CHRIS Chapman, joint managing director of East Anglia-based advice firm My Business FD, was among those helping a group of dynamic start-up businesses to plan their pitches to a gathering of private investors hosted by HRH the Duke of York at Buckingham Palace.

The event was organised by business guru Doug Richard’s School for Creative Startups Angel Society, which gives member investors first look at a pool of high-potential young businesses.

My Business FD’s team of experienced part-time finance directors helped the selected entrepreneurs plan their financial strategies and presentations in the month leading up to the event.

Tim Jakob, Julia Throop and Robert Murphy from the My Business FD team also attended the event to stand alongside the entrepreneurs, supporting them with their presentations and giving confidence to investors that funding would be used and managed properly.

For the investors, the scheme provides a pool of investment-ready creative businesses, with society members eligible for up to 78% of tax relief for investments of up to £100,000 under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.

Mr Chapman said one of the businesses involved in the first “pitch” event had secured investment on the night and another had been involved in further discussions since.

He said: “We enjoy working with entrepreneurs like these and gain tremendous satisfaction from helping their businesses succeed.

“Doug recognised that businesses that work with an experienced finance director tend to outperform businesses that don’t, a view that is supported by our own recent research with SMEs, bankers and investors.”

Doug Richard added: “We’re really pleased that My Business FD are taking such an active role and giving these young entrepreneurs the benefit of their vast experience. This will contribute to the continued success of Britain’s creative industries by giving fledgling start-ups the opportunity to find essential angel investment.

“My Business FD’s part time offering is perfect for early stage and ambitious SMEs who are determined to grow their way through today’s tough economic conditions, both in this sector and right across the UK landscape.”