Newsletter
October 2004

WELCOME TO THE FIRST SUFFOLK INVESTORS FORUM NEWSLETTER

The Forum, which was set up to encourage investment in the region's enterprise, has
achieved excellent results during its first year, raising more than £1,500,00 of funding
for businesses in the region. We hope to build on these by making private equity and
relate funding possible for many more small and growing businesses.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank members, investors and businesses
seeking funding for the positive way they have all worked together and we look forward
to bring you further success in the future.

SIF boosts business in Suffolk

Suffolk Investors Forum has held five events throughout the region to date, covering Ipswich
Lowestoft, Bury ST Edmunds and Newmarket and attracting a total of more than 350
delegates.

Clients assisted with funding

Total results

But the benefits don't stop there. As well as offering an excellent opportunity to attract funding,
the presentations given at SIF events provide the perfect showcase to demonstrate products
and gain valuable feedback on business propositions.

Our quickest success story to date has been an offer of £300,000 funding the day after a
presentation, with another business received two substantial enquiries about purchasing
their product!

Suffolk Investors Forum - making investment work for you

Here are some of the companies we have been able to help with funding over the past
10 months:

Wholesale and Retail: In just six months, Suffolk Investors Forum has helped a husband
and wife team with considerable experience in the Cash and Carry and Alcohol sector, put
funds in place and agree the contracts details to purchase a six outlet business.

Building and Construction: Toppurin, manufacturers of prefabricated buildings, is a
rapidly growing business. Following a presentation at a SIF event, the firm raised part
funding and generated excellent sales opportunities from attendees. Further expansion
is now being sought.

Communication and Radio: A new digital radio station which is about to be launched
covering Suffolk and Norfolk, has also benefited from the expertise within SIF. Zeta
Digital has worked closely with its bank and Business Link for Suffolk to bring the idea
to fruition and through Suffolk Investors Forum, sufficient funds have been raised to
purchase two studios and to finance the marketing and development plan.

Next Suffolk Investors Forum event

If you would like to find out more about what Suffolk Investors Forum has to offer why not come
along to the next SIF event which is being held at Belstead Brook Hotel in Ipswich on November
16th 2004 from 5.00pm.

Guest speakers include:

• James Duffield of Barclays Bank - "Clearing Banks DO have appetite for assisting growing
  businesses - what can and cannot be done and why?"
• Mark Henry of Birketts Solicitors - "The legals for investments - what they are, why you need
  them and practical examples."
• Presentation from three local businesses seeking investment.

For further details on any of the information in this newsletter contact Peter Martin on 01473 213747
or visit www.suffolkinvestor.co.uk.