Fife Businesses “Meet the Funder” to Talk Finance Issues

The critical issue of finance was under the spotlight yesterday when Fife businesses had the chance to “Meet the Funder”.  The business breakfast event, delivered by Business Gateway Fife, on behalf of Fife Council, was attended by 70 local companies, looking for information on finance from banks and other funders.

Representatives from the Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander Bank, Bank of Scotland, Theseus Ventures Ltd, Scottish Investment Bank, RKH Financial Services, Princes Trust Youth Business Scotland, The Charity Bank, Clydesdale Bank, East of Scotland Investment Fund, BRAG, Fife Chamber of Commerce and Business Gateway Fife were amongst the exhibitors at the event. They answered questions on all types of funding and offered tailored advice to businesses at all stages of development.  There was also a short rolling programme of presentations on topical issues from investment to protecting your business. 

Businesses, and those advising businesses, such as accountancy firms, attended and found the morning very worthwhile.  

“I came along to meet potential funders that could help us grow our business and today enabled me to do just that.” Said Stuart Foulkes, KK Electrics, St Andrews.

“I found the Meet the Funder event very informative and worthwhile. It was great to network with exhibitors and find out what potential funding is available, so we can feed back to our clients”.  Gail Cowan, Carters.

Finance remains a critical issue for businesses of all sizes and knowing who to approach and how to put forward the best application for funding can make the difference between securing funding or not.  Local businesses report that access to finance is used to ease cash flow but also to boost investment in expansion, workforce development and on-going recruitment.

Cllr Lesley Laird, Depute Leader and Executive Spokesperson for Economy and Planning welcomed the opportunity for businesses to gather information and advice from a range of funders. She said, “We know that business finance is a crucial issue and it is one of the most pressing concerns I hear about when I visit local companies. Bringing such a significant group of funders together to advise and help local businesses is extremely valuable and can only be a positive step for local business and the local economy.”

If businesses missed the event, but would like information on available funding contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333. Free support and advice is available for businesses at any stage including information on the recently launched Start Up Loan.