The South East Investment Fund, unveiled by the British Business Bank on September 9, will support small and medium-sized businesses across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and the Isle of Wight.
It forms part of the Government’s wider plan to drive growth in every part of the country by improving access to finance for businesses.
David Hourican, incoming interim chief executive officer of the British Business Bank, said: “Today’s launch of The South East of England Investment Fund will help to stimulate economic growth throughout the region.
“The South East of England is home to some of the UK’s most innovative technological and scientific businesses and this fund will ensure that business have local access to the finance they need to grow, scale and expand.”
The fund will provide commercial loans ranging from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments of up to £5 million, targeting businesses at all stages of development.
Its first investment has already been made, with a £250,000 loan awarded to Basingstoke-based technology company Process Vision to support its next phase of commercial growth and international expansion.
The South East is home to 17 per cent of the UK’s university spin-out businesses.
It received just five per cent of the UK’s total equity investment by value last year.
The British Business Bank believes the fund will help bridge the gap between academic innovation and commercial success.
Jonathan Reynolds, business secretary, said: “Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy and a vital part of any high street, whether it’s a tech startup in Surrey or a creative agency in Margate.
“Making sure that smaller businesses have the backing they need to thrive is a crucial part of creating good growth in every postcode.
“We are determined not to let access to investment be a barrier to success for businesses in the South East.
“The launch of this fund will help to ensure that small businesses across Oxfordshire can grow to match their ambitions, whether that is bringing in new staff, moving into a new base or scaling into an international company.”
The fund will be managed by a team of appointed fund managers, including The FSE Group and Maven Capital Partners.
The FSE Group will oversee the debt finance component, while Maven Capital Partners will manage equity investments.
With the launch of the South East Investment Fund and the forthcoming East of England Investment Fund, the British Business Bank now offers targeted finance across every UK nation and region outside of London.
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