Business Plans Direct

18/03/2020

Attention Entrepreneurs! Business plans are safe! In view of coronavirus, we're working with new clients purely over the telephone and email. If you have an idea and need to develop a business plan, then get in touch and we'll put it together for you - we can even help you develop a basic idea into a full business plan. Give us a call, email or direct message

04/10/2019

Now could be a great time to apply for a start-up business loan. A number of lenders are saying that lending applications have fallen recently - this means many are desperately trying to get loan applications and will do their best to get a loan through. This is an opportunity to turn your business vision into reality. If you’ve got an idea for a business, why wait? You have the idea, we’ll handle the business plan to support the loan application

20/08/2018

Take a look at this link for options on funding a start-up business

Here, Vangelis Andrikopoulos, Investment Associate, www.startupfundingclub.com, explains the different funding options for your start-up.

19/04/2018

Here's some tips for leasing a business premises:
1. Try to negotiate the right term on the lease for you. Lenders will generally not lend for longer than the term of the lease, so keep this in mind
2. Start up businesses are often asked to pay a rent security deposit of anywhere between 1 and 6 months. The landlord may hold this rent deposit for many years until you are proven to be a sustainable business
3. Check whether there is VAT applicable on top of the quoted rent, as sometimes there will be
4. Check the business rates that apply to the property with the agent or local council office as this is another monthly cost that you may have to consider
5. Try to negotiate a rent-free period of anywhere from 1 to 6 months. This can often be achieved, especially when you are spending a significant amount of time and money to fit-out a business premises

23/05/2017

Here's a great link for advice on starting a new business

06/01/2017

Here's some tips for planning a new business in 2017:

Finding Premises: Look around and search online for commercial property (eg Rightmove commercial listings, shopproperty.co.uk and local commercial agents). Narrow down your search by working out the approximate size (in square feet or square metres) and location that you require.

List your expected start-up costs: eg. rent deposit, rent advance, shop fitting, equipment, stock, marketing, legal fees etc. Lenders and investors will want to see a breakdown of start-up costs so these need to be included in the business plan.

Think about who your main target customers will be: this makes it easier to then decide how to pitch your products / services and the best ways to advertise

04/10/2016

Here's some great alternative lenders for start-ups:

Startuploans.co.uk - a government-backed scheme that can lend up to £25,000 over 1-5 years at a 6% fixed interest rate. They can help start-ups and businesses that have been running for less than 2 years.

Findingfinance.org.uk - a website for businesses, social enterprises and charities that shows you responsible non-bank lenders based in your region. These lenders can often help when banks can't.

Check out our previous post below about tips for getting funding from banks.

19/09/2016

Here's some tips for raising funds from a bank for your start-up or existing business:
The Bank of England base rate is at an all time low and there are some great rates available for businesses looking for funding. All the big 4 (NatWest, Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds) offer deals but so do others such as Metro Bank and Santander.
In the first instance, it makes sense to speak with a Business Manager at your own bank and if they don't inspire you with confidence then talk to the competitors.
Banks will typically lend up to 50% of start-up costs or 70% of funding requirements for an existing business.
You will of course need to provide them with a viable business plan but you already know where to go for that!
The other key area that matters to banks is the owners or directors credit score. It always helps to be on the electoral register so if you aren't registered, contact your local council to get on the register. The bank will also be looking to see that you don't have a recent history of CCJs, defaults or late payments. If you want to double check your credit score then you can sign up and view your credit report on Experian or Equifax or alternatively on one of the free credit score services.

09/04/2016

Looking to get bank finance for a new or existing business? Contact Business Plans Direct to get a professional business plan written that maximises your chances of success with lenders. Call or email today!

31/03/2016

Looking for finance for your business? Need help writing a business plan? Business Plans Direct can help. Get in contact now to get your business plan ready for the bank