Our more successful clients are forever curious and challenging. They constantly ask questions about business to their peer group. They are always curious about what works and what doesn’t and what practices have given other business leaders the edge. This is especially the case when it comes to leadership style, the topic of our next BeXeX event.
Every proactive business owner is curious about how some leadership styles can create success whilst others fail to generate results. For example, many have seen the ‘command-and-control’ style of management lose its impact whilst more collaborative and listening approaches have gained ground, especially with the younger Millennial workforce.
At our next BeXeX event on November 25th we will take a much more in depth look at the various leadership styles and how they can be used to determine business culture and success.
During the event, the Home Counties Business Advisors will present an overview of this subject whilst encouraging attending business owners to share stories based on real business experience. We will then facilitate discussion amongst the group to ensure learning and knowledge transfer.
So whether you are relatively new to business ownership or have successfully grown your business, come and share your experiences, ask questions and learn from your peers.
Our next session is at the Riverside café, Thames St, Staines TW18 4EA on 25th November 2014 from 1730-1930.
To book your place, click here, which will take you to Surrey Chambers of Commerce with whom we are hosting this event.
We look forward to seeing you in Staines for a challenging and provocative evening.
Wednesday, 12 November 2014
Friday, 7 November 2014
The Rise and Rise of Alternative Funding for SMEs
As peer-to-peer lending, invoice trading and crowdfunding shift into the mainstream, the alternative finance market is set to double in size next year, with the sector set to reach a value of £4.4 billion
The report from charity Nesta and the University of Cambridge said alternative finance to businesses and consumers was set to hit £1.74 billion in 2014, before jumping to £4.4 billion in 2015. The market was only around £666 million last year.
A raft of finance providers have sprung up in the wake of the financial crisis when banks cut back on lending to SMEs, forcing them to look for alternative sources of finance.
The co-author of the Nesta report, Liam Collins said:
“These findings shed light on a growing movement that is revolutionising banking, investing and giving by using technology to simplify the links between those who want to invest money and those who need it. With bank lending to SMEs down again this quarter, it’s no wonder that alternative finance is fast becoming an important source of funding for individuals, businesses and organisations who struggle to access finance elsewhere.
“The UK is leading the way globally, and with significant potential for the market to expand it won’t be long before we see alternative finance moving into the main stream.
By the end of this year, it is expected that alternative British lenders will have provided more than £1 billion in business finance to over 7,000 SMEs during the year - or 2.4% of all bank lending to such companies. This proportion set to increase further as bank lending continues to fall.
Nesta’s study found peer-to-peer business and consumer lending continued to dominate the market, P2P will account for 1.3 billion pounds in total in 2014, while invoice trading will pull in 270 million pounds and crowdfunding 84 million pounds - a 201% increase on last year.
Contact Peter Kelly on 01932 244810 to learn about Alternative funding for SMEs.
The report from charity Nesta and the University of Cambridge said alternative finance to businesses and consumers was set to hit £1.74 billion in 2014, before jumping to £4.4 billion in 2015. The market was only around £666 million last year.
A raft of finance providers have sprung up in the wake of the financial crisis when banks cut back on lending to SMEs, forcing them to look for alternative sources of finance.
The co-author of the Nesta report, Liam Collins said:
“These findings shed light on a growing movement that is revolutionising banking, investing and giving by using technology to simplify the links between those who want to invest money and those who need it. With bank lending to SMEs down again this quarter, it’s no wonder that alternative finance is fast becoming an important source of funding for individuals, businesses and organisations who struggle to access finance elsewhere.
“The UK is leading the way globally, and with significant potential for the market to expand it won’t be long before we see alternative finance moving into the main stream.
By the end of this year, it is expected that alternative British lenders will have provided more than £1 billion in business finance to over 7,000 SMEs during the year - or 2.4% of all bank lending to such companies. This proportion set to increase further as bank lending continues to fall.
Nesta’s study found peer-to-peer business and consumer lending continued to dominate the market, P2P will account for 1.3 billion pounds in total in 2014, while invoice trading will pull in 270 million pounds and crowdfunding 84 million pounds - a 201% increase on last year.
Contact Peter Kelly on 01932 244810 to learn about Alternative funding for SMEs.
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
The Growth of Equity Crowdfunding Around the World
The Crowdfunding Centre takes data from 120,000 crowdfunds across the World
The US leads the way in the number of crowdfunds, However, earlier this month, London originated 248 crowdfunds. The city in second place was Los Angeles with 158.
London has a 33% success rate compared to 30% across the rest of the UK and around 25% globally. It leads the way in big growth industries like gaming and films, which has fuelled a lot of growth in the US, is increasingly finding a home in the UK.
Evidence is also growing of the positive lasting effects of a crowdfunding round. These figures are from a recent report by Crowdfund Capital Partners:
- Reward crowdfunders reported an average sales revenue rise of 25%
- Equity crowdfunders reported an average sales revenue rise of 350%
- An average of 2-3 new employees are taken on after crowdfunding
- Just over half of firms that contributed to the report said crowdfunding was their first choice method for raising funds
- Crowdfunding embraces diversity. Pitches lead by women and minority groups is 40%, compared to 8% in the ‘old economy’.
To learn more about Crowdfunding please contact Peter Kelly on 01932 244810.
Friday, 20 June 2014
Funding for Growth
Now that the economy is firmly on the mend, management teams have a new challenge to think about and that is how do they obtain the funding that they need for the growth that they are now experiencing. It is vital to remember that more companies go to the wall in a recovery than fail in a recession. Over trading is a very real danger.
The best place always to go for funding is your own bank. You have a history with them and they should understand your business better than any other funder. Unfortunately over the last 6 months bank lending to businesses has fallen by a staggering £4 Billion.
So if your business is growing and your bank is not lending, then who do you turn to?
There are many independent sources of finance for growing companies. The independents are much more flexible in their terms and their attitudes and being smaller you are much more important to them.
Invoice Discounting and Factoring is one of the easiest to obtain and most flexible ways of raising finance for growth as this form of finance grows as your sales grow. If you do not want to or need to sign up for a full ledger facility then consider using selective or single invoice discounting. You just finance the invoices that you want to when you want to.
Trade Finance is also available to finance firm orders that you have won but where you do not have the resources to fulfil. The trade finance provider will purchase the goods for you and after you have delivered and invoiced you then pay the loan back.
Debt Crowdfunding is another interesting a quick way of raising funds from £5,000 to £1,000,000 for companies that have 2 years of accounts filed at Companies House. This is where ordinary members of the public ‘Crowd’ together to lend small amounts that aggregate into one loan for a business.
Short Term Loans This type of loan has sprung up since the beginning of the year. These companies lend from £3,000 to £100,000, depending on risk, for periods of 1 to 12 months, for companies that have been trading for at least 12 months. Some will lend to companies with adverse credit histories but then must not have any CCJs. This type of funding is very useful for purchasing stock that is fast moving and where the profit margins are good.
Pegasus Funding Resources is your one stop shop for any type of funding. Give us a call today: 01932 244810
The best place always to go for funding is your own bank. You have a history with them and they should understand your business better than any other funder. Unfortunately over the last 6 months bank lending to businesses has fallen by a staggering £4 Billion.
So if your business is growing and your bank is not lending, then who do you turn to?
There are many independent sources of finance for growing companies. The independents are much more flexible in their terms and their attitudes and being smaller you are much more important to them.
Invoice Discounting and Factoring is one of the easiest to obtain and most flexible ways of raising finance for growth as this form of finance grows as your sales grow. If you do not want to or need to sign up for a full ledger facility then consider using selective or single invoice discounting. You just finance the invoices that you want to when you want to.
Trade Finance is also available to finance firm orders that you have won but where you do not have the resources to fulfil. The trade finance provider will purchase the goods for you and after you have delivered and invoiced you then pay the loan back.
Debt Crowdfunding is another interesting a quick way of raising funds from £5,000 to £1,000,000 for companies that have 2 years of accounts filed at Companies House. This is where ordinary members of the public ‘Crowd’ together to lend small amounts that aggregate into one loan for a business.
Short Term Loans This type of loan has sprung up since the beginning of the year. These companies lend from £3,000 to £100,000, depending on risk, for periods of 1 to 12 months, for companies that have been trading for at least 12 months. Some will lend to companies with adverse credit histories but then must not have any CCJs. This type of funding is very useful for purchasing stock that is fast moving and where the profit margins are good.
Pegasus Funding Resources is your one stop shop for any type of funding. Give us a call today: 01932 244810
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Simple Export Finance for SMEs
An existing funding provider has just introduced a new service to help small companies enter the export marketplace with a minimum amount of paperwork or risk.
This new ‘Export Overdraft’ is not only available to established companies but also to start-ups and recovery situations. The fees are simple with an arrangement fee, normally below £500 and a single interest fee depending on the risk and the length of the loan. This is not suitable for long term debt but for loans from a couple of weeks to up to 60 days. Longer loans of up to 90 days are available but then the charges may make it too expensive.
It works in the same way as single/ selective invoice discounting.
The exporter tells the finance house who they are exporting to, they then arrange a credit limit with a corresponding finance house in the destination country concerned. They at present have arrangements with 65 corresponding finance houses in mainly the EU and the OECD countries.
Once credit approval has been obtained, the goods can be shipped and invoiced. Letters of credit and bills of lading are not required. As part of the service the local finance house can arrange documentation in the customers own language. Once proof of delivery has been obtained then the funds can be drawn down.
For further details please contact:
Peter Kelly: 07778 670 236
peter.kelly@pegasusfunding.co.uk. London, South East, & East Mids.
Richard Olsen: 07976 642432
Richard.olsen@pegasusfunding.co.uk Cambridge, East Anglia, East Midlands.
This new ‘Export Overdraft’ is not only available to established companies but also to start-ups and recovery situations. The fees are simple with an arrangement fee, normally below £500 and a single interest fee depending on the risk and the length of the loan. This is not suitable for long term debt but for loans from a couple of weeks to up to 60 days. Longer loans of up to 90 days are available but then the charges may make it too expensive.
It works in the same way as single/ selective invoice discounting.
The exporter tells the finance house who they are exporting to, they then arrange a credit limit with a corresponding finance house in the destination country concerned. They at present have arrangements with 65 corresponding finance houses in mainly the EU and the OECD countries.
Once credit approval has been obtained, the goods can be shipped and invoiced. Letters of credit and bills of lading are not required. As part of the service the local finance house can arrange documentation in the customers own language. Once proof of delivery has been obtained then the funds can be drawn down.
For further details please contact:
Peter Kelly: 07778 670 236
peter.kelly@pegasusfunding.co.uk. London, South East, & East Mids.
Richard Olsen: 07976 642432
Richard.olsen@pegasusfunding.co.uk Cambridge, East Anglia, East Midlands.
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
HCBA and Surrey Chamber of Commerce Event
BeXeXTM is an event format and methodology that enables peer to peer sharing of valuable information between business leaders and helps them solve their challenges.
Looking for fresh ideas to boost your business?
Got a business problem that needs a new perspective?
Want to share and gain experience with fellow business owners?
Then why not join us in Woking at 5.30pm – 7.30pm on Tuesday 3rd May for our Business Experience Exchange event where we will be providing business owners and directors the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss issues as a group.
HCBA are running the event in partnership with the Surrey Chambers of Commerce.
There is no agenda except the one you help create. There will be other business experts on hand to discuss any business issue you want to raise, however the experts aren’t the only ones who know a thing or two about running a company. Some of the best ideas come from those that manage their own business, who not only have been there but are there and doing it, business people like you!
Benefits of Attending
Gain valuable business insights
Get to know your business peers
Find solutions to local business issues
Improve your motivation and confidence levels
This event will also include a short presentation by social media marketing expert Susanne Currid on maximising the impact of your social media communications. Her presentation will include case studies from local Surrey companies and will offer advice on using social media to help improve your business search engine results on Google.
Book a place now at Surrey Chambers of Commerce Events. Go to: http://hcba.co.uk/bexex/
Event Date: Tue 3rd June 2014
Time: 17:30 – 19:30
Location: GU21 6QX
Venue: Arcom IT Headquarters, Export House, Cawsey Way, Woking
Looking for fresh ideas to boost your business?
Got a business problem that needs a new perspective?
Want to share and gain experience with fellow business owners?
Then why not join us in Woking at 5.30pm – 7.30pm on Tuesday 3rd May for our Business Experience Exchange event where we will be providing business owners and directors the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss issues as a group.
HCBA are running the event in partnership with the Surrey Chambers of Commerce.
There is no agenda except the one you help create. There will be other business experts on hand to discuss any business issue you want to raise, however the experts aren’t the only ones who know a thing or two about running a company. Some of the best ideas come from those that manage their own business, who not only have been there but are there and doing it, business people like you!
Benefits of Attending
Gain valuable business insights
Get to know your business peers
Find solutions to local business issues
Improve your motivation and confidence levels
This event will also include a short presentation by social media marketing expert Susanne Currid on maximising the impact of your social media communications. Her presentation will include case studies from local Surrey companies and will offer advice on using social media to help improve your business search engine results on Google.
Book a place now at Surrey Chambers of Commerce Events. Go to: http://hcba.co.uk/bexex/
Event Date: Tue 3rd June 2014
Time: 17:30 – 19:30
Location: GU21 6QX
Venue: Arcom IT Headquarters, Export House, Cawsey Way, Woking
Thursday, 8 May 2014
New type of short term borrowing now available
Since the start of this year a new type of funder has appeared. They specialise in lending sums up to £100K for short periods of time. One I am dealing with at the moment will lend for as short a time as a few days, a few weeks or a few months, up to a maximum of 12 months.
This type of funding is not cheap but very useful if you need extra funds for just a month or two. One client needs to buy additional fast moving stock that has a good profit margin, he cannot get funding from his Bank so this type of short term funding is ideal.
Some of these funders want Personal Guarantees but others don’t. Typical charges, depending on risk are from 0.1% to 0.3% per day plus arrangement fees.
One funder has a useful revolving facility where a maximum level of funding is agreed and you can take money out and put money back in as the need arises and you are only paying interest on the money used at any one time.
The main criteria for these loans seem to be at least one set of filed accounts, followed by a sales forecast that shows that you can afford the repayments.
This is not cheap money but for short term borrowing it can be useful.
This type of funding is not cheap but very useful if you need extra funds for just a month or two. One client needs to buy additional fast moving stock that has a good profit margin, he cannot get funding from his Bank so this type of short term funding is ideal.
Some of these funders want Personal Guarantees but others don’t. Typical charges, depending on risk are from 0.1% to 0.3% per day plus arrangement fees.
One funder has a useful revolving facility where a maximum level of funding is agreed and you can take money out and put money back in as the need arises and you are only paying interest on the money used at any one time.
The main criteria for these loans seem to be at least one set of filed accounts, followed by a sales forecast that shows that you can afford the repayments.
This is not cheap money but for short term borrowing it can be useful.
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