Sunderland Business Angels

Sunderland is a large city in the north east of England , populated by over 175,000 ‘Mackems', a common nickname for people born in the region. It is split down the middle by the River Wear, with the vast majority of the inhabitants living on the south side of the river. It's coastal location means it is very susceptible to seas fogs, which are often very dense but can vanish as quickly as they appear.

The University of Sunderland is home to approximately 16,000 students, and has seen extensive development over the past decade since its opening in 1992. The Student's Union consistently pulls in big name live music acts for the students to enjoy, including Girls Aloud, Journey South and the Arctic Monkeys.

The only professional sports team in the city is Sunderland FC, who recently topped the table of the Championship and gained a lucrative promotion for next to season to compete among the UK 's elite in the Premiership. Managed by Manchester United legend Roy Keane, they play their home matches at the Stadium of Light, a modern ground with a capacity of 49,000. Next season's fixtures will bring them once again head to head with their closest rivals Newcastle United, with whom they share a long, bitter history.

In fact, it is widely believed to be down to the attraction of watching Keane in charge of the side that has seen a boom in the tourism industry around Sunderland , with many more outsiders arriving to watch the home games and spending the weekend visiting the city's various pubs, clubs and nighttime haunts. This has meant a boost to the economy, along with the redevelopment work, which has helped appease the loss of the once famous Sunderland Docks ad coal mining industries in the late 20 th Century.

If you are thinking of starting a business in Sunderland , it may be worth thinking about approaching a Business Angel for possible investment, rather than the typical route of a bank loan/overdraft or venture capitalist. Business Angels are wealthy, entrepreneurial individuals who invest their own cash, which immediately means they will be personally involved with the growth of your business. This does not necessarily mean they are involved in the day to day running of the business, but they will be personally involved in overseeing the growth development process and helping with the management processes.

Typically Business Angels are prepared to invest between £75,000 and £250,000, but this figure could rise dramatically if they are part of a syndicate, or ‘angel network' - there is no ceiling to the amount they will invest - it all depends on how quickly they think they will see a return. To be able to seal an investment package you need to make sure your business plan is watertight, and able to stand up to intense scrutiny from the angel(s).

If you need financial help for your business whatever your reasons may be, contact angelstartups today for free, impartial advice on how to get the financial backing you need.