AGMA
The ten authorities in Greater Manchester are the first in the
country to develop a statutory Combined Authority which will
co-ordinate key economic development, regeneration and transport
functions. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
was established on the 1 April 2011.
The Manchester LEP is also managed through AGMA.
Liverpool Vision
Liverpool Vision is the economic development company charged
with the city's physical and economic regeneration. It will lead
the next phase of the city's transformation.
The company was established at a critical stage in the city's
urban and economic renaissance and it is now focused on
building a strong, sustainable economy which can compete more
effectively in international markets.
MIDAS
MIDAS is the award-winning inward investment agency
which has helped hundreds of businesses to locate and expand in
Greater
Manchester.
Cheshire and Warrington LEP
The Cheshire and Warrington LEP cooperates with the public and
private sectors in developing the local economy with real joint
working between the three local authorities, Cheshire East,
Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington.
Cumbria LEP
Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership's vision is simple: To
create one of the fastest growing economies in the UK, in an
energised and healthy environment.
Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership provides a strategic lead
in all activities contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the
county's economy and where appropriate takes positive action, using
the skills, capability and networks of its partners.
Lancashire Enterprise Partnership
Lancashire Enterprise Partnership was established in April 2011
to provide leadership for the county's economy and be a catalyst
for job creation and economic growth. It is a Government-endorsed
partnership between the private and public sectors, with a board
comprising representatives from some of Lancashire's biggest
employers, chambers of commerce, local councils and academic
institutions.
Liverpool LEP
The Liverpool City Region LEP is a private sector led Board with
political leaders representing the six local authority areas of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St
Helens and Wirral.
By bringing together local entrepreneurs and politicians we have
been able to harness the skills and experience of a wide range of
people who understand what it takes to establish businesses and
make them successful and therefore sustainable.
Manchester LEP
The GMLEP is at the heart of the conurbation's public and
private sector partnerships. Our collective priorities - as
outlined below - will help to ensure continued success;
- Reform: Worklessness and Skills
- Supporting business
- Creating Conditions for Growth
- Public sector reform
Cheshire East Chamber of Commerce
We offer professional, independent, affordable services that
focus on supporting businesses in the East Cheshire area.
Cheshire West
West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce is the leading
organisation representing the business community across the whole
of West Cheshire and North Wales. As an independent, not for profit
organisation, our objectives remain clear: to promote and encourage
business for our members and others regionally, nationally and
internationally to improve commercial growth and prosperity.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
Membership of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce offers significant
benefits for any business looking to develop and expand. We
are Cumbria's premier business support and networking
organisation.
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Greater Manchester Chamber is the largest Chamber
of Commerce in the UK with over 5000 members.
Lancashire Chamber
The North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
provides business information, business networking, training,
seminars, a wide
range of business services, international trade services, business
information
tools, legal advice and HR services.
Liverpool and Sefton Chamber of Commerece
Liverpool and Sefton Chamber of Commerce exists to support the
development, growth
and sustained economic viability of chamber members and the wider
business
community of Liverpool City region.
St Helens Chamber
St Helens Chamber is a unique organisation and one of the most
successful of its kind in the country. We are one of the
largest Chambers in the UK and have the highest rate of business
Membership.
Access to Finance A2F
No matter what type of business you have, there's no avoiding
the fact that finance can be fundamental to success. Securing
funding in today's market can be a complex and difficult task,
requiring time and specialist understanding of the various finance
options.
Access to Finance deliver Finance & Investment Ready workshops
for business owners seeking to improve their financial knowledge in
an interactive peer to peer learning environment. For more
informtion please click here
British Venture Capital Association
The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association
(BVCA) is the industry body and public policy advocate for the
private equity and venture capital industry in the UK. Our aim is
to aid understanding around the activities of our members, promote
our industry to entrepreneurs and investors as well as to
Government, the EU, trade unions, international media and the
general public.
Finance options for businesses
A bank loan is not the only way that you can raise money to
fund your startup business. For some businesses,
particularly new riskier ventures, equity investment - raising
capital through the sale of shares in a business - may be most
suitable. For equity finance, there is a growing number
of business angels prepared to back new businesses. The
government provides generous tax relief to investors who want
to support new businesses.
For less risky types of businesses, debt finance may be more
appropriate. If you are struggling to obtain a loan to start a new
business, you may wish to consider applying for a start-up
loan. For alternatives to the high street banks for both
equity and debt finance you could consider raising funding through
alternative finance providers such as peer-to-peer
lenders or crowd funding platforms.
MSIF
MSIF provides funding to support all sorts of businesses across
a range of sectors and for a variety of needs.
We invest in small to medium sized businesses (less than 250
employees) but this includes the very small end, the much larger
end and everything in between. MSIF can provide funding to sole
traders, partnerships and limited companies.
MSIF also manages the Meresyside part of The North West Fund for
Micro Loans.
Business Support Website
A new business support website, www.greatbusiness.gov.uk
provides
easy access to the services and products, including
Manufacturing Advice Service, National Apprenticeship Service and
Growth Accelerator, that help businesses grow. The
website is supported by an advertising campaign
showcasing the very best in British small businesses, to help
inspire other small businesses to take steps to grow.
Cumbria Growth Hub
Cumbria Business Growth Hub aims to help your business unleash
its potential. A focal point for businesses looking to
increase their competitiveness and grow, it offers a great choice
of advice, training networking and more, all tailored to your
needs.
Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton serves a broad range of clients, including
publicly and privately held companies, governmental agencies,
financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations. Core
industry focuses include consumer and industrial products;
financial services; not-for-profit; private equity and technology.
The firm focuses on serving dynamic organizations that pursue
growth holistically - whether through revenue improvement,
leadership, mission fulfillment or innovation. Grant Thornton
supports the kinds of policies that allow these companies to reach
their full potential. Grant Thornton is particularly qualified to
serve clients in the middle market who face the challenges of
growth and expansion. By fostering responsible entrepreneurship,
the firm helps these organizations grow and fuel a thriving
economy.
Lancashire Growth Hub - Boost Lancashire
Boost Business Lancashire is a £7.2 million business growth hub
launched in 2013. Our aim is to give ambitious businesses simple
accesst o leading edge business support from experienced public and
private sector partners in order to fuel growth.
Liverpool Science Park
Liverpool Science Park(LSP) has been operational since January
2006 and is currently home to over 75 companies. Our companies are
drawn from a variety of knowledge intensive sectors including
graduate start ups, key commercial facing R&D facilities and a
handful of relevant business support companies.
Manchester Soloutions
Economic Solutions Ltd is the parent company of a not-for-profit
organisation delivering over £60m of skills, employment and
recruitment services to employers and individuals.
Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute is an independent charity founded to
inspire, educate
and improve the performance of manufacturing companies, their
employees and the
wider public.
Professional Lancashire
Lancashire Professionals is a search portal for identifying
qualified professional service providers in Lancashire.
A comprehensive range of professionals services are included
from accountancy and taxation, legal and financial services,
business consultancy, HR and training to health and medical,
property, creative, digital, IT and telecoms, to translations.
Professional Liverpool
Professional Liverpool is an exciting organisation with a clear
objective - to promote professional excellence in Liverpool and the
City Region and to enhance its reputation as a financial and
professional centre of excellence.