The $6 Million Investment Challenge

8 August, 2007

The $6 Million Investment Challenge launched for New Zealand businesses

The $6 Million Investment Challenge launched in New Zealand this month is offering companies a chance to get investment ready and expand their operations into the UK.

Those companies successful in the challenge will also have the opportunity to secure angel investment or venture capital from experienced investors.
Participating businesses around the country will be involved in a series of regional forums on growing globally – from which ten companies will eventually be selected to pitch their ideas to potential investors.

“This is not an exercise. This is real entrepreneurs, real investors, real money and real deals,” says David Horner, Inward Investment Manager for UK Trade and Investment in New Zealand.

UK Trade and Investment and Unlimited magazine are driving the challenge, with various partners and investors, along with sponsors James & Wells Intellectual Property, Ernst & Young and FCM Travel Solutions.

“The challenge offers all participants opportunities to network with entrepreneurs and investors who have already grown successful businesses,” says Julie Gill, owner and publisher of Unlimited magazine. “We look forward to following their success within Unlimited.”

Participating companies will learn how to properly prepare for business expansion into the UK and beyond by identifying target markets, better positioning their business, developing a clear action plan and understanding what investors are looking for.

The top ten companies selected from the pool of initial applicants will have an opportunity to take part in a tailored in-market visit to the UK as part of the preparation for their investment pitch.

Some 1,431 companies chose the UK as a place to grow their global business in 2006/7. This represents a record number of investment successes for the fourth consecutive year, says Horner.

“We want to do something that will deliver real results rather than just talk about what should or shouldn’t be done. The more people we talk to about what we are doing, the more people are saying this is a really good thing and much needed,” Horner says.

The UK offers a business-friendly environment, political and economic stability, world-class creative talent and a strong research and development base, he says.

“UK Trade and Investment provides access to extensive networks of industry leaders and UK centres of excellence, as well as a pipeline to central government.”

Places are limited and applications close 31 August. Businesses can enter online at www.unlimited.co.nz

ENDS

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