Clusters Think In: Episode 4 - How clusters can help leverage access to finance and drive growth

In the fourth in our 'Clusters Think In' series, Hashi Mohammed, Contributing Editor at Tortoise Media is joined by Simon Robeson, Managing Partner at North East Capital, and Rachel Shatliff, Managing Director, Business Banking North at HSBC plc, to discuss how clusters can help leverage access to finance at a regional level to drive growth. In this episode we discuss how successful clusters can help to leverage the strength of the UK finance sector, build out regional business finance and support firms across the country in accessing the finance they need. Rachel explains the importance of needing to shout about the successes taking place in the regions and to move the dial in elevating the opportunities that exist in their area and the commercial potential they offer, to attract investor interest. She emphasises the importance of not trying to replicate other areas but building on your own unique strengths and promote this as examples which cannot be done anywhere else. Simon talks about how clusters can really work in drawing in further investment and wider business growth and ‘spin-ins’, wanting to be part of a successful story and place. He thinks investors will be even more committed to leveraging funds from London over the long haul if they feel that there is a safe partner or institution in a region which can professionally manage access into the businesses located there – this is essential in building interest and confidence to invest.  'Clusters Think In' is a podcast series included as part of the CBI's series of Thriving Regions events. Listen and subscribe to the series here.

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