200 companies ask about business support money

Jan 22 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

Senior representatives from both the European Investment Bank and European Commission will also address the audience, outlining the importance of their investment.

The European Investment Bank is committing £62.5m into the fund, with £44.25m coming from the European Regional Development Fund 2007-2013 and £18.25m from regional development agency One North East.

Nick Brown MP, Minister for the North East, said: “The North East is well served by our regional development agency. The effort undertaken by One North East to launch the fund demonstrates this.

“I welcome this practical support for business and the opportunities for job creation.”

Andrew Mitchell, chief executive of North East Finance, which will oversee the day-to-day running of the fund, said: “Companies interested in accessing fund finance can register their details now at www.onenortheast. co.uk/financeforbusinessnortheast and they will be contacted by a fund manager. They can also go to www.northeastfinance.org”