UCLan’s Investment Readiness programme enables SMEs to access the expertise of experienced investment professionals
Many businesses are missing out on chances of securing equity investment, according to an expert from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
Peter Leather, Head of IP and Commercialisation for Innovation and Enterprise at UCLan, says opportunities are often wasted as a result of companies not being able to present ideas to potential investors effectively.
His comments came at a roundtable event in London organised by the University and BusinessCloud, where fellow speakers included Jon Moulton, Founder and Managing Partner of Better Capital, Norman Molyneux, Founder and CEO of Acceleris Capital and Azim Hosein, Head of Corporate Development at Newable.
The University’s Investment Readiness programme enables businesses to access the expertise of experienced investment professionals, who provide a unique insight into what investors look for.
"The Investment Readiness programme is ‘investor led’ and has been developed by experts with many years of experience, which means it can provide businesses with the best possible chance to secure investment and achieve growth."
Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and supported by Boost, Lancashire’s business growth hub, the scheme is free to eligible Lancashire businesses and completion of the programme results in participants being equipped to deliver a pitch to investors helping them secure funding for their business.
Peter said: “Funding is a vital factor for achieving growth, but a lot of businesses miss out on investment simply because they aren’t prepared. There are plenty of opportunities out there and it’s crucial that businesses are equipped with the knowledge relating to what investors are looking for, to maximise their chances of being successful when presenting a pitch.
“The Investment Readiness programme is ‘investor led’ and has been developed by experts with many years of experience, which means it can provide businesses with the best possible chance to secure investment and achieve growth.
“It has been described as a ‘finishing school’ for SMEs looking to raise equity finance to fuel their growth; seeking to make it easier for businesses to access the right funds at the right time from the right investors, while making it easier for investors to back the right investment opportunities.
“I’d encourage businesses who are looking to grow to get in touch to find out how we can help.”
For more information on the Investment Readiness programme, contact 01772 895656 or investmentreadiness@uclan.ac.uk.