As one of the region's most supportive leaders, Andrew Marsh has recently spotted a hole in the information available to the North East's business community. Here, he explains the steps he has taken to shed light on the region's funding landscape and why
“I have a number of roles, in each one working closely with decision makers and leaders who all have the same goal of growth and creating opportunity.
“As chair of Vistage North East and Northumberland, as a NED on a number of boards and as mentor and facilitator of the Experience Bank Group peer groups for existing and aspiring NEDs, Trustees, Board Advisors and Consultants operating at Board Level, conversation often hinges around funding and financing.
“We are a region focused on growth, opportunity, great ideas and leaders driven by doing better, doing good and working at pace. But this all costs money. And many businesses need to raise that capital to achieve their potential.
“Of course, there are banks for loans and personal monies that can be invested, but there is also a plethora of help out there in the form of a range of grants, funds and investments that can enable a company to reach its goals. This, however, can be a minefield and it got me to thinking that there isn’t a one stop place where all of the financial support opportunities are shared. And how great would it be if there was one, that would help in the decision-making process of the best suited option for each business need?
“Always wanting to be a provider of solutions, I have joined forces with some great minds from the region and have created a document we think is pretty unique.
“The document explains the differing lengths of funding and what alternatives fall with in that category. The document has live links to leading suppliers of each fund or loan, along with explaining the funding by brackets. It offers up some alternatives, such as crowdfunding, social venture, green funding and farming support. And it deep dives into local authority grants, all with live links to take readers to the right online resource.
“Most importantly, we have shared the top 12 things crucial things to consider when raising funds for your business and the details of some leading advisors in the region who are always willing to help with deeper investigation into your options.
“Complete with a glossary of terms so avoid any confusion, the funding landscape document is available by getting in touch with me direct. I’d also welcome feedback and if anyone becomes aware of monies that can be accessed by businesses, then do get in touch with the details so we can add it in. This is very much a live, working document that we want to keep pace with the landscape!”
Andrew’s previous experience spans both public and private sectors, with 20 plus years’ experience as a Managing Director for companies in everything from engineering & manufacturing, to technology services.
Having led multi-million-pound P&Ls, he is a renowned specialist in business transformation with an impressive track record of repeatedly creating sustainable growth. He is influential in keeping positivity in the leadership ranks of the North East and is involved in a number of local ventures, keen to see the regional economy thrive. He has helped many companies / organisations in tackling considerations for growth and appropriate funding options for that development phase.
You can contact him on andrew@marshbusinesstransformation.co.uk
07557 976410
Linked In: AndrewMarsh58