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A ‘business breakfast’ is being held on Wednesday 19th March at Lumley Castle which will provide small businesses with all the information they need to access various different sources of finance for their company.  Open to all businesses in the region, this practical workshop will feature speakers from a variety of funding organisations and chaired by an expert who has successfully floated companies on AIM and the LSE.

The event is being organised by Cels, the organisation driving growth of the healthcare sector in North East England.  Mike Asher, CEO of Cels commented:

“Whether you are a start-up company looking for early stage funding or an established company looking for additional finances, this event is for you.

This ‘Access to Finance’ event will provide you with direct access to leading fund managers, venture capitalists and equity funders from across the North East.”

Chairing the event is David Blain of Blain Associates, who has successfully floated two companies on AIM and the London Stock Exchange.
 
"I want to show local companies that there is so much scope and opportunity in terms of business finance," David states.  "Whatever industry sector you operate in, attending this event will open your eyes to the wealth of prospects available."

Also speaking at the event is Marian Bernard, CEO of NorthStar Equity Investors who will talk about their Proof of Concept, Co-Investment & Three Pillars Funds and how these can be accessed.  NStar is an innovative regional investment and enterprise organisation that works with public and private investors to encourage the growth and development of SMEs across the North East region.
 
There will also be a speaker from Regional Development Agency One North East talking about Research and Development grants, as well as representatives from the Business Investors Group (BiG) and UNW Accountants, who will provide information about equity finance, as well as corporate finance.  Attendees will have the opportunity to talk to speakers and set up individual meetings at the end of the session.  

For the full programme and online registration please visit www.celsatlife.com/accesstofinance. 
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Notes to editors:

About Cels
www.celsatlife.com

Cels is the organisation tasked by the regional development agency One North East to steer the healthcare sector in North East England and grow this economy by £1bn per year by 2015. It acts as a growth catalyst for research and development activity in the region. Working with both universities and business, it is dedicated to overseeing the implementation of a regional growth strategy for healthcare, including identifying regional strengths and opportunities in R&D, technology transfer and business development.  Cels also acts as a coordinating hub for academic and business cluster activity.