Opportunity knocks for Ross-shire businesses on lookout for 'serious lenders' as Debt Finance Roadshow hits Highlands

BUSINESSES in Ross-shire are being offered the opportunity to meet "serious lenders" who can help them achieve their expansion ambitions.

A Debt Finance Roadshow is being launched in the Highland capital which aims to "bridge the gap between supply and demand for finance" for businesses in the north that sometimes struggle for of big investment more readily available in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The roadshow is determined to find a medium between rural businesses that lack opportunity for connections, with investors that are unaware of significant businesses further north.

The roadshow will bring north a variety of debt finance companies looking for opportunities to invest, and, thanks to the British Business Bank’s involvement, many will be visiting Inverness for the first time.

Adamant on creating increased access to smaller businesses within Ross-shire, Barry McCulloch, senior manager Scotland, said: "Access to finance remains a barrier to growth for businesses in the Highlands and Moray, particularly in rural areas. Small businesses may struggle to stay informed about debt market developments, and connecting with alternative debt lenders from the central belt can be challenging."

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The need for support is acknowledged amongst businesses with the drive and ambition to develop but which lack access to funds.

“It’s no secret that the North’s businesses have been going through a torrid time in recent years, what with Covid, skyrocketing costs, staff shortages and more, and many have been battling for survival,' said David Richardson, Federation of Small Businesses’ Highlands & Islands development manager. "However, all is not doom and gloom, for there are many opportunities out there, not least those associated with our visitor economy and those that will arise out of the development of the new Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport."

Businesses will receive the rare opportunity to tailor their financial needs and connect directly with one-to-one conversations and networking from investors based in the central belt. In partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Highland Council, the event takes place at Inverness Town House on Wednesday, October 25 from10am until 2pm with a light lunch also being provided.

Tickets for free admission are now available directly via this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unlocking-growth-sme-debt-finance-roadshow-tickets-714657117677?aff=oddtdtcreator

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