Businesses invited to ‘Meet the Money’

A national business funding roadshow is heading to the North East, offering companies the chance to connect directly with banks, investors and financial backers.

The FUEL roadshow, sponsored by NatWest, Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance, CO4CH, CBI and British Business Bank, alongside regional partners FW Capital, will launch in Newcastle on Tuesday, March 17 at the Grand Hotel in Gosforth, bringing together finance providers, Government representatives and business support organisations to help companies access funding to innovate and grow.

Among the organisations taking part are major banks NatWest, Santander and Barclays, alongside alternative lenders, venture capital firms and grant providers, including Mercia Ventures, Maven, Creative UK, the Business Enterprise Fund and FW Capital.

The event will feature workshops designed to help businesses understand the range of funding options available, how to prepare a strong funding application and the legal considerations involved in securing finance.

A key element of the event will be the ‘Meet the Money’ sessions, offering pre-matched one-to-one meetings between business owners and senior representatives from banks, investment firms and funding organisations. 

More than 250 appointments are expected to take place during the event.

Nicki Clark OBE, chief executive of County Durham-headquartered UMi, which has organised the roadshow, said: “The FUEL roadshow presents a unique opportunity for the region’s businesses to meet face-to-face with senior people from multiple funding providers and support organisations under one roof, all in one day.

“Together with our partners, we’re bringing together some of the biggest names in banking and finance, we are giving the region’s businesses a unique opportunity to meet directly with organisations and funders who are actively looking to support businesses just like theirs and provide them with the support and funding required to unlock their potential.

“It should be a fantastic event, and we’d urge any business interested in attending to sign up and secure their place before it’s too late. It could be just the opportunity they’ve been waiting for.” 

Heidi Simpson, regional accelerator director Scotland and North of England at NatWest, added: "NatWest is committed to backing the innovators and recently announced plans to grow our Accelerator community to 50,000 members across the UK in 2026.

“The North of England is a thriving hub for innovation and we’re delighted to play a part in the FUEL, the business finance and funding roadshow, bringing our expertise across the bank to support ambitious founders from across the North today, and in the future as they grow their businesses.”

The Newcastle launch forms part of a wider UK roadshow designed to connect businesses with potential funders and advisers. 

The programme will continue in Edinburgh on April 30 at Murrayfield Stadium and in Rotherham on June 10 at AESSEAL New York Stadium, before further events take place in Wales, Liverpool, the South East and the Midlands later in 2026.

Business owners interested in attending any of the events can book tickets, or register their interest in future events, by clicking here.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →