Funding fitness programme launched for start-ups

A £3m programme designed to get Yorkshire companies fit for funding has been launched.

The Yorkshire Understanding Finance for Business (UFFB) programme will give high growth businesses access to the support they need to make their firm more attractive to investors.

The programme, which is being run by technology start-up support organisation Connect Yorkshire, will give companies the opportunity to work with industry experts who have a proven track record in helping companies to raise much needed investment.

Businesses will be able to access up to five free days of advice from a specialist team of advisors provided by Connect Yorkshire.

Connect Yorkshire expects to secure up to £40m of investment over the next three years for businesses in Yorkshire.

Additional support for the programme has been provided by the Yorkshire and the Humber European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme.

Andy Chaffer, who was formerly a director at the South Yorkshire Investment Fund, has been appointed programme manager of the programme.

He said: “I’m looking forward to working with the region’s budding entrepreneurs and helping them get access to supportive investors. Funding has never been as important to businesses.

“The advice and support UFFB offers can make a real difference for companies and I know from my previous role the satisfaction to be derived from helping companies achieve growth and success.”

Richard Doyle, chair of Connect Yorkshire, said: “With a combination of workshops and seminars, free coaching and introductions to banks, venture capitalists and business angels this programme will help the SMEs in Yorkshire and the Humber find the funding they need to grow and prosper.”

James Fry has been appointed as finance and compliance officer from Leeds-based accountancy firm Armstrong Watson.

The first workshop on practical business Plans and Going Global took place at Baker Tilly’s offices on Whitehall Quay in Leeds on the April 13.