This masterclass will be hosted by the Leicester office of RSM UK, the British Business Bank and Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF). The masterclass will be promoted to Leicester and Leicestershire businesses that are looking to grow but realise that they can only do so by using external finance. And the intermediaries supporting these businesses. We know that loan funding is often perceived to be ‘bad’ by businesses and intermediaries alike, whilst owners also believe that they will lose control of their business if they take equity investment. So why take the risk?
The objective of the masterclass is to discuss how the City’s and County’s businesses can actually grow using external finance and dispel some of the myths about securing loan funding and raising equity investment.
The masterclass will be promoted to Leicester and Leicestershire businesses that are looking to grow but realise that they can only do so by using external finance. And the intermediaries supporting these businesses.
MEIF, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, provides commercially focussed finance through Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof-of-Concept and Equity Finance funds. MEIF aims to transform the finance landscape for smaller businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire and to realise the region’s potential to achieve economic growth through enterprise.
The masterclass is due for an hour and a half, and will consist of two panels, each around 45 minutes, one focusing on loan funding and the other on equity investment.
Welcome from Kevin Harris, Office Managing Partner, Leicester, RSM UK and Chair, LLEP
Lewis Stringer, UKN Senior Manager, covering the East and South East Midlands, will act as compere for the first panel session.
Loan Funding Panel
Panellists:
- Local business that has benefitted from MEIF
- Debt Advisory, RSM UK
- Enterprise Loans East Midlands Limited
- Maven Capital Partners LLP
- FSE Group
- Business Gateway Adviser
Subject to timings, the audience will be asked for any questions that they may have for the panel.
Lewis Stringer, UKN Senior Manager, covering the East and South East Midlands, will also act as compere for the second panel session.
Equity Investment Panel
Panellists:
- Local business that is looking to raise investment
- Corporate Finance, RSM UK
- Minerva Business Angels
- Foresight Group
- BGF
- Business Gateway Adviser
Again, subject to timings, the audience will be asked for any questions that they may have for the panel.
Wrap-up and call to action from Kevin Harris, Office Managing Partner, Leicester, RSM UK and Chair, LLEP.