The National Coalfields Conference in Matlock was the latest venue for the Coalfields Fund Roadshow, which has been touring England. Delegates were given a presentation as to how the Fund invests in small and medium sized companies in the English Coalfields areas, and the significant benefits to be derived.

The Fund was launched earlier this year by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, seen here at the conference with Richard Bamford, Chief Executive of Fund Manager, EV, and congratulating him on the Fund’s first investment in Derbyshire-based, Infomill Limited.

The Coalfields Fund is a £10 million venture capital fund specifically targeted to finance growth-orientated companies and encourage entrepreneurship in England’s former coalfield areas.

John Prescott says ‘The work of the Fund is key and will compliment all the other good work in progress which will ensure the longer term regeneration of the coalfield communities.’

Coalfields  Fund is managed by EVs on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and is part of a package of initiatives available to former coalmining areas and communities.