AROUND 100 firms from across East Anglia took part in an event celebrating the region’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and promoting business growth.
The Breakthrough Live event at Cambridge University heard from entrepreneur Paul Lindley, who founded and grew his organic baby food business, Ella’s Kitchen.
Santander chief executive Ana Bot�n delivered a student lecture on the key role of entrepreneurs and universities in driving local economic recovery.
Mike Bishop, financial director of YourVets, spoke about the recent fast growth of his chain of affordable veterinary practices.
He currently has seven practices across the Midlands and Essex, and is in the process of adding a further four practices.
The university is one of Santander Universities’ higher education partners.
East Anglia has 738 fast growth, or Growth Champion businesses which, as a group, have a significantly higher economic impact than the rest of the region’s SMEs, according to Experian data.
Research by Santander revealed that, on average, the region’s small businesses with a turnover of �20million or less expect to grow revenue by 68% over the next five years.
Santander’s wider Breakthrough programme is providing up to �200mof growth capital loans to fast-growth firms.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here