Grant Thornton Leads Consortium to Deliver New Programmes to
Help London's SMEs raise over £64m
Accountants and business advisors,
Grant Thornton UK LLP will be leading the delivery of two new
initiatives announced yesterday by the Mayor's office, aimed at
helping over 4,500 of the capital's small and medium sized
businesses (SMEs) raise over £64m.
The programmes, Gateway2Investment and
Gateway2Finance, will build on the success of previous investment
programmes in the Mayor's Economic Recovery Action Plan that in
2009 helped SMEs in the capital raise nearly £14m.
Gateway2Finance is aimed at companies seeking
bank loans and debt finance while Gateway2Investment focuses on
helping companies looking for business angel and venture capital
investment. Businesses will benefit from specialist guidance in
understanding their finance needs and will develop the skills
necessary to raise debt or equity successfully. The programmes are
aimed at accelerating business growth and will be measured through
increased turnover and job creation.
The London Development Agency and European
Regional Development Fund are investing in these two projects over
the next three years to ensure that London SMEs have the ability to
raise much-needed finance.
The programmes will be delivered by a
consortium of private sector experts, led by Grant Thornton UK LLP,
including E-Synergy Ltd, Pembridge Partners LLP, Quotec Ltd and
East London Small Business Centre Ltd.
Grant Thornton UK LLP CEO Scott Barnes said:
“Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship is at the core of what
Grant Thornton does. Programmes such as this are vital to
give a much-needed boost to the UK economy by stimulating
investment and creating jobs. As an organisation we are
renowned for our solutions-based approach, created and delivered by
talented people with the passion to exceed expectations. We
are proud to deliver this landmark programme, alongside our
consortium partners, here in London."
Grant Thornton UK LLP's Business Growth
Services, which will lead on delivering the programmes, has a
strong track record in delivering successful economic development
initiatives such as G2i, Investing in Health, Designing Demand,
Manufacturing Advisory Service, Creative Mentoring and High Growth
Coaching.
- Ends
-
For further information, please
contact:
Stephanie Aneto, Grant Thornton press
office. Tel: 020 7728 2940 or email: stephanie.aneto@gtuk.com