Finance

Autosmart International Access Franchise Fund

PR executive starts up new Autosmart International franchise with NatWest support

Here's how I found a business angel to invest in my business

By the start of 2003, London-based design consultancy d3o lab had patented d3o, an innovative shock-absorption material, and wanted to start manufacturing and selling the product. But founder Richard Palmer needed finance so he could fully exploit the opportunity. Here's how he did it.

Here's how I started a successful business (Flash video)

King of Shaves is a toiletries company started by entrepreneur Will King in 1993, which now has its products stocked in approximately 33,000 stores worldwide.

Here's how I grew my business during a recession

Founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Jamie Doak, steel fabrication and blacksmith company Agri-Fab in Auchterarder, Perthshire has experienced rapid growth since its inception. With turnover almost doubling to £600,000 in 2008 and with the company on track to hit the £1 million mark in the current financial year, Agri-Fab is bucking current economic trends.

Here's how I established an effective record-keeping system

Michelle De Bruyne used an accountant to set up her limited company, AmHealthy, which markets a herbal nutrition programme. However, she decided to do her own bookkeeping. Good organisation, she says, has helped her track the progress of her business as well as look after her customers.

Here's how I manage my cashflow

When Peter Spivack and his three partners opened their restaurant, Rendezvous, in Wallasey Village, Merseyside in 2004, they knew sound cashflow management would be key to success during that crucial first year. As managing director, Peter assumed responsibility for cashflow management.

Here's how I avoided the pitfalls of overtrading

Rapid Technologies is one of the UK's fastest-growing IT and communications companies. Strong growth in recent years raised a number of financial and strategic challenges. Managing director Mark Stevens explains how careful management helped the company steer clear of overtrading.

Here's how I manage my business finances (Flash video)

How you manage your finances can depend on the stage your business is at. In this video guide, two business owners share how they approached managing money in a growing business and a business in difficulty.

Here's how a good balance sheet helped me to improve my business

Sandeep Sud is a qualified solicitor who also runs a school uniform business based in Hounslow, in partnership with his parents. The company, which has four full-time employees, uses its balance sheet to gauge how the business is progressing. It's also been a key factor in securing a bank loan for the improvement and expansion of the company premises.

Here's how budgeting and business planning helped my business grow

Gideon Kasfiner launched First Luggage, a door-to-door luggage collection and delivery service, in 2004. The business now employs nine people and turns over £2 million a year. Here Gideon explains how financial planning has helped him grow his business in a controlled way.

Adam Read Skegness Tyre & Exhaust Centre assess a business loan

The government says that entrepreneurial spirit will lift the country from recession. Skegness entrepreneur Adam Read agrees - and is building a successful company. He has assisted by the First Enterprise Business Agency (FEBA) which has given him a business loan, as well as advice and support. East Midlands based, FEBA is a leading business support organisation established to assist pre-start and existing business owners throughout the region.

Business Loan Signals 'Game On' for Gainsborough Entrepreneur

A video gaming champion has proved she is no novice after receiving a business loan to develop a computer game training company. Kathy Zablotzky, 54, from Gainsborough, runs the Professional Gamer Training Academy (PGTA), which offers gamers online access to expert advice and lessons from experienced gaming instructors.

Barclays support Ready Rent a Car to expand

Ready Rent a Car specialises in supplying cars, vans, minibuses, lorries and commercial vehicles for personal and business use. With established operations in Grimsby, Lincoln and Scunthorpe, they were looking to expand by purchasing a site at Goulton St in Hull.

Peacock & Binnington, Agriculture machinery suppliers access funding to purchase a new site

One of the UK’s largest agriculture machinery suppliers, Peacock and Binnington were looking to purchase the freehold site they lease in order to secure their future growth by building on their asset base.