Other useful resources

The BBA is the leading trade association for the UK banking and financial services sector, representing over 200 member banks from 60 countries on the full range of UK and international banking issues, and providing information on developments and initiatives in the banking sector. www.bba.org.uk

BGF provides long-term capital for fast growing British companies. Growth potential is the key criteria, and investments can be used to fund a wide variety of business plans from simply increasing working capital to making a strategic acquisition, from new capex to increase capacity to a step change in sales and marketing, from an export drive to new product development. BGF invests between £2m and £10m in return for a minority stake in a business and a seat on the board, in companies that are typically turning over between £5m and £100m. www.businessgrowthfund.co.uk

BIS brings all of the levers of the economy together in one place, from skills and higher education to innovation and science to business and trade, can all help to drive growth. www.bis.gov.uk

Business Finance for You

Business Finance for You brings into one place a wide range of finance providers across Britain, including business angels, regional funds, government schemes and banks, enabling businesses to more easily seek the finance they require. Its free and easy-to-use search engine allows businesses to refine searches according to their geographic location, the industry in which they operate, the amount of finance they require, and the life stage of their business. The aim is to help businesses in the UK to quickly and easily access finance suppliers. www.businessfinanceforyou.co.uk

The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity and venture capital industry in the UK. Its voice is one of authority when speaking for, or negotiating on behalf of, the UK industry. Its aim is to aid understanding, clarity and transparency around the activities of our members, promoting our industry to entrepreneurs and investors as well as to Government, the EU, trade unions, international media and the general public. The BVCA provides a growing list of services and best practice standards for members across a spectrum of activities covering a network of interconnected committees, which focus on segment-led, legal, technical, regulatory, investor-led and service-led needs. BVCA also provide networking opportunities, training courses, research, publications, public affairs and communications on behalf of the industry. www.bvca.co.uk

Capital for Enterprise (CfEL) is a fund management company which designs, delivers and manages venture capital and debt guarantee schemes on behalf of the public and private sectors. CfEL brings together deep knowledge, experience and expertise in investment management along with a detailed understanding of SME finance markets (debt, equity and hybrids), public policy objectives and the interaction between the two. www.capitalforenterprise.gov.uk

Lloyds TSB Commercial is the division of Lloyds Banking Group that supports small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a turnover of up to £15 million. The bank provides dedicated day-to-day banking services, specialist guidance and tailored lending packages to businesses across all sectors.Its national network of relationship managers have the experience and expertise to act as a sounding board for ideas, and they can also help companies to access other sources of advice, from selected companies across the Lloyds Banking Group or other professionals in the local community. Lloyds TSB Commercial recently outlined a new commitment of support to small firms across the country in its SME 2012 Charter. The Charter’s key aims are to encourage enterprise, boost access to finance and provide clearer and fairer pricing for customers, as well as help 300,000 new start-ups across the country by 2012. Under the programme of support, we will also be running 200 nationwide seminars every year for the next three years, providing expert guidance and support for SMEs on starting up, employment, exporting, bidding for 2012 contracts, sustainability and finance. Lloyds TSB Commercial puts great emphasis on a long-term, relationship-led approach to banking and is committed to providing entrepreneurs and start-ups with a service that goes beyond day-to-day banking facilities. It has the expertise, experience and tools to provide the guidance and tailored financial packages to enable businesses to grow and flourish throughout the economic cycle. Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers with an annual turnover of up to £15m. http://www.lloydstsb.com

Nesta is an independent charity with a mission to help people and organisations bring great ideas to life. They do this by providing investments and grants and mobilising research, networks and skills. Nesta doesn’t work alone. It replies on the strength of the partnerships we form with other innovators, community organisations, educators and investors too. www.nesta.org.uk

Leading independent providers of investment management, accountancy, tax, corporate and financial advisory services to private clients, corporates, professional practices, and non-profit organisations. With 11 principal offices in the UK and Ireland, 1,500 people and an international capability in over 100 countries, ots aim is to provide an innovative global service.www.smith.williamson.co.uk