Scotland’s most ambitious businesses are set to gain direct access to funders, investors and expert advisers when the national FUEL roadshow arrives in Edinburgh this September, building on the success of the first two events which have already generated a funding pipeline of more than £10 million for UK businesses.
On Thursday 24th September, hundreds of ambitious business owners will descend on Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium for a day of pre-arranged meetings with lenders, investors and business advisers, giving the nation’s SMEs the opportunity to explore funding options, receive expert guidance and build the relationships needed to accelerate growth.
The roadshow follows successful events in the North East and Yorkshire, where businesses took part in hundreds of one-to-one meetings with finance providers. Many of those conversations have already resulted in significant investment potential, with more than £10 million in funding now expected to flow into businesses across the two regions.
Rather than a traditional exhibition, FUEL has been designed as a practical event that removes many of the barrier’s businesses face when raising finance. Every attendee is triaged, and if appropriate, matched with relevant funders and advisers before the event, ensuring each meeting is tailored to their ambitions and funding requirements.
For business leaders that are unsure of which funding option is right for them or are not yet ready to seek finance, workshops are also available throughout the day which are designed to build confidence, develop investor and finance readiness and connect them to advisers who can help them on their journey.
Businesses attending FUEL Scotland will have the opportunity to meet representatives from a broad mix of funding organisations, from high street banks and specialist commercial lenders to alternative finance providers and investors.
Confirmed organisations include Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Allica Bank, Scottish Enterprise, Creative UK, Maven, DSL Business Finance, The FSE Group and more, offering delegates the chance to explore funding options tailored to businesses at every stage of growth.
Delivered by business support and funding specialists, UMi, FUEL builds on almost two decades of helping businesses navigate funding, unlock investment and access expert advice. Since 2007, UMi has helped businesses secure more than £1 billion in grants, loans and private investment.
Nicki Clark OBE, CEO of UMi, said: “The response to FUEL has exceeded our expectations. Businesses have told us they value being able to speak directly with the people making funding decisions, while funders have welcomed the opportunity to meet ambitious companies that are ready to grow.
“With more than £10 million expected to be unlocked through our first two events, we’re excited to bring that momentum to Scotland, whether a business is looking to invest in innovation, expand its workforce or overcome cashflow challenges, FUEL is designed to make accessing finance, simpler, faster and far less daunting.”
Cameron Gordon, Accelerator Community Manager, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, we know that access to the right support is crucial for businesses to succeed.
For time-poor business owners, however, knowing what help is out there and what is best for their circumstances is not always clear. Through our Accelerator, we support a growing community of more than 30,000 entrepreneurs across the UK, and I am pleased that the Royal Bank of Scotland is supporting UMi’s FUEL roadshows, building on this work to champion small businesses and help them find the right support at the right time.”
Small Business Minister Lord Leong said: “One of the biggest challenges facing small businesses in Scotland is securing the right finance at the right time to invest, expand and create the good jobs local people deserve.
“That is why we are proud to support roadshows such as FUEL, which bring practical advice, specialist expertise and potential funding partners directly to founder-led and owner-managed businesses. By helping entrepreneurs understand their options, become investment-ready and access finance suited to their ambitions, FUEL helps turn growth plans into reality.
“Alongside this, we are working with the British Business Bank to increase the supply of finance across every region and nation of the UK. Our message to ambitious business owners is clear: wherever you are based and whatever your background, we want to help you overcome the barriers to growth, fulfil your potential and build the successful businesses and good jobs of the future.”
FUEL roadshows will be taking place throughout the UK at the following locations:
- Edinburgh – Thursday 24 September – Murrayfield Stadium
- London – December – Excel
- Birmingham – TBC
- Manchester – TBC
- Cardiff – TBC
Business owners interested in attending any of the events above can book tickets, or register their interest in future events, via the website: www.fuelroadshow.co.uk.
