Whatever stage your business is at, you might need to raise finance – to launch your business, to grow quicker, to buy another company or premises or perhaps to update technology. Growing businesses can burn cash quickly.
We have the experience to advise you on your options, point you in the right direction and work with you to ensure you raise the finance you need to drive your business forward.
Today, lenders expect a lot more information before they make decisions; up-to-date management information, a business plan and cash-flow forecasts are routinely requested.
Banks are no longer the sole source of finance and we can help you prepare the applications for a range of funding sources:
- Overdraft or a loan
- Mortgage
- Share issue for your company
- Hire purchase or leasing
- Debt factoring
- Government-backed schemes, including grants and match funded loans
- Venture capital or business angels
Completing a cost comparison and considering tax implications before making a final decision is important. You should carefully consider how to select the right source of finance, from the right lender at the right terms and understand what you need to do to secure the finance.
Most lenders require some form of security; it demonstrates to the lender a commitment from your side and provides them with some insurance. As one banker recently said, ‘If they’re not prepared to take a risk, why should we?’
Grants and funding are available if you know where to look, although the application process is rigorous. We have supported numerous clients to secure this type of funding.
Acquiring a Business
When buying a business you’ll need to consider:
- How to structure the purchase of a business. Should you pay for it outright or by instalments? Are you buying the company or the assets? Is it better to buy it personally or through a limited company? How do you finance the deal? Will you need help to prepare a business plan to raise finance?
- Due diligence on the target company is critical to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying; even if there are skeletons in the cupboard, we can help.
- Checking the valuation of the target company to ensure you are getting good value.
- Advice on the tax implications of a business acquisition.
- EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) and SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) are specialist tax schemes designed to incentivise individuals to invest in qualifying companies. We can provide advice on these tax schemes and how to implement them.
