An investment network formed to support fledgling businesses has enjoyed tremendous growth over the past 12 months.

The Minerva Business Angel Network, based at the University of Warwick Science Park's Venture Centre, was set up 15 years ago to assist SMEs with high growth potential to access funding.

Tim Powell, head of the network, used his extensive local business network and, linking with the WBS Entrepreneurship Network, hosted angel investor development seminars every few months and gradually attracted enough interest to form a syndicate of investors.

These investors now meet every month at the Science Park to view potential investment opportunities.

The seminars and the concept of the investment syndicate has proved such a hit that over 30 Business Angels have now joined the group with more expected in the future.

See their news coverage in the Coventry Telegraph