Enterprise conference considers access to funding

Access to business loans and funding were on the agenda at an enterprise conference in Teesside.

Over 30 delegates attended the Business Information Session hosted by the Redcar and Cleveland Enterprise Team.

The session, held at the Palace Hub a new centre for creative industries, included discussion about funding and business loans.

Solicitors and accountants who work with small businesses also headed for the conference, where they heard from guest speakers including Tees Valley Business Manager Jane Reynolds and entrepreneur Andy Preston, owner of Green Lane Capital and the brains behind Bhive Business Centre at Skelton.

The event was organised by Redcar and Cleveland Enterprise Team who aim to help companies in the borough grow their business and assist those with a business idea.

The Enterprise Team provides a comprehensive range of advice and support ranging from tips on how to market a business, book-keeping, taxation, recruiting the right staff and locating business premises.

The team also has a dedicated energy-busting business coach who visits companies and helps them to reduce their energy costs, not only saving money but reducing their carbon footprint.

The Enterprise Team recently received further investment from the European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013,managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government , to continue its work enabling and assisting businesses to set up and flourish in Redcar and Cleveland.

The ERDF cash allows the Enterprise Team to focus on assisting new and existing small and medium size businesses based in the borough, as well as continuing to help residents who have a business idea.