Minister backs FUEL funding roadshow

A national business roadshow aimed at improving small firms’ access to finance is set to launch in Newcastle with backing from the Government’s minister for small business.

Blair McDougall MP and the Department for Business and Trade have pledged support to FUEL, a new series of funding-focused events delivered by County Durham-based business support advisor UMi. 

The initiative, which is supported by major national partners including NatWest, British Business Bank, CBI, Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance and CO4CH, alongside regional partner FW Capital, is designed to help SMEs become investor and funding ready, addressing long-standing barriers that prevent many businesses from securing the right finance to start or scale.

The first event will take place at Newcastle’s Grand Hotel on Tuesday, March 17, before touring Edinburgh, Yorkshire, Wales, Liverpool, the South East and the Midlands throughout the year. 

Each event is expected to attract more than 250 business owners, connecting them directly with national funders, investors and advisers.

At the Newcastle launch, attendees will receive guidance on identifying suitable funding options, understanding the timing of investment and preparing for engagement with backers. 

More than 250 one-to-one appointments have already been scheduled between businesses and pre-matched funders to discuss individual growth plans.

Mr McDougall said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the economy in the North East, with 170,000 of them employing over half a million workers.

“However, too many still lack the finance to unlock their full potential to create jobs, opportunities, and growth.

“This is why we are increasing access to finance across the UK through the British Business Bank, and why roadshows like these are so important, providing businesses with the right knowledge, guidance, and expertise they need to grow.” 

Since 2007, UMi has supported start-ups, scale-ups and established companies across the UK, unlocking £1 billion in finance spanning grants, loans and private investment. 

FUEL forms part of its broader mission to help businesses access tailored funding support through a mix of human expertise and digital tools.

Organisers say the programme will create a coordinated, practical route to finance for businesses across the UK, strengthening regional economies and supporting sustainable growth.

Nicki Clark OBE, chief executive of UMi, added: “FUEL has been designed so business owners up and down the country can have access to everything they need in one place over the space of a few hours – by enabling visitors to have direct, tailored, one to one conversations with investors, advisors and industry figures, they can go away confident in the knowledge that they are on the right path and take the next steps to successfully access finance for their business.

“Too many brilliant businesses are held back by complexity, jargon and missed opportunities, and despite the UK having a world-class financial services sector, many SMEs face persistent and quantifiable barriers to securing finance to survive and thrive. 

“FUEL isn’t a typical ‘trade expo’ but more so ‘get it done’ workshops and meetings where those delivering ambitious growth plans, overcoming cash flow challenges, or diversifying, can get the support they need.” 

Nicki Clark OBE, chief executive of UMi

Business owners interested in attending any of the events above can book tickets, or register their interest in future events, here.

Bdaily are proud media partner of the FUEL roadshows. £20 ticket discount is available using the code BDAILY20 at checkout.

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