Rotherham business event generates £6.1 million funding pipeline

A business funding event held in Rotherham has generated a potential £6.1 million funding pipeline for companies looking to grow.

FUEL: Yorkshire took place at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, bringing entrepreneurs together with lenders, investors and business advisers to explore ways of financing their plans.

The event, delivered by business support specialist UMi, featured more than 150 one-to-one meetings, alongside workshops on investment, pitching to investors and financial preparation.

Organisers say around three-quarters of delegates left with clear next steps to help grow their businesses, while 78 per cent said they intended to pursue finance as a direct result of attending.

The event was part of a national roadshow designed to improve access to finance for businesses, particularly in areas that traditionally receive fewer major business events.

Paul Johnson, from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, said the region had many ambitious business owners and that access to the right finance was crucial to unlocking growth.

The £6.1 million figure represents a potential funding pipeline generated through the event, rather than money already awarded to businesses.

Further FUEL events are planned for Edinburgh, London, Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff.