Business Angels Launch to Fuel Growth for Cheshire's Next Generation of Companies

Successful entrepreneurs from Cheshire and Warrington are investing their capital and expertise to accelerate the region's most promising businesses.

Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington's Growth Hub has launched Cheshire Business Angels – a network of up to 70 investors and high net worth individuals ready to back ambitious small businesses across healthcare, manufacturing, digital technology and beyond.

In partnership with Xeinadin Accountants and Gorvins Solicitors, a Dragons' Den-style launch event took place at The Aviary, Alderley Park's Conference Centre on Wednesday, February 11.

Entrepreneurs pitched to investors, professional advisers, and banks, collectively seeking just under £2m in funding. Requests ranged from:

• £550k for an established medicine and consumer health company to expand its team and accelerate product growth
• £132k for a start-up working to revolutionise the production of graphene from waste

Investors pledged to continue discussions with the companies ahead of formal investment decisions. Successful businesses will secure not only capital but ongoing strategic support from their investors, who receive equity stakes in return.

Before the pitches, industry leaders shared expert insight, including:

• British Business Bank (Delyth Edwards, Senior Manager, UK Network – North West England) explored angel investment's role in driving innovation and regional growth
• Gorvins Solicitors (Christian Mancier, Partner - Corporate Commercial) provided practical legal guidance for investors and founders
• Xeinadin Accountants (Paul Whitney, Head of Corporate Finance UK, and Adam Owens, Partner – Head of Tax Advisory UK North & Midlands) covered financial and tax planning essentials for investment readiness

Cheshire and Warrington is home to over 41,000 businesses with national strengths in clean energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. The Business Angels initiative connects emerging companies with experienced entrepreneurs who can accelerate their path to success.

Steve Purdham, chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Business Advisory Board, said: "The Business Angels offer businesses a vital opportunity to secure funding that could transform their operations and establish them among the region's trailblazing companies. We're delighted to partner with Xeinadin Accountants, Gorvins Solicitors, the British Business Bank and our investor network to support the next wave of ambitious firms."

The initiative supports the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Strategy (SIES), a 20-year blueprint approved by the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board to deliver the highest rate of economic and productivity growth in the north.

To receive more information on Business Angels please use the form here.