Business Support

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 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 is the award-winning inward investment agency
which has helped hundreds of businesses to locate and expand in Greater
Manchester.

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 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 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.

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.

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;

We offer professional, independent, affordable services that focus on supporting businesses in the East Cheshire area.

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.

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 is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK with over 5000 members. 

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 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 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.

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

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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(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.

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.

The Manufacturing Institute is an independent charity founded to inspire, educate
and improve the performance of manufacturing companies, their employees and the
wider public.

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 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.