Figures words and plans… This is not for the faint hearted! Applying for Bank and other Finance is a question of understanding what is required and how it all works

Understanding the attitude of the Lenders or the Grant Funders is half the battle. In some parts there are Grants available usually for machinery and equipment but the system is complex. Your location, and the use of the equipment is all important. There are some general principles that apply across the board when European Funds are involved. The application forms contain some questions that need careful answers to avoid giving an impression that will invalidate your application. The cliché ‘to paint yourself into a corner’ can be readily applied to grant applications. Bob Shepherd Associates know the staff at local authorities and have experience to avoid the pitfalls. We have many successful grant applications on behalf of our clients.

Banking

What is the difference between the Banks and why should you go to a particular one? There may be considerations if you are looking to raise finance. Bob Shepherd Associates have the ear of local Development Managers and Business Account managers for the major Banks to help you along.

Moreover when your proposition goes before the Bank Manager it would be good if your presentation is immediately appealing because it answers the right questions in the sort of order the/she is likely to look for.

It could be you are wrongly Banked , or simply your are Banked at the wrong level and cannot get the attention you deserve. The Banking Industry tries hard to resolve these issues because it is in its interest to do so but costs dictate that most Businesses are herded together for facilities and service provision.

Financing

Perhaps a basket of funding can be arranged. The variations are endless and need to fit your own circumstances. Second stream funders are out there to support successful enterprises such as Finance Wales and others for project finance. Cash Flow is a vital component for the Business. There are a number of solutions for you but longer term arrangements may free up the short term to enable you to launch successfully knowing you have the best resources available.

Overdrafts, Factoring, Invoice Discounting, Commercial Mortgages, Development Loans, Wage Cycle facilities, Leasing, Pension Loans  – any or all of these things may be appropriate. Let Bob Shepherd Associates give you the benefit of our inside knowledge based on years of working in this Industry.

Investment

If your own resources and the clout you have with the Banks is not enough then maybe you need Investment from outside. What are ‘Business Angels’ and how do you find one? Let us help you.

If you are thinking of joining forces with a partner or giving shares to an incoming Director let us consider the options with you. Avoid the pit falls! An incoming investor will undoubtedly bring their own ideas and want to have a share in your company. Is this right for you? 

Whatever your purpose or wherever you are based let Bob Shepherd Associates look at your requirements and place it for you to best advantage.

Further Information & Help

Please contact us for further information or an initial meeting.

Past cases

An overseas property company needed an investment to get going. Bob Shepherd Associates assessed all the plans and figures and introduced the Senior Commercial manager of a major Bank who went along with our recommendations. We had two others lined up to follow on, just in case.

A Fabrication and Welding manufacturer had a continual cash crisis because he was overtrading and because he had no systems in place to manage his credit or stock control.  Put simply, the company was run by natural cunning. Bob Shepherd Associates introduced systems, changed his Accountant to one who would take an interest and got him another Bank. On offer were 6 alternatives to release money in to the business to ease the overtrading.