I am happy to offer a 50% discount for any of your members should they want to attend any of our remaining BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! MEETS autumn season. They just need to add GPN in the discount code when they check you.
Since 2010. Get connected, proactive and productive with GPN, the LGBT network to further your business or career and makes meaningful business and social contacts, join now on https://www.gpn.one, membership starts at £60 a year!
Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Monday, 6 October 2025
🔔 October 2025 GPN/GBA Event Update
🔔 October 2025 GPN/GBA Event Update
*Change of Plans – Speaker Announcement*
We regret to inform you that our scheduled speaker, Tony J. Selimi, will not be joining us on Tuesday, 28th October 2025 due to a recent operation. Tony is recovering well, and we send him our heartfelt wishes for a swift and smooth recovery 💐.
Although we explored alternative speakers, the short notice means this month’s event will proceed without a formal presentation. Instead, we’ll embrace the opportunity for extended networking, meaningful conversations, and a chance to strengthen our community connections.
We look forward to welcoming you and making the most of this special gathering.
🎟️ Book your spot: https://link.outsavvy.com/tony
The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)
The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is a UK government-backed initiative launched by the British Business Bank in July 2024 to provide smaller businesses with improved access to finance for investment and growth. It functions as the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) and allows businesses to apply for term loans, overdrafts, and other finance types through accredited lenders. A key feature is the 70% government-backed guarantee to the lender, encouraging them to offer better terms to borrowers by reducing their risk. Businesses can access funding through GGS-accredited lenders until March 31, 2026, with loan amounts typically up to £2 million, though the final decision rests with the lender after standard credit checks.
- Apply to a Lender:Small businesses should approach a GGS-accredited lender, such as HSBC, Lloyds Bank, or Barclays.
- Assessment:The lender assesses the business's application, conducting standard credit and fraud checks.
- Lender Decision:If the lender can offer a commercial facility on better terms without the GGS guarantee, they will do so. If not, and the business is eligible, the lender may use the GGS to provide the finance.
- Benefit to Business:The GGS helps improve the terms of the loan, including potentially more favourable interest rates and repayment periods.
- Successor to RLS:The GGS replaces the Recovery Loan Scheme as the government's flagship support scheme for SMEs.
- Government Guarantee:The British Business Bank guarantees up to 70% of the loan value to the lender, which encourages them to take on more lending.
- Loan Purpose:The finance can be used for any legitimate business purpose, including managing cash flow, working capital, and other investments.
- Loan Amounts:Funding is available for facilities up to £2 million for most businesses in the UK.
- Duration:Applications for the scheme are open until March 31, 2026.
- Small businesses in the UK seeking finance to invest and grow.
- Businesses of various sizes may be eligible, with eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis by the lender.
