A report, commissioned by the EISA in collaboration with Beauhurst, shed light on the significant impact EIS has had on various regions. For example, between 2014 and 2023, businesses in the North West of England backed by EIS generated £1.38 billion in turnover, while those in the East of England produced £1.7 billion, with both regions collectively creating nearly 30,000 jobs.

Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, the EIS, alongside its companion programme, the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), has channelled over £32bn of private capital into 56,000 startups across the UK. Introduced in 1994, EIS was designed to incentivise investment into early-stage businesses by offering substantial tax relief to investors, helping to support ventures such as Deliveroo, which have since achieved international recognition.

Christiana Stewart-Lockhart, Director General of EISA said: “EIS has been instrumental in fostering innovation across a wide range of sectors in the UK. Yet, awareness of the scheme remains low, particularly outside of London. The Ready Steady Grow series is a great way ensuring more people across the UK know about the benefits of the EIS and SEIS for both investors and entrepreneurs.  By expanding our reach through these regional events, we aim to ensure everyone is aware of the advantages the EIS and SEIS can offer.”

Joanna Jensen, Chair of EISA said: “Too few early-stage founders and investors are aware of the benefits available to them through EIS and SEIS. Both schemes have supercharged business growth in the UK for the last three decades. These regional events are a great way for us to boost understanding of the scheme outside London and support thousands of ambitious entrepreneurs.”

The Ready Steady Grow series kicks off in Manchester on the 25th of September, with events planned in Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Sheffield and other cities across the UK, bringing together industry experts, entrepreneurs and investors.