London, England - 
Pembridge, the business accelerator for Creative Services Firms announced today that it has partnered with Business Link for London to deliver the Access to Finance programme, which helps businesses in objective two* areas of London through the process of raising money.
The initiative is funded by Business Link for London, the London Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund, along with funding from the private sector. It aims to tackle one of the toughest hurdles most growing businesses face - how to get financial backing to get their idea off the ground or to fund future growth.
Access to Finance gives start up and existing businesses the chance to receive professional advice at heavily subsidised rates. Start ups can receive up to 87% towards the market cost of this assistance. Existing businesses can receive up to 75% towards the market cost of this assistance. This equates to five full days of professional help. Generally the maximum amount for most clients will be several thousand pounds of support but each case is looked at on its merits and larger amounts can be agreed in appropriate cases.
Pembridge will provide expert professional advice to creative companies looking to raise money for purposes ranging from expansion to development and working capital. Once a company has applied for the scheme, Pembridge will complete a free business diagnostic, which will determine whether it is suitable for the programme and produce an action plan if it is not. Following this Pembridge offers a range of services to give companies the best chance of achieving funding including business planning, financial advice, mentoring and equity grooming.
Rose Lewis, Pembridge partner, said, "Any creative services firm needing finance should consider Access to Finance. We can help with all aspects of raising money - from refining business plans to management development and private equity grooming. Pembridge is delighted to be working with Business Link for London to deliver the Access to Finance programme, which is a great opportunity for companies in the creative sector."
Keith Gilbey, Senior Development Manager, Business Link for London, said, "Business Link for London has chosen to work with Pembridge because of its proven expertise and excellent contacts within the creative services sector. Pembridge will offer a highly valuable service to firms applying for the Access to Finance initiative."
* Objective two covers specific areas in the boroughs of Hammersmith, Bexley, Brent, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Barking, Haringey, Havering, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. Click to check whether your company is eligible.
