Every business from its commencement and through its development and growth will need finance.
But what type of finance is best suited to the development of your business, and who should you approach for funding?
Types of finance
General
Finance is available in many forms, but it is important to make sure that it is right for your business. Onerous terms and inflexibility can often hinder a growing business. The more obvious sources of finance include bank overdrafts and medium to long term loans and mortgages, but rates of interest can vary considerably. Therefore we advise you to consult with us before making your final decision.
Specific
Specific methods of finance are available for acquiring assets or releasing cash from debtors. Carefully consider the options available which include:
- leasing assets
- hire purchase
- outright purchase
- debt factoring
- invoice discounting.
Each method of funding has advantages and disadvantages including implications for tax purposes.
Other means of finance may be available for your business from government sources, through the issue of shares or even your own pension scheme.
Government assistance can be in the form of grants, loan guarantees or an enterprise capital funds. Other grants may be available on a regional or local level.
Raising finance by issuing shares may be another option to consider.
Security
Whatever form of finance is offered, the lender will always require some form of security. However the level of security sought may vary beware of the lender asking for unreasonable guarantees.
Fixed and floating charges
Most bank loans and overdrafts are secured by way of a fixed charge over land and buildings with floating charges over other assets of the company such as stock and debtors.
Personal guarantees
For some businesses little security may be available because of insufficient assets. Consequently the security will be given in the form of personal guarantees.
Take extreme care before signing these guarantees as they can be difficult to amend at a later stage and many have suffered as a consequence. In particular, personal guarantees are best if they are limited by time or amount. Unlimited guarantees are the most dangerous.
It may be possible to use other assets as collateral such as life insurance policies or by taking a second mortgage over your home.
Whatever the means of security pledged, it should be carefully considered and advice sought.
How we can help?
The means by which finance is obtained will vary enormously according to:
- the amounts required
- the nature of the business
- the risk exposure to the lender
- the period for which finance is required.
Accordingly whilst some generalisations apply, individual circumstances require specific consideration. Time invested in formulating a funding strategy, whilst not guaranteeing success, will provide a structure to guide the growing business.
Our experience and contacts can enable you to achieve the means to help your business grow. We would welcome the opportunity to assist you in formulating a business plan and obtaining any necessary finance.
