Midlands SME Finance: Launch and networking event

You’re invited to the inaugural Midlands SME Finance event: Where capital collides with ambition!

Raising awareness of the range of funding options available to local SMEs, Midlands SME Finance is a collaboration of six local funders:

– FlexABL – NACFB Patron & invoice finance lender
– ART Business Loans – NACFB Patron & CDFI
– BCRS Business Loans – NACFB Patron & CDFI
– Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust – NACFB Patron & CDFI
– Frontier Development Capital – NACFB Patron & community based lender
– UKSE – community based lender

Showcasing the finance opportunities available to West Midlands’ businesses unable to access the funds they need from traditional sources, this event is great opportunity for brokers to network with SMEs and industry professionals, as well as deepen relationships with the lenders.

This free two and a half hour session includes lunch, a keynote speaker (to be announced), networking and an overview of the latest market developments. The event takes place in the Members’ Lounge.

All six lenders provide debt finance and support to businesses through a relationship-based approach, with many focusing upon supporting economic growth in disadvantaged areas.

Commenting on the inaugural event, the organisers said:

Paul Stokes, of FlexABL, said: “We all want to help businesses as they face the challenging economic environment as we have shared approaches around understanding businesses looking for finance, so coming together as Midlands SME Finance seems the perfect way to showcase the opportunities available to business owners and a network of professionals.”

Steve Walker, CEO of ART Business Loans, said: “The time has never been better for the six partners to work together to present the many options out there for lending under the banner of Midlands SME Finance as we are meeting the market need in greater ways than ever.”

Stephen Deakin, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans, said: “We are working together to provide accessible finance to SMEs unable to get the help they need from high street banks and loan companies, supporting economic growth in disadvantaged areas.”

Sheridan Sulskis, CEO, of Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust, said: “We know from the local market that there are businesses out there who want to access finance for growth plans, job creation or to stabilise so we aim to show the range of help at this free event.”

Andy Green, Deputy Fund Principal at Frontier Development Capital, said: “Debt funding is essential for driving growth and expanding a business, yet it often remains a complex area for many, so we are designing the event to give maximum insights to everyone who attends.”

Steve Grice, Area Manager Midlands for UKSE, said: “We all feel passionately about the value which responsible lending can bring so although it is a new area for some, we know that when we see companies grow and people prosper, the impact we make is clear so we look forward to sharing our knowledge at Midlands SME Finance.”