Financial services group WH Ireland has launched a fund to help businesses seeking cash injections under the government's Enterprise Investment Scheme.

WH Ireland said it is aiming to raise £10m initially.

Its UK EIS Growth Fund is being operated in partnership with EIS specialist Harcourt Capital.

The scheme aims to encourage individuals to invest in smaller UK firms by offering tax incentives.

WH Ireland said its approach aims to support smaller quoted companies, targeting those valued at £5m-£20m upon investment, mainly those listed on the Alternative Investment Market. The fund will be managed by Paul Sheehan.

The closing date for the Fund is April 5 and the minimum investment is £10,000.

WH Ireland, which recently moved its registered office from Manchester to London but retains a significant presence in the city, said the quoted small company sector was the one of the best-performing in the UK in the final quarter of 2011.

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