NatWest Group’s Post

Interesting to note that extra investment to grow and nurture high-growth businesses and entrepreneurs in #Scotland has been announced. This includes: 💷 funding to expand the business competition Scottish EDGE helping broaden and tailor the range of financial support available to fledgling businesses. 🐣the development of pre-start support, aimed at stimulating the earliest stages of business creation and product development for under-represented groups. 🎓support to maximise the economic impact of university spin-out companies, and commercialise research. 🌍investing in initiatives that will attract the world’s top talent and showcase Scotland as a global destination for start-up founders and investors. It’s a far more focused and strategic approach than that currently found in #Wales and I love the ambition to “make Scotland one of Europe’s fastest-growing start-up economies: an economy that is strong, successful and dynamic” https://lnkd.in/eiJSErqj

Sunderland startups and growing businesses! We’ve teamed up with BIPC’s Market Research Expert, Natasha McDonough FCIM McDonough of MMC Research to bring you a practical non jargon workshop aimed to transform your business plans or turn your masterplan into a reality! In this session, you will learn about the benefits of market research including: 💡  How to access data for free through BIPC North East 💡  How to use market research to stand out against your competitors 💡  Understand your market before you invest time & money 💡   Understand your customer and their buying habits Sign up! https://lnkd.in/eKrnpeFE

🚀 Calling all scale-stage businesses in London! 🚀 Ready to elevate your business to new heights? Don't miss out on the Finance Readiness Business Workshop Series! 🌟 What's in it for you? ✔️ Gain Valuable Insights: Understand your business from an investor's perspective and learn what they look for in potential investments. ✔️ Streamline Fundraising: Navigate the fundraising process with confidence, armed with the knowledge and tools to present your business in the best light. ✔️ Address Investment Concerns: Identify and tackle potential red flags early on, increasing investor confidence and trust in your business. ✔️ Secure Investment: Fine-tune your pitches and strategies to maximize your chances of securing the investment you need to grow. ✔️ Refine Business Models: Receive expert guidance on refining your business model, ensuring it's robust and attractive to investors. Only 8 spaces available! Apply now to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/eMbBt_tc For more info on criteria and module sessions, visit: https://lnkd.in/exwGKttv Applications close on 26 March, 2024, 11:59pm. The Business Workshop Series, part of the Amplify Venture Programme will have two comprehensive workshop series, each comprising five dynamic sessions tailored to address the critical needs of high-growth businesses. These workshops are focused on two key pillars: Finance Readiness and Customer Growth. This is a joint initiative created and delivered by Foundervine, Capital Enterprise, OneTech and Startup Discovery School. Funded by the UK Government. #ScaleStage #GrowthBusinesses #Investment #Workshops #Investmentreadiness #AmplifyVenture #Foundervine

ScaleUp Britain is now go live and first of the events well underway - great event Glasgow - hope this stimulates growth in the region Key takeaways for me: 8 in 10 Scottish scaleups are wanting to pursue new international markets, with a strong global focus already Access to talent still remains main barrier but good news is there is a clear focus in investing into those skills Interesting to see the development and evolution of the PISCES product (intermittent market) from the London Stock Exchange - allowing businesses to stay private but access deeper pockets - hopefully launch later in the year this will make a difference to help true scale-ups refresh their investor base, access new funding and enable further growth. Scottish National Investment Bank making interventions of up to £50m via debt or equity where able to demonstrate impact on the Scottish economy and community, therefore focused on stimulating ScaleUp growth, with Mark Munro confirming scaleups typically have better productivity, revenue per employee and growth potential than other areas and therefore an important focus area. A reminder however that businesses MUST put themselves in a position to be ready for investment. Also the tough question - is the founder necessarily the right person to take forward to the next stage - other skills are often required Louis Taylor from the British Business Bank flagged the disparity with businesses in smaller regions not always accessing the same funding as those in the cities, and BBB playing a key role in levelling the landscape. Also 62% of businesses using external finance showing a healthy approach to leveraging external finance. However UK has second largest pension pool in the world but only a very small percentage makes its way into supporting ScaleUp businesses and so ongoing reform welcomed, with growth fund working alongside BBB infrastructure. Lisa Hazelden from Innovate UK explaining that they look to take on the innovation risk and allow businesses to focus on the commercial risk. Focus on #netzero one key area for UK growth, and very much looking to use grant funding the leverage great private investment, launching Investor Connect to help build those private connections. Also a push to support partnerships to build investor readiness, a real need for growth businesses, and also NED connections so that the talent gaps can be filled. SBRI (Contracts for Innovation) also in place to help private business access public procurement, and catapult ecosystem ready to help businesses launch innovative ideas into commercial success. All voices emphasising the need for strong regional ecosystems to support businesses - proud to have the teams from across the UK at BDO now set up to support Mark McCluskey Andrew McNamara Rory McPherson James Paterson all engaged from BDO UK LLP in Scotland! #scaleup #scaleupbritain #growth #entrepreneur #funding #bdo

Investors are very choosy about the businesses they put their money in. These businesses must have unique qualities that make them stand out from the ordinary competitors. Your business might be in this category but you are mixed up and cannot speak the value to a potential investor. You might have the right business for investment but you don't know how to attract the right investor with it. However, that should not worry you right now. Your business can have the pitch deck that attracts the right investor with ready investment, if you so choose. I recently worked with a Nairobi based startup that received an offer after two weeks of submitting their pitch deck to the right investor. If your business has had good growth in the past and is looking for an investor, reach out to me to help you organize a presentation that sells Today.

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme have now been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035. 💡 For those of you working closely with start-ups and entrepreneurs, how do you see these schemes impacting the future of early-stage investment and growth? Are your clients prepared to leverage these incentives?

If you want to explore Self Employment as an option and live in #NeathPortTalbot then this event is for you. Register now and enjoy an informative chat with a cuppa. Free Support to #startyourbusiness #startups #businessmentoring

Insights and opportunities at the September ScaleUp Britain Summit 🚀 Earlier this month, the ScaleUp Britain Summit took place at the Manchester Technology Centre, bringing together scaling businesses and ecosystem leaders from Greater Manchester and the North West. It was an insightful event that explored the funding landscape for 2024, innovative pathways to private capital, and collaboration opportunities with Innovate UK. Here are some key highlights: - Dr Lisa Hazelden, Chief Product Officer at Innovate UK, shared invaluable insights into how Innovate UK's investor services and market collaborations are driving business growth both locally and globally. Lisa highlighted Innovate UK’s portfolio of products and services support businesses at every stage - from concept to commercialisation, scale and growth. - Marcus Stuttard of the London Stock Exchange shared the updates on capital markets, while Angelene Woodland Singleton of the British Business Bank shed light new opportunities through the Long-Term Investment Fund and the UK Growth Fund. - Industry experts, Margaret Rice-Jones and Cate Poulson, provided guidance on building strong scaleup brands and boards, leaving participants with actionable strategies to accelerate their growth journeys. The Summit was a unique platform for attendees to connect with investors, market experts, and peers, share experiences, and expand their networks. It was an incredibly productive event, offering a forward-looking view of finance, growth, and innovation in the UK. Thank you to the ScaleUp Institute and LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) for hosting us and to all the participants for making it a success. Learn more about Innovate UK’s portfolio of products and services: https://ow.ly/RXHs50Tu65p Irene Graham OBE | #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Funding #Growth #Networking

Let's Unleash the Potential of Private Equity in Europe 🌍✨ As we edge closer to the European elections, it's time to spark meaningful conversation and drive change. That's why France Invest is stepping into the spotlight with a new manifesto, featuring 16 concrete proposals aimed at unlocking the vast potential of private equity across Europe. The landscape of French private equity – encompassing venture capital, private debt, and infrastructure financing – is ripe with opportunities. It's not just about financial gains; it's a chance to bolster our sovereignty, ignite innovation, and pave the way for sustainable growth and job creation, ultimately contributing to widespread prosperity. In a world that's constantly evolving, facing numerous challenges head-on, #privateequity emerges as a pivotal force. It's about investing in the future, nurturing promising initiatives, and empowering visionary entrepreneurs. Together, we're crafting a future where Europe stands strong – competitive, sustainable, and inclusive. This manifesto isn't just a collection of ideas; it's a call to action. It's about providing unwavering support to businesses, encouraging them to innovate and transform at every stage of their journey. We're advocating for long-term investment and a vision of Europe that's greener, more innovative, equitable, and inclusive. Dive into the manifesto and be part of the movement. Let's shape the future of Europe together. Your voice matters. Get involved ⬇️ #Innovation #Sustainability #JobCreation #FutureOfEurope -------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Follow me for insightful and entertaining posts about #Startups #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎁 Get investor lists, free resources, and services for your fundraising:  https://lnkd.in/g4ygxG6i -------------------------------------------------------------------- 🤝 Find your co-founder: https://lnkd.in/e9DyVmkE  --------------------------------------------------------------------

🚀 Calling All Dundee Innovators! 🚀  Are you a resident of Dundee, have a venture registered here, or are you studying or working at a local university or college? Do you have a game-changing solution or idea that could create a meaningful social or environmental impact? Our Dundee Accelerator is now open for applications! This is your chance to join a dynamic programme designed to support local entrepreneurs and social ventures in turning transformative ideas into reality. 🌟 What We’re Looking For:  - Innovators and entrepreneurs based in Dundee  - Game-changing solutions or ideas with the potential to make a significant impact  - Teams or individuals ready to take their ideas to the next level 🌍 Whether you’re just starting out or already established, this programme offers tailored support, expert guidance, and the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded changemakers. 🔗 Learn more and apply now using the link in the comments. This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Please share with others in your network who can spread the word. Abertay University University of Dundee Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc UK Government Investments (UKGI) #UKSPF #theventureslab