Join Innovate UK Business Growth and RedCAT Ventures for a free half-day event where you’ll discover the right path for your business, with expert speakers, investor insights, and practical guidance to help you grow with confidence.
Why attend:
Understand your best route to growth Hear directly from investors and advisors Get practical funding advice (grants, loans & equity) Network with local business leaders over lunch
This free event, delivered by Innovate UK Business Growth in partnership with RedCAT Ventures, is designed to give you the clarity you need. Spaces are limited, reserve your seat now to secure your spot for this in-person event. Reviews: “I came away with a much clearer picture of the different routes businesses can take to secure funding, and the importance of matching the right type of finance to a growth stage.”
You’ll learn: What organic growth looks like – expanding through sales, capacity and productivity over time. How investment works – from grants and loans to equity funding, and what each means for ownership and control. The pros and cons of both routes – which are more sustainable, which are riskier, and how to choose based on your goals. Practical insights from industry experts, growth advisors, and businesses who have been in your position. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer sense of the growth pathways open to you, and which might best suit your company. The event will finish with a light lunch and informal networking, giving you the chance to meet peers, ask questions, and connect with speakers one-to-one.
Who should attend: Founders, directors and decision-makers in small, innovative companies Businesses considering external funding for the first time Companies wanting to sense-check their current growth strategy
You’ll gain: Jargon-free explanations of growth and investment Actionable funding advice you can use straight away Confidence to choose the right growth route for your business
Agenda
09.00 Coffee and Networking 09.30 Welcome, Chris Jones, Innovation and Growth Specialist, IUK and Stuart Thompson, MD RedCAT Ventures
09.35 Introduction to Innovate UK Business Growth, Alan Reid, Innovation and Growth Specialist IUK , Business Growth
09.45 Grants for Innovation and Growth, Katharine Paterson, Innovation and Growth Specialist, IUK Business Growth
10.05 What about loans? John Gray River Capital
10.25 Introduction to Equity Fund-raising Stuart Thompson, MD RedCAT Ventures
10.30 Q&A 10.40 Coffee break 11.00 Two minute silence for Remembrance Day
11.02 The Angel Investor Perspective, Rory Southworth, Fhunded Angels
11.15 The Venture Capital Perspective, Ben Davis, PxN
11.35 Conversions with Investors, facilitated by Chris Jones
11.50 The Deal Room – Tom Whiley, Innovate Lancashire
12.10 Due Diligence and Investment Readiness, Nicola Whittle Brabners
12.30 Q&A 12.45 Networking lunch and close
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