ELITE helps growing small and medium-sized enterprises through a package of education, business support and access to investors – but there are currently none in Merseyside. Tony McDonough reports.

Executives at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) are urging Liverpool city region firms to access its support programme.

LSEG’s ELITE programme helps growing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a package of education, business support and access to investors.

However, there are currently no SMEs in the city region on the scheme.

Speaking at a Professional Liverpool dinner, the head of ELITE UK, Umerah Akram, and head of UK small and mid-cap companies, Mark Fahy, addressed an audience of Liverpool-based businesses and advisors about the programme and its potential.

‘Scaleup nation’

In the North West, there are 10 companies on the programme and there are 90 in total across the UK.

Despite the lack of North West businesses involved in ELITE, however, a recent Tech North report revealed that investment in northern tech businesses was at a 10-year high.

In turn, a recent report by the Scaleup Institute highlighted that Britain is on track to become a ‘scaleup nation’, with four out of five business leaders expecting growth to continue, despite the uncertainties around Brexit.

‘Awash with talent’

Matt Noon, chair of the Professional Liverpool Corporate Finance Group and a corporate partner at law firm Hill Dickinson, said: “It’s clear that the North West, and indeed Liverpool, is awash with talented, high growth businesses and investment is happening, particularly in the tech sector.

“But we feel there are many more Liverpool city region-based businesses which could benefit from programmes like ELITE and we’re keen to promote this to both clients and the local advisory community.

“The programme offers real potential to further boost economic growth in the city and surrounding areas and, as the organisation representing professionals, we’re keen to drive this, not only for businesses but for advisors.”

Get in touch

Ms Fahy added: “There is huge opportunity to further stimulate business growth in the Liverpool city region through the programme.

“There are opportunities to get involved in April and November each year, so businesses should get in touch if they’re interested in accelerating their growth plans and broadening their range of specialist advice.”

To become part of the ELITE community, a company must commit at the most senior level (CEO/CFO) for a minimum of 18 months, be revenue-generating (£5m+) and demonstrate progress to date and growth potential.

For information on ELITE, click here.