National roadshow FUEL brings investors, advisers and practical support to Rotherham this June
South Yorkshire’s business community is being offered a rare opportunity to cut through the complexity of funding and speak directly to those who can unlock it. On Wednesday 10 June, the FUEL roadshow arrives at Rotherham’s AESSEAL New York Stadium, bringing together funders, investors and advisers for a day designed to help SMEs take decisive steps towards growth.
At a time when access to finance remains one of the most persistent barriers facing smaller businesses, the event aims to replace confusion with clarity. Rather than a traditional expo, FUEL is structured around pre-arranged, one-to-one meetings, giving attendees the chance to have focused, practical conversations tailored to their business ambitions.
The format has already shown early promise. When the roadshow launched in Newcastle in March, more than 180 meetings took place between businesses and funding providers. Several of those conversations have already translated into tangible outcomes, with offers exceeding £2 million secured by participating firms.
For South Yorkshire, where entrepreneurial energy is abundant but access to capital can be uneven, the timing feels significant. According to Small Business Minister Blair McDougall MP, the need to bridge that gap is pressing.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy in Yorkshire with over 400,000 of them employing more than one million workers. However, too many still lack the finance to unlock their full potential to create jobs, opportunities, and growth.”
Delivered by UMi, a long-standing player in the UK’s business support landscape, the roadshow builds on nearly two decades of experience connecting firms with funding and advice. Since 2007, the organisation has supported hundreds of thousands of businesses and helped unlock substantial investment across the country, including significant activity within Yorkshire.
More recently, UMi has continued to deepen its regional presence. Its involvement in initiatives such as the Great Ideas programme, offering grants of up to £60,000 alongside intensive support, signals a continued commitment to fostering innovation and growth across the North.
Nicki Clark OBE, CEO of UMi, is clear about what sets FUEL apart from more conventional business events.
“FUEL has been designed so business owners up and down the country can have access to everything they need in one place over the space of just one day,” she says. “By enabling attendees to have direct, tailored, one to one conversations with investors, advisors and industry figures, they can go away confident in the knowledge that they are on the right path.”
Her emphasis is on practicality. For many SMEs, the challenge is not a lack of ambition, but navigating a system that can feel opaque and fragmented.
“Too many brilliant businesses are held back by complexity, jargon and missed opportunities,” she adds. “FUEL isn’t a ‘trade expo’ but more so ‘get it done’ workshops and meetings where those delivering ambitious growth plans, overcoming cash flow challenges, or diversifying, can get the support they need.”
For attendees, the promise is a clear one. By the end of the day, businesses will leave with a stronger understanding of their funding landscape and a clearer route forward:
• What funding is right for you
• How to get funding ready
• Who is ready to back you
• How to take the next steps
For business owners, the message is straightforward. Whether you are planning expansion, navigating cash flow pressures or exploring new markets, the opportunity to engage directly with those who can support that journey is not one that comes around often.
To book your place or find out more, visit fuelroadshow.co.uk.
