Banking and Finance

Work with the full spectrum of banks and financial organisations within the county to offer holistic support and advice to businesses. Offering financial guidance to Growth Hub clients through ‘clinics’ offering impartial financial advice and signposting.
To assist in the development and implementation of the county’s Local Industrial Strategy. Work closely with GFirst LEP Investment panel to offer investment recommendations to the Board.

Business Group

Develop relationships with the Growth Hub Network as well as the Start and Grow Enterprise, to identify SMEs and start-ups and signpost them to financial guidance and opportunities.
Develop the ‘Access2Finance’ events to share knowledge of the alternative opportunities to funding.
Provide clear hints, tips and advice to businesses when applying for grants and additional financial support.
Develop specific events and practical forum clinics to support businesses in presenting their cases to banks for accessing finance.
Engage with other business groups to share ideas and widen the reach of all represented efforts.

Chair: Mark Wilton – HSBC
GFirst LEP Board Member: Adam Starkey – Green Gourmet Ltd
Emma Fells – Barclays
Kirsty Kilburn - Barclays
Angie Preece - BCRS
Paul Jones - British Business Bank
Gareth Jones - Clydesdale Bank
Jonathan Powell - Clydesdale Bank
Martyn Mangan - Elkro Ltd
Emma Gray – Handelsbanken
Phil Mitchell – Harbour Key Ltd
Simon Sheldon – Harper Sheldon
Andrew Kirk - Lloyds Bank Plc
Andy Kime - The Growth Hub
Chris Gibbs - The Growth Hub