University’s business programme shortlisted for prestigious award

The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) business support initiative, Investment Readiness, has been shortlisted for a UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) Angel Investment Award.

The programme is in the running in the Best New Entrant to the Angel Ecosystem category, which recognises services that can be shown to add clear value to the angel and early-stage investment market. Now in its 14th year, the annual UKBAA Angel Investment Awards celebrate high growth and success, recognising the fastest growing brands and acknowledging the founders, angels, crowd funders and early-stage venture capital investors behind them.

UCLan’s Investment Readiness programme enables businesses to access the expertise of experienced investment professionals, who will provide a unique insight into what investors look for. Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and supported by Boost, Lancashire’s business growth hub, the scheme is free to eligible Lancashire businesses and completion of the programme will result in participants being equipped to deliver a pitch to investors helping them secure funding for their business.

Pete Leather, Investment Readiness Programme Director at UCLan said: “To be shortlisted for a UKBAA Angel Investment Award is a great privilege and a testament to the work our programme does in helping businesses secure much needed investment.

To date we are working with 59 entrepreneurs to prepare them to obtain investment which has ensured they get the support they need to flourish in a competitive business environment.” Winners of the awards will be announced at the UKBAA Angel Investment Awards Dinner, taking place on the 19th June at Liverpool Cathedral, bringing together over 400 leading players from across the early-stage investment community.