London Stock Exchange partners with tech giant Sage to back high-growth SMEs

The London Stock Exchange Group’s business support and capital raising programme, ELITE, is partnering with Newcastle-headquartered tech giant Sage to support entrepreneurs and high-growth SMEs.

The two firms signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them launch ELITE Sage – a support initiative to help UK-based Sage customers overcome the challenges of scaling up.

Each participant will attend modules tackling topics such as governance, growth strategy, access to funding and innovation. ELITE will also offer access to its network of investors and advisers.

It is hoped the programme will allow businesses to scale up, structure for growth, create jobs and become more competitive in the global marketplace.

ELITE chief exec Luca Peyrano said: “We are excited to announce a partnership between ELITE and Sage, two organisations that are committed to supporting the ambitions of entrepreneurs and SMEs from across the world.

“High-growth dynamic businesses are key to innovation, job creation and economic development.”

Luca continued: “With over 130 UK companies already part of ELITE, ELITE is uniquely placed to partner with Sage to support more of the UK’s dynamic businesses to thrive and enhance the country’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Sage CEO Stephen Kelly commented: “As the champion of Britain’s business builders, the heroes of the economy, Sage has a responsibility to support their growth, to inspire them and give them the tools they need to succeed.

“We’re proud to partner with LSEG’s ELITE, providing businesses with an ecosystem of entrepreneurial support to accelerate their growth.”

Sage will nominate businesses to take part in the programme, with the those selected due to join ELITE before 2019.