FIRMS in East Lancashire are being invited to find out how a choir of angels can help their business grow.

Private investors - known as 'business angels' - offer finance and advice to small firms which often struggle to get help from venture capitalists or banks.

Local firms are now being offered the chance to benefit from an introduction agency aimed at bringing business angels and companies together. A seminar will be held later this month.

TEChINVEST was originally set up in Cheshire but has now secured government funding to roll its services across the North West.

"There are many small local companies who would benefit from the involvement of a business angel, not only in terms of raising finance but also in terms of the skills and experience such a person can offer," said financial counsellor Mike Thompson of Business Link East Lancashire.

An event will be staged at the Park Royal Hotel, Chester, on January 26 to give North West firms the chance to find out about business angels and investment works under the scheme.

Further details on the free event are available on 01254 604561 or 01606 734308.

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