Businesses and investors from Greater Lincolnshire gathered last week (Thursday 18th November) to celebrate the official launch of Lincolnshire Business Angels at Mosaic Digital Hub in Lincoln.

The Lincolnshire Business Angels network and business support programme forms part of the University of Lincoln’s Productivity Programme for Greater Lincolnshire and provides access to equity funding for high-growth potential and start-up businesses in the region.

Lincolnshire Business Angels works with SMEs seeking equity investment to refine their business proposals and plans to become investment ready. It provides the platform to connect these businesses with its group of business angels (investors) through pitch presentation events.

Laura Mallaburn, Business Support and Angel Network Manager, said: “My role is to connect businesses that need funding with private investors and I provide business support and advice to get businesses ‘investment ready’ before introducing them to the network for investment consideration.

“Our friendly Dragons’ Den style pitch presentation events provide a great opportunity for businesses to get in front of a panel of local investors.”

At last week’s event guests heard from three businesses pitching to the investor network – Richard Hallam from Nomad Escapes, Roger Yalden and Emma Fletcher from Pfizics and Vicky Whiter from Peters’ Cleaners.

Vicky said: “We’re looking to raise £400,000 for expanding our unique 24/7 automated pick-up and drop-off dry cleaning concept that we are putting into train stations and other convenient locations.

“I first got involved with the Lincolnshire Business Angels through Business Lincolnshire; during lockdown I applied for assistance in doing my business plan and other training around marketing.

“It was the first time I have done a live pitch – it was really interesting and hosted in such a nice location. There was a great set-up, very well organised and we had an engaged audience with some good questions, so we will see what comes out of this.”

The event was attended by investors and key stakeholders from the University of Lincoln, Lincoln Science and Innovation Park and Lincolnshire Co-op.

Lewis Stringer, Senior Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “I am delighted to say that we worked with Laura and Russell Copley, from Greenborough Management, on a programme in Lincolnshire to raise the awareness of the various funding options including equity and various programmes such as the Business Angels. We have been working with those partners for a number of years now, so we are happy to be here today.

“As always it is great to be meeting face to face and I look forward to the pitches to see what is going on and if there is anything of interest for potential investment through our fund managers who are here tonight as well. We have a regional fund called the Midlands Engine Investment Fund and we are always looking for great deals in Lincolnshire.”

Lincolnshire Business Angels is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Lincoln Science & Innovation Park

To find out more about how you can get involved with Lincolnshire Business Angels, visit: Business Angels | LSIP (lincolnsciencepark.co.uk). Alternatively, contact Laura Mallaburn on 01522 437280 or by emailing laura@lincsbusinessangels.co.uk.

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