to small

and medium sized businesses as well as helping hundreds of new enterprises to start up

each year.

Advice and training courses are available on all aspects of business planning, and a range of

specialist subjects, including marketing, new product development, innovation, funding

sources, and financial and legal issues.

NORTH EAST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (NECC)

The North East Chamber of Commerce is a membership body which champions, connects

and develops member businesses to win more business, become better businesses and

enjoy better conditions for business within North East England and around the world.

Tel: 0191 384 6464www.nofenergy.co.uk

Tel: 0191 516 6200www.ne-bic.co.uk

Tel: 0300 303 6322www.necc.co.uk


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NORTHERN DEFENCE INDUSTRIES (NDI)

NDI is the leading business development membership organisation representing the

interests of its members in the defence, aerospace, space and security sectors.

The company delivers real business opportunities and value added services to its members

and promotes their capabilities nationally and internationally. NDI membership is

recognised by prime contractors to represent quality supplier capability providing an

important advantage in a competitive market. The company works closely with major

prime contractors, systems integrators and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to ensure

members have access to opportunities that create real potential for business growth

and development.

NORTHERN FILM AND MEDIA

Northern Film & Media is a creative industry development agency based in Newcastle

upon Tyne, investing in film, TV, digital media, and music activity in the North East.

Combining industry expertise, knowledge and contacts with a focus on delivering

production, developing talent and promoting market access, NFM’s activities build

growth into the North East creative industries.

NFM’s mission is to 'introduce the talent to the market and to introduce the market to

the talent'. It does this by investing in talent and ideas.

Since its launch 10 years ago, NFM has leveraged £80m of investment in the North East

creative industries.

NORTHERN PINETREE TRUST

Northern Pinetree Trust is a specialist provider of enterprise support. They offer a full range

of micro business support programmes to individuals who could benefit from additional

enterprise support or who have special needs. These are often individuals who are

unable to access business assistance or for whom mainstream enterprise programmes

are inappropriate.

Tel: 0191 426 6100www.ndi.org.uk

Tel: 0191 275 5930www.northernmedia.org

Tel: 0191 492 8200www.northernpinetreetrust.co.uk


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PROJECT NORTH EAST (PNE)

Since 1980 PNE has offered a high quality service focused on giving individuals the

knowledge and the skills they need to develop their own sustainable business.

The PNE Enterprise team of friendly, approachable and well qualified staff provide a

confidential service designed to help entrepreneurs start and run successful businesses

through one to one mentoring, business courses and more, all of which is completely free.

RTC NORTH

RTC North is an independent company delivering initiatives and business services which

support economic growth. They have significant experience, over 20 years, of helping

start- ups and SMEs to successfully take new products, technologies and services to market.

SOUTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL – BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

South Tyneside Council can advise on the potential sources of financial assistance available

to help businesses who are planning expansion/investment projects or who are considering

relocating to South Tyneside.

SUNDERLAND SOFTWARE CITY

Sunderland Software City is the regional initiative responsible for driving and supporting the

growth of the North East software industry. They work with companies of all sizes, from

pre-start-up to fully established, to give them the support, expertise and connections they

need to grow as well as working with overseas companies looking to invest in the region.

Tel: 0191 516 4400www.rtcnorth.co.uk

Tel: 0191 230 6410www.pne.org/enterprise

Tel: 0191 424 6262www.southtyneside.info/business

Tel: 0845 872 8575www.sunderlandsoftwarecity.com


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TEDCO LIMITED TEDCO is a leading enterprise support organisation based in the North East that helps new and established businesses. They provide information and advice on every aspect of running a business including start-up survival and growth.

TEDCO specialises in niche support to green and social enterprises. It also manages abusiness incubator and two business centres offering a range of facilities on flexible terms,supplemented by a full range of support services.

TEES VALLEY BUSINESS CLUBTees Valley Business Club brings together businesses in a friendly atmosphere with the aimof helping growth and providing new contacts. Membership gives you access to a widenetwork of businesses in and around the Tees Valley area and the chance to meet with like-minded people.

THE ALCHEMISTS The Alchemists is a unique organisation that works with ambitious, fast growing,entrepreneurial companies who have reached a critical point in their development. The Alchemists provides experienced, entrepreneurial and consultancy advice to selectedcompanies to accelerate their rate of change, reduce the associated risk and help themachieve a major step forward in their growth.

Tel: 0191 491 2392www.the-alchemists.com

Tel: 0191 428 3300www.tedco.org

Tel: 07872 839 456www.teesvalleybc.co.uk


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THE EXPERIENCE BANKThe Experience Bank is a pool of people who are willing to use their experience and insome cases money to invest in new and ambitious businesses. It is a major strand of the‘Routes to Investment’ suite of products and services offered by North East Access toFinance Limited.

All members understand that they are likely to do a small amount of work withoutcompensation. However, most members will be interested in forming longer termrelationships: as non-executive directors, business angels, coaches, mentors, consultants, or a combination of these.

The Experience Bank is purely a method of facilitating a link. It does not attempt to pre-match people and does not, in any way, guarantee if the relationship will work or not.However, our track record to-date shows that businesses and Experience Bank membersfind the relationship hugely beneficial.

We believe the best judges of the potential for working together are the business and thepotential Mentor/NXD etc. The initial meeting is a two way process and a business shouldpresent an attractive and convincing proposition to the potential mentor/investor.

For further information or to apply for assistance through the Experience Bank contact:

THE INVESTMENT CENTRE

The Investment Centre helps new and existing businesses to develop and grow by investing

public funds in projects that need advice and support.

The Investment Centre provides loan and grant investment for entrepreneurs and

businesses on behalf of a range of organisations including: The Department for Business

Innovation and Skills, UK Trade and Investment, the Skills Funding Agency and the European

Regional Development Fund.

Tel: 0191 426 6408www.neeic.co.uk

Tim PottsTel: 0191 481 3152E-mail: [email protected]


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THE PRINCE’S TRUST

The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme supports unemployed young people aged 18-30

who wish to start their own businesses. The scheme helps young people work out if their

business ideas are viable and whether self-employment is right for them.

TYNE AND WEAR DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

Tyne and Wear Development Company offers independent advice on all aspects of

expansion or relocation in Tyne and Wear. Using their in-depth experience they can guide

you through the processes and introduce your business to the right people at the right time.

Their free and confidential service is available to both large and small businesses and they

will support you throughout your enquiry by giving you one consistent point of support

UK TRADE AND INVESTMENT (UKTI)

UKTI can help you rise to the exciting opportunities and challenges that globalisation offers.

They work with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets.

They offer:

• extensive research contacts in every sector and in 96 countries worldwide;

• access to the business potential offered by the main international aid funding agencies;

• sales leads and an international network of opportunities direct to your inbox.

WOMEN INTO THE NETWORK (WIN)

Women into the Network aims to support, connect and promote their members by providing

personalised and practical services, creating useful introductions and connections and

representing business needs on a regional and national stage.

This project aims to help networks of businesswomen to develop and to bridge the gap

between companies and providers of business and professional support.

Tel: 0845 05 05 054www.ukti.gov.uk

Tel: 0845 269 9862www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk

Tel: 0191 5169 099www.tyne-wear.co.uk

Tel: 01914 973 210www.princes-trust.org.uk


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Angel and Entrepreneurs Club - Rivers Capital Partners 49

Asset Finance 26

Bank Assistance from the Regional Growth Fund 28

Bank Funding 27

Be Franchising 55

Braveheart Ventures Limited 49

Bridge Club Limited 55

Bridges Ventures 16

British Business Angels Association 48

British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association 56

Business & Enterprise Group 55

Business and IP Centre - Newcastle 56

BUSINESS ANGELS 47-53

Business Growth Fund 17

Business Investors Group 50

Business Link 56

BUSINESS SUPPORT 54-68

Centre for Process Innovation 57

Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences 57

Codeworks 57

Confederation of British Industry 57

Darlington Borough Council - The Falchion Fund 29

Derwentside Enterprise Agency 58

Design Network North 58

DigitalCity 58

EEF 58

Enterprise Capital Funds 18

Enterprise Finance Guarantee 30

Entrepreneurs' Forum 59

Entrust 59

Entrust - Investor Forum 50

EQUITY FUNDING 10-24

European Business Angel Network 51

EV Growth Fund 19

Export Enterprise Finance Guarantee 31

Federation of Small Businesses 59

Finance for Business North East Accelerator Fund 10

Finance for Business North East Angel Fund 11

Finance for Business North East Growth Fund 12

Finance for Business North East Growth Fund Plus 13

INDEX


Finance for Business North East Micro Loan Fund 25

Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund 14

Finance for Business North East Technology Fund 15

Finance Tree 59

Five Lamps Organisation 60

Gabriel Investors LLP 51

Generate Ventures North LLP 60

Generator 60

GRANTS 38-46

Hartlepool Borough Council - Business Grants 38

Home Working Fund 39

Hotspur Capital Partners 52

Introduction 3

Investment for Growth 40

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships 60

LOANS 25-37

National Loan Guarantee Scheme 32

National Renewable Energy Centre 61

NBSL 61

NBSL Grant 41

NESTA 20

NETPark Net 62

Newcastle Science City - Business Support Team 62

NOF Energy 63

North East Access to Finance Limited 4

North East Business and Innovation Centre 63

North East Business Angels 52

North East Chamber of Commerce 63

North East Process Industry Cluster 62

North Eastern Local Enterprise Partnership 5

Northern Defence Industries 64

Northern Film & Media 64

Northern Pinetree Trust 64

NVM Private Equity Limited 21

Project North East 65

Regional Growth Fund 33

RisingStars Growth Fund 22

RTC North 65

Rural Development Programme for England 42

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme 47

Social Enterprise Loan Fund 34

Social Impact Co-Investment Fund 35

South Tyneside Council - Business Assistance 65

Stockton on Tees Borough Council – Start Up Grant 43

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Street North East 36

Sunderland City Council - Business Investment Team 44

Sunderland Software City 65

Technology Strategy Board 45

TEDCO Limited 66

Tees Valley Business Club 66

Tees Valley Unlimited 6

The Alchemists 66

The Business Angel Co-Investment Fund 48

The Coalfields Funds 23

The Co-operative Loan Fund 37

The Experience Bank 4

The Experience Bank 67

The Investment Centre 67

The North East SME Innovation Programme 46

The Prince's Trust 68

Tiger Corporate Finance Limited 52

Tyne and Wear Development Company 68

UK Steel Enterprise Limited 24

UK Trade and Investment 68

What’s the alternative? By Ward Hadaway 7-8

Women into the Network 68

FEEDBACK FORM 73

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If you have any comments or would like to make any future contributions to this guide, please email us

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This publication is a general guide only. It has been prepared by North East Access to Finance Ltd

(NEA2F) from information provided by the third parties named in this guide.

NEA2F accepts no responsibility for any actions taken or not taken in reliance on or in connection with

this guide. Where reference or links (which may not be active links) are made to external publications or

websites, the views expressed are those of the authors of those publications or websites which are not

necessarily those of NEA2F and NEA2F accepts no responsibility for the contents or accuracy of those

publications or websites.

The information in the guide was correct at the time of going to press and that it may be subject

to change.

FEEDBACK FORM

Guide2012

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