Delivered by investment readiness specialists Harwood Hutton as part of Buckinghamshire Business First’s Growth Programme, the service will combine bespoke one-to-one consultancy with a series of interactive workshops and is free of charge to qualifying local businesses for a limited time.

“We know the pressures facing SMEs in Buckinghamshire and some of the areas where they need expert help,” said Harwood Hutton director and corporate finance specialist Adam Stronach. “One of those areas is understanding the avenues available to them if they want to grow.

“We have distilled our extensive experience of helping SMEs secure growth funding into an eight-hour package that we are certain will be of tremendous value to any ambitious SME business leader.

“We will help with the creation of the business plan or refine an existing one and then, following the workshops, we will work on how to pitch that plan to a potential investor.”

Tackling business-critical subjects

The four workshops within the Investment Readiness Service will tackle business-critical subjects such as the basics of business finance; budgeting and forecasting; the different types of funding that are available; and how to present a business in the best light, involving Dragons Den-style role play.

The Investment Readiness Service is a core element of the Growth Programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by Buckinghamshire Business First, the Growth Hub for the county.

“There has never been a better time for SMEs to grow their business, with such an abundance of support on offer,” said Philippa Batting, Managing Director of Buckinghamshire Business First.

“We are delighted to be working alongside Harwood Hutton on the Investment Readiness Service – Adam Stronach and his team are specialists in preparing businesses for investment and we encourage any Buckinghamshire based business with growth ambitions to get involved.”

How to find out more

For more information on the Investment Readiness Service, call 01494 927130, visit www.bbf.uk.com or email BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com.

Alternatively, email Adam Stronach at inform@harwoodhutton.co.uk.

The Growth Programme is part funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and therefore eligibility criteria apply. If a business is not eligible, Buckinghamshire Business First can signpost them to other local and national business support programmes available.