May 2009

Support forNorthwestBusinesses

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The strategic role of the NWDA isto lead public sector investment inthe region’s economy and supportprivate sector investment. We dothis by engaging the public, privateand voluntary sectors to identifythe key priorities for the regionthrough the Regional EconomicStrategy.

Our key objective is to supportbusinesses in the Northwest. Inthe current economic climate, weare focused on providing effectivebusiness support to helpcompanies weather the downturnand emerge stronger. This includeshelping small and medium-sizedbusinesses access financethrough the management of over£50 million of grants, loans andequity finance each year. You willfind a summary of the NWDA andour partners’ business supportproducts and services in thisbrochure.

The Agency is also working tosimplify the provision of businesssupport in the region and make iteasier for businesses to find andaccess the support they need.

The Agency is supporting andleading longer term developmentsto improve the physicalinfrastructure of the region andenhance its competitiveness.Often, these developments arebased around growing key sectorsof the economy. For instance, theMediaCityUK development inSalford Quays will help grow theregion’s digital and creative sector,whilst large-scale investment atDaresbury Science and InnovationCampus in Merseyside hasprovided workspace for high-endtechnology businesses.

The Agency is also advising theGovernment on economicconditions in the region and is akey member on the JointEconomic Commission for theNorth West (JEC). Chaired by theRegional Minister and the NWDAChairman, the JEC’s role is toensure the region’s economyemerges from the currentdownturn stronger than before.

The Role of the NWDA

Support for NorthwestBusinesses

This is the second publicationoutlining the support providedby the Northwest RegionalDevelopment Agency (NWDA)and partners for businesses inthe region. In December 2008,we outlined details on some ofour key support services, all ofwhich can be accessed throughBusiness Link Northwest. Thisdocument provides updatedinformation on these as well asa summary of nationalassistance recently announcedby the Government.

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Business Link Northwest is an NWDA service whichprovides businesses with an impartial gateway to allof the business advice and support available in theregion. This includes all the products and services inthis brochure as well as support from the privatesector.

Business Link Northwest has specialist advisers whowork directly with businesses to identify their needsand access relevant solutions. This includes adviserswith specialism in specific business disciplines,including:• Finance• Innovation • Resource Efficiency• Skills and Training.

It also includes advisers with expertise in thefollowing sectors:• Advanced Engineering and Materials• Biomedical• Digital and Creative• Energy and Environmental Technologies• Food and Drink• Financial and Professional Services • Other growth sectors.

Business Link Northwest also offers a free web andtelephone service with a vast range of information,guides and tools, including checks to help improvebusiness performance.

The Government has recently announced a nationalpackage of financial measures aimed at supportingbusinesses. These include:

• An Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme securing up to £1.3 billion of additional bank loans to small firms with a turnover of less than £25 million who are currently unable to secure the finance they need. This will enable viable businesses to secure loans of between £1,000 and £1 million. Banks whowill lend to eligible businesses under this scheme include HSBC, Barclays, Clydesdale/Yorkshire Bank, HBOS, Lloyds TSB and RBS/Natwest. All lending decisions are at the discretion of the bank supplying the loan.

• A £75 million Capital for Enterprise Fund to invest in businesses who are looking to fund business development by selling debt in exchange for an equity stake. The fund will provide equity of between £250,000 and £2 million for companies with turnover of up to £50 million in need of long term capital, who have viable business models and growth potential.

• A £5 billion Trade Credit Insurance scheme which provides temporary top-up insurance by matching private sector funds for those small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) suffering reductions in their cover.

• A Business Payment Support Service run by HM Revenue & Customs aimed at helping businesses facing difficulties with their tax bills.

Recent GovernmentAnnouncements

The Role of Business LinkNorthwest

businesslink.gov.uk/northwest

0845 00 66 888

Business Link Northwest

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Business Finance

Free advice and support from specialist advisers atBusiness Link Northwest to help businesses andentrepreneurs understand the options available foraccessing the finance required for business start-up,development and expansion.

Includes a diagnosis of financial needs, providesrelevant skills/expertise to secure funding andfacilitates introductions to the most appropriatefinance providers.

Access to Finance

Grants providing help for major business investmentprojects which increase productivity, skills and employment.

The maximum level of grant is 10% - 45% of the project’stotal cost depending on business location and size. Theminimum size of the overall project is approximately£100,000.

The grants can be used to:• Launch a new business • Modernise, expand or reorganise an existing business • Introduce innovative new technology or processes • Take a new product, service or process from the

development stage to production.

Grant for Business InvestmentA guarantee facility for small businesses to improvethe availability of working capital through term loansand the consolidation of overdrafts. Supports lendingfor business growth and development in cases wherea sound proposition may otherwise be declined dueto a lack of security.

Loans of between £1,000 and £1 million are availablevia banks.

The guarantee can be used to:• Support new loans• Refinance existing loans where the loan is at risk

due to deteriorating quality of security• Convert an existing overdraft into a loan to

release capacity to meet working capital requirements.

Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme

Loans to help small business owners, entrepreneurs,charities and social enterprises start up, develop andexpand their businesses.

Loans of between £3,000 and £50,000 are available atcommercial rates of interest and a five-year maximumterm. They can be used to fund activities including:• Premises and equipment• Working capital• Marketing activities • Product development.

Small Loans for Business

Eligibility

Individuals starting a business and SMEs with aviable business plan, growth potential, andevidence that they have been unable to securefinance from traditional commercial sources.

Eligibility

All SMEs in the region. Also available to largecompanies in ‘Assisted Areas’ - Liverpool City Region(excluding Halton), North Manchester, Blackburn,Skelmersdale and West Cumbria. Businesses mustshow they have been unable to secure finance fromtraditional commercial sources.

Eligibility

SMEs.

Eligibility

Businesses with an annual turnover of up to£25 million unable to secure the finance theyneed.

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A network of private equity investors who invest innew or expanding businesses.

The level of investment ranges from £10,000 to£500,000.

The network matches potential high growthcompanies with high net worth individuals lookingfor business investment opportunities. It also helpscompanies seeking finance become ‘investmentready’ and prepared to meet with investors.

Northwest Business Angels

A combination of loan, equity and mezzaninefunding to support business growth.

Loans range from £50,000 to £250,000. Equity andMezzanine finance is up to £2 million.

Appropriate for all SMEs looking to grow. Includesfinance for starting up, seed money for proof ofconcept or more established businesses seekingequity finance to expand operations.

Venture Capital and Loan Fund

Eligibility

SMEs and individuals starting a business.

Eligibility

SMEs with a viable business plan, growthpotential, and evidence that they have beenunable to secure finance from traditionalcommercial sources for the project.

businesslink.gov.uk/northwest

0845 00 66 888

Business Link Northwest

To access any of these products and services contact:

Financial support is also available as part ofother products and services including:

Innovation and Efficiency• Grant for Research and Development• Innovation Vouchers• Improving Your Resource Efficiency

International Trade• Accessing International Markets• Developing your International Trade Potential

Training and Development• Apprenticeships• Train to Gain - People Development• Train to Gain - Leadership and Management

Advisory Service

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Innovation and Efficiency

Free advice and support from specialist advisers atBusiness Link Northwest to provide businesses withspecialist technical and advanced skills to enablethem to innovate and improve performance.

Includes a diagnosis of innovation needs andfacilitates introductions to the most appropriatesupport.

Innovation Advice and Guidance

Grants to assist businesses to introduce innovativeproducts and processes including research trials,product testing, and demonstration of low carbontechnologies. The grants are used to develop andexploit new ideas, overcome technical barriers andscientific risk as well as increase R&D activity.

Different types of project are supported, depending onthe scale with grant amounts ranging from £5,000 to£500,000. The level of grant provided ranges from35% - 60% of the project costs.

Eligible costs include:• Pay of personnel• Overheads• Consultancy• Capital equipment• Market assessment• Trials and testing• Intellectual property.

Funding to enable businesses to purchase researchand development support from universities, colleges or private sector research establishments inthe region.

Vouchers are valued at £3,000. They can be ‘pooled’with other businesses which share a common interestto create a large research project up to a maximumof 10 organisations.

Vouchers can be used towards the cost of any kind ofinnovation project to address business problems or toexploit new ideas including:• Market research projects• Prototype development and testing• Software development• Use of university research facilities• Innovation/technology audits• New service development• Product and service testing• Efficiency audits.

Innovation Vouchers

Knowledge to Innovate

Grant for Research andDevelopment

Eligibility

SMEs and large firms.

Eligibility

SMEs including social enterprises. Eligibility

Individuals starting a business and SMEs.

Eligibility

SMEs with 20+ employees where innovation canadd value. Businesses with 10+ employees withclear growth potential will also be considered.

Free, intensive support to introduce new or improvedproducts or services.

Provides specialist advice and practical assistance toimplement innovative ideas or processes. This canalso include the development of leadership skills,organisational change and supply chainimprovements. Delivered by innovation experts viabespoke in-house and topic-led company workshops.Between two and eight days free support is available.

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Subsidised support for the placement of a recentlyqualified person (for example degree or post-doctorate) in a business. It allows businesses to workcollaboratively with knowledge base institutions toexploit knowledge through new products, servicesand processes.

SMEs are required to contribute approximately onethird of the costs, large companies are required tocontribute half of the costs.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Specific support for manufacturing companies in theform of free and subsidised practical advice to helpbusinesses reduce costs and improve productivityand efficiency.

Support includes: • A manufacturing review to improve operational

performance • Low-cost factory visits to develop knowledge in

best practice tools and techniques• Events and masterclasses covering a range of

subjects• On-site, practical project support from experienced

manufacturing specialists.

Manufacturing Advisory Service

Advice and support to help businesses become moreresource efficient, reduce their carbon impact andincrease competitiveness.

Businesses can access on-site support from aprofessionally qualified adviser on a range of issuesincluding: • Assistance with legal compliance• Development of environmental policies and action

plans• Corporate responsibility reporting• Identification and implementation of working

practices that minimise the use of raw materials, water and energy.

Grants towards the cost of capital purchases, thatcan demonstrate CO2 reductions are also available, ranging from approximately £10,000 to £200,000.The level of grant provided is up to 50% of the costs.

Improving Your Resource Efficiency

Eligibility

SMEs and large firms at initial level. Furtherspecialist support is available for those withsignificant potential to reduce their environmentalimpacts. Grants - SMEs only.

Eligibility

SMEs and large firms.

Eligibility

All manufacturing businesses. SMEs are alsoentitled to funded support at both review andproject stage.

businesslink.gov.uk/northwest

0845 00 66 888

Business Link Northwest

To access any of these products and services contact:

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Advice for new and high growthbusinesses

Free telephone and web-based advice from BusinessLink Northwest to support new business start-ups aswell as individuals and groups actively consideringstarting a business.

Covers essential subjects required to successfullystart a business including:• Compliance and regulatory reform• Business strategy and business planning• Finance (including getting paid)• Business idea development, market research and

market understanding• Employing people• Managing and running a small business• Advice on premises, Health & Safety• Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Starting a Business

Flexible one-to-one support at a local level tostimulate interest amongst people with the desire andpotential to start their own business. Includes talks,visits, presentations and mentoring support.

Enterprise Coaching

Free advice and intensive assistance (in addition tothat provided by Business Link Northwest) for under-represented individuals to help start their ownbusiness.

Provides help and ongoing support from six monthsbefore start of trading to 36 months post start-upincluding:• Personalised support from an adviser, coach or

mentor to overcome specific barriers• One-to-many workshops covering the range of

business issues encountered at start-up.

Intensive Start-Up Support

Eligibility

Prioritised based on locality and the needs of theindividual. This includes, but is not restricted to,women, people with disabilities and black andminority ethnic communities. Business LinkNorthwest will provide guidance regarding eligibility.

Eligibility

Prioritised based on locality and the needs of theindividual. This includes, but is not restricted to,women, people with disabilities and black andminority ethnic communities. Business LinkNorthwest will provide guidance regarding eligibility.

Free dedicated support to help new and existingbusinesses with the desire and potential to achievesignificant growth.

Provides intensive and customised one-to-onecoaching from experienced mentors supplemented byworkshops, networks and online resources, to enableentrepreneurs to improve their business knowledgeand expertise.

High Growth Programme

Eligibility

Individuals starting a business with the potentialto create a turnover of £500,000 within threeyears as well as SMEs with a turnover of under£10 million and capable of achieving at least20% growth per annum.

Eligibility

Individuals and groups starting a businessincluding social enterprises.

businesslink.gov.uk/northwest

0845 00 66 888

Business Link Northwest

To access any of these products and services contact:

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International Trade

Insurance policies for contracts involving the exportof capital equipment and project-related goods andservices. Insurance is provided to UK exportersagainst risks such as non-payment by overseasbuyers.

It also guarantees banks who make loans available tooverseas buyers to purchase goods and services fromUK-based companies as well as insuring UK investorsin overseas markets against political risks.

Export Credit Guarantee

Advice and funding for businesses to supportpreparation and entry into overseas markets.

Provides tailored training, workshops and networkingto help businesses prepare to trade internationally.Also includes market research advice and supportand a review of company communications to ensurethe business presents itself appropriately to overseasclients.

Developing Your InternationalTrade Potential

Specialist and in-depth market research and advice onidentifying opportunities for businesses consideringexporting into new overseas markets. Provides anoverview of the chosen market, access to relevantcontacts as well as comprehensive market researchreports.

Also includes financial support towards the costs ofoverseas trade fairs and missions. The level of supportvaries according to the market.

Accessing International Markets

Eligibility

SMEs and large firms.

Eligibility

SMEs and large firms.

Eligibility

SMEs and large firms.

businesslink.gov.uk/northwest

0845 00 66 888

Business Link Northwest

To access any of these products and services contact:

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Training and Development

Funding towards accredited employee training anddevelopment. Includes full or partial funding ofvocational qualifications up to NVQ Level 4,equivalent to a professional qualification, subject tospecific eligibility criteria and existing skills of theemployee. Also includes in-depth support to assessbusinesses’ training needs and assistance to sourceappropriate provision.

Train to Gain – People Development

Funding to train apprentices to work alongsideexperienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Covering allage groups above 16, apprentices also receive trainingwith a local training provider such as a college, usuallyon a day-release basis.

There is no cost to the trainee or the employer forApprenticeship training. The trainee is employed by thebusiness who is responsible for the trainee’s salary.

Apprenticeships

A leadership programme designed specifically aroundthe needs of SME Owner/Managers to encourageleadership skills and improve business performance.The programme combines active teaching withpractical tasks, masterclasses, coaching, actionlearning, business shadowing and exchanges.

Leading Enterprise andDevelopment (LEAD)

Free mentoring support for leaders, managers andindividuals to develop their ability and potential tooptimise business performance and growth.

Provided by experienced and credible mentors whoshare their wealth of knowledge and experience over6 - 12 months. Support ranges from business-to-business, group, one-to-one and online mentoring.

Mentoring

Funding towards the cost of relevant training anddevelopment for leaders and managers to improvethe performance and competitiveness of a business.

Support of up to £1,000 per individual is available forup to seven individuals per business. Funding can beused towards workshops, masterclasses, coaching,textbooks and other training and developmentprogrammes. A personal development plan must becompleted for each person.

Train to Gain – Leadership &Management Advisory Service

Eligibility

All businesses.

Skills Brokerage Service

Eligibility

All businesses.

Eligibility

SMEs with less than 20 employees.

Eligibility

Individuals starting a business and SMEs.

Eligibility

All businesses.

Eligibility

Businesses with between five - 999 employees.

Free support from specialist advisers at Business LinkNorthwest to help businesses identify their workforcetraining needs in order to meet business requirements -from basic skills through to university degrees.

The service also helps arrange necessary training andprovides advice on funding to help businesses meet thecost of training.

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Sector Development

Regional sector organisations providing information, networking, supplychain and business development opportunities. Available to companies inthe following sectors:

Advanced Flexible MaterialsNorthwest Textiles Networknwtexnet.co.uk

AerospaceNorthwest Aerospace Allianceaerospace.co.uk

AutomotiveNorthwest Automotive Alliancenwautoalliance.com

BiomedicalBionowbionow.co.uk

ChemicalsChemicals Northwestchemicalsnorthwest.org.uk

Contact CentresCall Northwestcallnorthwest.org.uk

Digital and Creative Northwest Vision and Mediavisionandmedia.co.uk

Energy and EnvironmentalTechnologies Envirolink Northwestenvirolinknorthwest.co.uk

Financial and ProfessionalPro-Manchester pro-manchester.co.uk

Professional Liverpoolprofessionalliverpool.com

Food and DrinkFood Northwest foodnw.co.uk

Sector Development

Eligibility

All businesses in relevant sectors.

businesslink.gov.uk/northwest

0845 00 66 888

Business Link Northwest

To access any of these products and services contact:

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NWDA j4-05

Access to FinanceEnterprise Finance Guarantee SchemeSmall Loans for BusinessGrant for Business InvestmentVenture Capital and Loan FundNorthwest Business Angels

Pre-Start

Summary of products and services by company size

Business Finance

Innovation Advice and GuidanceInnovation VouchersKnowledge to InnovateGrant for Research and DevelopmentImproving Your Resource EfficiencyKnowledge Transfer PartnershipsManufacturing Advisory Service

Innovation and Efficiency

Training and Development

Advice for New and High Growth Business

Developing Your International Trade PotentialAccessing International MarketsExport Credit Guarantee

International Trade

Sector Development

Sector Development

businesslink.gov.uk/northwest

0845 00 66 888

Business Link Northwest

To access any of these products and services andconfirm your eligibility contact:

Skills Brokerage ServiceApprenticeshipsTrain to Gain – People DevelopmentTrain to Gain – Leadership and Management Advisory Service

Mentoring Leading Enterprise and Development (LEAD)

Starting a BusinessIntensive Start Up SupportEnterprise CoachingHigh Growth Programme

SME(up to 249 employees)

Large firm(250+ employees)

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