A new era for YABA
This year sees some significant developments for the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels. After 14 successful years, a new contract with Yorkshire Forward heralds an exciting new era for the Association. The three year contract will enable YABA to provide help to more businesses in the North, to attract new members and will also provide more opportunities for its business angels.
This is unlikely to be a surprise to the business community. The value of business angels is coming into its own in the current climate and not just because of their vital financial contribution. There is now widespread recognition that business angels play a crucial role in economic development, in the Yorkshire and Humber region as well as nationally.
At a grassroots level, what this means is increased profile for YABA and its members. This will be matched by a growth in YABA’s offer, in order to attract potential new angels, associates and also to increase the number and quality of opportunities available to YABA members.
“The time has come for YABA to move to the next level,” says Barbara Greaves, YABA’s Manager. “It’s a really pivotal time in our development and in the near future we’ll be embarking on a raft of new activities which will add value to our offer, including more educational seminars and workshops for business angels. We’re hoping for greater engagement with the business community through existing contacts and the new ambassadors that we’re going to appoint in different areas within Yorkshire. We’re also offering an increasingly attractive range of services for companies needing assistance – whether that’s financial or otherwise.”
Within the region YABA plays a vital role: filling the equity gap for companies in need of finance, but also providing the opportunity for companies with specific requirements to find a mentor or non-executive director to fill a knowledge gap in their business.
Alex McWhirter, Assistant Director of Business at Yorkshire Forward comments "Now more than ever there is a crucial role for business angels to play in the regions economy. Working with YABA will help to maximise the impact Business Angels have in our region’s businesses for early stage and growth finance."
