| Edinburgh | Liverpool | Leicester | Reading | Newcastle | Wales | Sheffield
One Day to Unlock the Right Funding for Your Business
Looking to overcome cash flow hurdles or seize an ambitious growth opportunity — but struggling to secure the funding you need? You're not alone.
In just one day, with the right funders and experts around you, FUEL will cut through the noise and tailor your path to secure the funding you need.
Join 250+ local business leaders and leave knowing:
1. What funding is right for you
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2. How to get funding ready
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3. Who’s ready to back you
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4. How to take the next steps
FUEL Is Not Like the Others
Been turned down for finance, had a bad experience that’s put you off, or struggling with tight cash flow, missed growth opportunities, and confusing options?
You’re not alone. Since 2011, lending to small and medium-sized businesses has fallen by half. In 2024, only 43% sought out external finance, down from 50% just a year earlier.
Too many brilliant businesses are struggling or settling for slow and steady, when smart funding solutions could unlock their true potential.
The FUEL Roadshow is here to change that — in just one day, we’ll get you funding-ready and connect you with the funders who'll help your business go further
What Your Ticket Gets You
Your event ticket doesn’t just get you in the room, it gives you access to a complete package of support designed to move your business funding plans forward.
FUEL isn’t another jargon-filled conference. It’s practical, and focused on action – a no fluff, get it done experience.
Grab your Early Bird ticket for £25 + VAT and get access to:
PRE-MATCHED 1-2-1s THAT MATTER
Join outcome-focused meetings with funders, investors, and essential advisers like accountants, lawyers, and risk specialists, arranged only when what you need aligns with what’s on offer, so every conversation leads to action.
SESSIONS THAT
CREATE ACTION
Our funding readiness workshops help you take action with tailored checklists, pitch prep, and clear action plans. Helping you explore finance options, understand what suits your business, and manage associated risks effectively.
STORIES THAT
INSPIRE
Hear from real business owners and leaders as they share what worked (and what didn’t) when they went after funding, offering honest insights and lessons learned which you can use to shape your journey.
A PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
Whether through the details you share during registration or through a discussion with our team, we’ll personalise your experience to ensure every session and conversation is highly relevant and focused on your goals.
ACCESS TO PEERS & CONNECTIONS
With lunch, refreshments, and networking included - join a room full of peers facing the same challenges and lived experiences, creating a valuable network alongside funders and support providers to help you get to where you want to be.
SELECT YOUR EVENT
Dive into a full-day FUEL Roadshow experience dedicated to helping business owners and leaders unlock smarter funding.
Expect practical workshops, conversations with expert funders and advisers, all designed to get you funding-ready and set your business up for success.
North West (Liverpool)September - Date and time is TBCNorth West - Venue TBC
South East (TBC)October - Date and time is TBCReading - Venue TBC
Midlands (TBC)November - Date and time is TBCLeicester - Venue TBC
Yorkshire (TBC)July - Date and time is TBCSheffield - Venue TBC
WalesJune - Date and time is TBCWales - Venue TBC
Who's FUEL For?
FUEL is for business leaders who feel blocked by complexity and uncertainty around funding.
Whether you’re seeking investment, grants, or finance, each FUEL event brings everything you need, all in one place, all in one day.
Business Leaders & Owners
Whether you're just starting out or building something bigger - we’ll help you move forward with confidence.
Early-Stage Startups
If you're pre-revenue or forming your first team, we’ll help you get the basics right and explore funding options.
Established Businesses
From steady growth to scaling up, we support businesses looking for funding - and those needing to review or reorganise their finances to stay on track.
All Sectors & Sizes
This is for every kind of business, not just high-growth tech. We work with sole traders, social enterprises, and SMEs across industries.
The People Who Make It Happen
Funding takes a team. We connect trusted advisers - accountants, lawyers, insurers etc. - who help make deals happen and support businesses on their journey.
Public & Ecosystem Partners
We'll connect local authorities, finance providers, and innovation hubs offering support and opportunities with businesses in your region.
Who Are UMi?
UMi make it easier for businesses right across the UK to access the best advice and funding solutions. Since 2007, we've supported more than 680,000 businesses and unlocked over £1 billion in funding.
We’re also specialists in business events, having organised over 1,200, including one of the world’s top 10 entrepreneurial conferences as highlighted by Entrepreneur.com.
A Glimpse Into the Access to Finance Challenge
Being ready for finance is one of the biggest challenges facing UK businesses today.
It’s not just about access to funding - it’s about understanding, confidence, and knowing where to turn.
Too many brilliant businesses are held back by complexity, jargon, and missed opportunities and despite the UK’s world-class financial services sector, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face persistent and quantifiable barriers.
50%
reduction in lending to SMEs since 2011
43%
of SMEs used external finance in 2024, down from 50% in 2023
1.5%
of UK SMEs apply for bank loans, compared to 22% in major EU countries
80%
of SMEs say they prefer slow growth over taking on debt
Statistics sourced from Department for Business and Trade's - Backing your Business: Our Plan for Small and Medium Sized Businesses - July 2025