REGIONAL firms and investors are continuing to benefit from a successful "business angel" introduction service.

TEChINVEST, which is part of the North West Development Agency, puts investors in touch with a wide range of small and growing North-west companies.

Investors Club meetings, which are held bi-monthly, give companies the opportunity to present their business cases to potential investors or "angels."

At the last meeting seven hopefuls included a well-established business consultancy group seeking £500,000 to finance larger premises, product development and sales and marketing costs.

A NWDA spokesman said: "These companies represent just a small taste of TEChINVEST's current opportunities for investment in small and growing companies across the North-west, all with the potential for growth and future profit."

Investment in unquoted businesses is eligibile for tax relief under the Enterprise Investment Scheme.

The next Investors Club meeting will be at the Hanover International Hotel, Warrington, on Tuesday, September 18.

Potential investors wishing to register as a day member should call 01925 400301/2/3.

TEChINVEST is a non-profit making introduction, counselling and training service set up by the Department of Trade and Industry in 1993.

Since its creation it has helped companies across the North-west raise £12 million and unlock a further £19.5 million in additional funding.

Anyone interested in investing capital and/or time and expertise in small and growing North-west companies or obtaining seed or expansion capital should contact the TEChINVEST team at North West Development Agency, Muirfield House, Kelvin Close, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 7BP.

The e-mail address is: TEChINVEST@nwda.co.uk