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Luke Johnson supports Small Business Britain through Beer & Partners

Strategic investment allows serial entrepreneur to tap into early stage companies

We are delighted to announce that Luke Johnson, columnist for the FT and former chairman of Channel 4, has become a strategic shareholder in Beer & Partners after acquiring a 27.5% stake in Beer & Partners, which makes him the largest single investor in the company.

Luke Johnson, founder and chairman of Risk Capital Partners comments: “I believe that entrepreneurs are a crucial driving force in our economy. I’ve been writing 'The Entrepreneur' column in the Financial Times for several years and think the growth opportunities at this vibrant end of business are exciting and potentially very rewarding. By becoming part of Beer & Partners and its network, I will be able to provide far greater support and tap into a wider pool of ambitious entrepreneurs than I ever could by myself.”

Luke also adds: “Angel investors are the only realistic option for these early-stage companies. Currently banks are barely open for business, or tend to offer loans on unattractive terms, so the need for equity capital is greater than ever. What’s more, since current low interest rates give savers such poor returns, more and more angel investors are emerging that have a strong appetite for direct investment in small companies. Using a business angel network, such as Beer & Partners, entrepreneurs can get access to a huge pool of potential investment and expertise.”

Dr Roy Bichan, our recently appointed Chairman said: “Working with Luke is a great opportunity for Beer & Partners to benefit from his extensive experience in the business and investment world. At a time when many small companies are struggling to find the backing they need, it’s heartening to know that successful entrepreneurs like Luke are willing to support them by facilitating access to capital.”

Face to Face Finance- London Investment Fair 18th May 2010

Luke will also be attending the upcoming Beer & Partners Investment Fair in London on 18th May, a market place where investors and businesses can meet face to face and discuss mutually beneficial opportunities.

Now in its 11th year, this event attracts up to one hundred and fifty private investors with a typical third of exhibiting companies successfully raising capital from the day. Places are filling rapidly available for Businesses seeking funding but we still have opportunities for companies with a compelling investment opportunity who wish to raise funding. If you know of any such companies from early stage to pre-IPO wanting to raise funds in the £100k-£2.5m range please let Rod Beer (beer@beerandpartners.com) know and he will forward details. Our last Fair in November was our most successful yet when we had a record number of investors attending and have already delivered over £2.1m of funding to 9 of the companies who presented.

The event is free and open to our registered investors or their guests only and we already have clients reserving places who we believe will interest you. If you haven’t already registered that you would like to attend the fair or this Thursday’s London Investment Evening hosted by St James’s Place Wealth Management, please contact James Leay (leay@beerandpartners.com) or telephone 020 7329 4884 to confirm or ask for further details. For those of you who have not attended before and would like more information do please call or email.