Businesses given secrets for unlocking doors to funding at region’s biggest summit

The event, held in Birmingham last week, brought together investors, financial institutions and advisers to help businesses navigate funding opportunities and growth challenges.  

Seeking external advice on investment, building robust systems and surrounding yourself with the right people were all highlighted as crucial factors for business success at the Business Funding Summit in Birmingham last week.  

The Business Growth West Midlands Investment Readiness programme has already helped companies access more than £2.5m of funding – with £24m on the horizon for those looking for investment.

Jane Galsworthy, managing director of Oxford Innovation Advice, said: “This event demonstrated that success in business isn’t just about having a great idea – it’s about accessing the right support, advice and networks. 

“The insights shared by our team and speakers reinforced that even the most capable entrepreneurs benefit from external expertise and guidance.”

Founders including Debra Glover, of eco-friendly cleaning brand Iron and Velvet, Adam Johnson, CEO of The Plough in Harborne and Krishna Yadlapalli, CEO of Booghe Toys, were among the speakers at the event.

The free-to-attend
event was funded by West Midlands Combined Authority as part of the
UK Shared Prosperity Fund and featured exhibitors including Barclays
Business Bank, ART Business Loans, Pro Enviro, Frontier Development
Capital and Mercia Ventures.