Fast-tracking business growth in the Midlands
 
For Midlands-based companies wishing to expand, it is not always easy to access funding to take your business to the next level.  This is where organisations like Connect Midlands can provide invaluable support.
 
Connect Midlands is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to increase the number of investment deals in the region and to accelerate innovation and growth. The technology, innovation and business network supports early stage entrepreneurs, spin-outs and high-growth companies with a support programme of:
 
• networking events
• workshops and seminars
• mentoring, coaching and consultancy
• showcasing products and services to investors
 
Since 2001, the organisation has assisted over 1,500 Midlands-based companies, 250 of which have gone on to raise £160m in investment.  Companies that Connect Midlands has worked with include: Warwick Audio Technologies, Lovestruck and Critical Pharmaceuticals.

Connect Midlands recently helped Coventry based Warwick Audio Technologies, which has developed a Flat Flexible Loudspeaker, prepare the company with investment readiness training as well as opportunities to pitch for finance before both Midlands and London-based investors.  Warwick Audio Technologies went onto successfully raise £858,000 in second round funding with a further second tranche expected to be finalised late 2010.

“It is crucial for companies to have the necessary skills, information and contacts they need to grow their business and gain investment.  We are proud to help local businesses fulfil their potential. We offer a broad range of workshops and seminars which aim to cover the key topics that every new business needs to know to succeed in gaining investment.” said Richard Comer, Regional Manager (West Midlands).

Connect Midlands offer training and mentoring through programmes such as the InvoRed (investment readiness) programme in the West Midlands and Understanding Finance for Business in the East Midlands, which include workshops such as Right Funds for You, Bootcamps and Amber Workshops, and the Green Stream coaching programme which offers one to one coaching and mentoring. 

The flagship event of the Connect Midlands calendar is the Connect Midlands Investment Conference where up to 15 Midlands based companies pitch for between £500k - £5 million. They also run a number of events for companies who are looking for smaller amounts of investment, typically up to £500k at their Springboard conference.   For further information regarding Connect Midlands programmes and events, please refer to:
http://www.connectmidlands.org/events
 
To find out more please refer to: www.connectmidlands.org or contact a member of the Connect Midlands team on: Tel: 02476 323 320 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it