North West Fund signs up as BPS sponsor

The newly launched £185m North West Fund is the latest name to sign up as premium sponsor of Pro Manchester’s Business and Professional Services Conference (BPS).

The fund, which was officially launched earlier this month, is expected to deliver about £700m to the region through investments in small businesses.

Andy Leach, chief executive of Northwest Business Finance (NWBF), set up to administer the fund, said: “This event coincides with the launch of the new North West Fund and will provide an excellent opportunity to inform the region about the new fund’s range of finance options for small businesses at a critical time for the North West economy.”

The North West Fund is one of the largest public sector funds of its kind in Europe and the largest in the UK, comprising six specific funds with an initial investment period from now until December 2015.

Pro Manchester chief executive John Ashcroft added: “As the conference draws nearer, we are delighted to welcome a new sponsor.

“The fund is set to create a legacy for its work helping entrepreneurs in the North West and we are proud to be setting a legacy for hosting the UK’s inaugural Business and Professional Services Conference.”

The conference has been organised in conjunction with MIDAS, Marketing Manchester, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, RMS and the Commission for the New Economy.

It will be held at The Point conference centre at Lancashire County Cricket Club on 17 March.

(Information from Insidermedia)