News: Rotherham business advisors link up with angels

Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) has joined the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels (YABA) as an Associate Member on the recommendation of RiDO business advisor Graham Hales. Profiled in YABA's latest newsletter, Graham discusses the opportunity Rotherham entrepreneurs have to pitch their business ideas to "business angels" in the hope of securing investment. Despite the current economic climate, there is still a healthy interest in business start-up in the Rotherham area, although there are fewer new manufacturing companies than in the past. Innovative business ideas are still successful and RiDO’s support and help with growth plans means that the survival rate for companies in its business centres are at 90% after three years – much higher than for companies based externally. Graham’s own experience as a company director means that he is ideally placed to offer realistic advice on the ups and downs of business startup. Graham hopes to continue RiDO’s association with YABA in the future and would like to see investment forums being held in South Yorkshire in order to attract businesses from the area to present. "The support that the local authority in Rotherham gives to new businesses is second to none," says Graham, "and I would like RiDO’s connection with YABA to continue so we can offer these businesses all the support they need to succeed and continue the regeneration of the Rotherham area."
RiDO website
YABA website
Rotherham