Scottish catering and hospitality news in Scotland

Catering in Scotland magazine is published bi-monthly with in-depth features, views and news for the Scottish catering, hospitality and tourism industry. On this page we have the latest news to keep you constantly updated on the market. On the left hand side of the page you can search our archived news which is stored monthly.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Scottish Hospitality Businesses Offered Funding Lifeline

Scottish hospitality businesses struggling to secure investment have been offered a lifeline after the re-launch of one of the country's top investment conferences promised to release between ?6 million and ?45 million in equity funding.

The Connect Conference, which was saved from extinction six months ago by The GO Group, will now offer Scottish tech-venture companies the opportunity to raise millions in equity funding.

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather welcomed the development, saying: 'I welcome the prospect of Connect Scotland playing an important part in developing new and innovative hospitality firms in Scotland, and helping to deliver sustainable economic growth. I'm certain that Connect's activities will complement the comprehensive range of innovation and investment support which is already on offer in Scotland.'

Connect will provide business owners with the opportunity to pitch to potential investors. Chief Executive of the Glasgow-based GO Group, Isabell Majewsky, said: 'Connect is integral to the development and growth of Scotland's technology ventures, and our focus is to maintain a programme of support for companies and to help them to realise their true growth potential.'

In order to guarantee the future success of Connect Scotland, Majewsky insists that changes have been made to the previous model: 'By linking the Connect network across the UK we have created a synergy that will flourish in both Scotland and beyond.'

Since 1996 Connect has been instrumental in securing ?220 million in private equity, helping 165 companies to present their business propositions to potential financial backers. Connect works with all sectors of the technology-business community, from venture capitalists to corporate financiers, lawyers to patent attorneys and banks to universities.

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Catering in Scotland : Scottish Catering, Hospitality & Tourism magazine

 
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