Development Fianance

What is Development Finance?

While the name might seem intimidating, your first guess was probably right: development finance is the investment into building a business property or development. The reason why this is so popular is because once extensive work has taken place on a property or plot of land, it is worth much more in the future.

Once you decide to undertake a property development project as a business, you may realise that some funding is needed to achieve the results you need. If the project requires what is referred to as work from ‘the ground up’ and you are essentially buying a plot of land, it’s likely that you will seek out development finance from a lender to help with the cost of the building work. However, development finance can cover a number of different types of projects, which can include:

  • Residential properties
  • New-build
  • Commercial properties

What does it cover?

First of all, if you’re looking just to refurbish aspects of your business’ property, then you might not need development finance as such. For smaller refurbishments, you might need what is referred to as a ‘bridging finance.’ If you need a lender to pay for a generous proportion of a large-scale project, then development finance might be needed. For example, the lender might pay for half of the cost of purchasing the lot and then anything from 60 – 70% of the total building costs. The benefit of financing it this way is that the business taking out the finance does not need funding for the entire project; they get to finance for around half of the entire development. It’s worth remembering though that development finance covers part of an extensive project, not just feature work.

How does it work?

As with any business loan, you will need first to agree a set amount you need to borrow. Once you are accepted for this amount, you will begin paying it off in monthly instalments. In some respects, it’s a little bit like a mortgage – but not entirely. Unlike a mortgage, this is a short-term loan. Instead of the estate agent evaluating the value of the property, the lender will assess how much the property is worth and then agrees on a total. This total will also be partially based on the business’s finances, too.

Will I be accepted?

This all depends on the financial state of your business, and all your research beforehand. You will need to show any necessary planning permission, and ideally a property portfolio of previous, successful projects. On top of this, development finance is just like any other loan. You will need proof that the loan can be paid back, and that your company possesses a good credit rating.

Property development can be incredibly lucrative for many businesses, and undertaking a sizable development can come with a hefty loan to cover the costs. However, adding another example of your business’ financial prowess to your property portfolio could make taking out development finance a wise and fulfilling endeavour. As ever, it’s advised that you seek advice in terms of what is required from your company with paperwork and planning; don’t hesitate to contact us today for further guidance.

Commercial Funding

Commercial loans: What are The Pros and Cons?

If you are business and are considering taking out a loan to cover start-up, running or expansion costs, you may have some questions lingering in your mind. You might be wondering what the benefits and drawbacks of business loans are, and how this could directly affect your business.

Pro: Fixed and low-interest rates

One benefit of being a business, which is looking for a business-sized commercial loan, is that banks with reward you with low-interest rates which are set for a fixed period. The financial bonus of this is that you won’t see your business loan repayment total take exponential hikes every month.

Pro: You can predict how much you owe

When you take out a business loan, you will know exactly how much you owe each month. You will reach a pre-agreed payback rate with the lender, although there may be charges for repaying the total early. The reason for this is that lenders can make a loss by customers repaying the rest of the loan early. However, knowing you have regular repayments due makes paying back the total amount much more stress-free, and you can plan other business expenditures around it.

Pro: A secure, professional service

Receiving a business loan from an official professional lender should put your mind at rest when it comes to the security surrounding it. Applying for money from peer-to-peer lenders, for example, can be far less secure. If you are considering forms of lending like this for the low interest rates, it’s worth remembering that you won’t receive government protection from a peer-to-peer lender.

Con: Interest rates vary over time

Interest rates can be low on commercial loans, but this is sometimes determined by how well the economy is performing. The price of your fixed interest rate is essential to counter the cost of any future inflation. Your interest rate deal may very much be a product of the times, and not how well your business is performing.

Con: Collateral

Some lenders may ask for your business to list some assets, which they can then seize, as a consequence of you not repaying your loan. It can be particularly intimidating for new enterprises, which may be looking for a commercial loan to cover their start-up costs. Sometimes personal as well as business assets can be included in this.

Con: Start-ups will need to answer more questions

As anyone who has started up a business will know, part of the beginning process of a company will involve a lot of a lot of proving yourself. Unfortunately this applies to a commercial loan too, but hopefully, you will have anticipated this already. Getting your credit score checked, having a strong business plan, and proving your intentions to the lender will all help make this first step far easier. Yes, you will have some paperwork to do, and collateral may be part of it, but watching your business flourish should make it all worth it. Our business planning service can assist you in creating a great business plan, along with a financial forecast, which is incredibly integral for monitoring expected expenses and incomes.

As with any investment, there are some pros and cons to consider before signing the paperwork. However, when you take out a commercial loan, the chances are you’re doing it to secure the future of your business. With a practical strategy, and safety measures in place, you should soon begin to see your investment pay off.

Business Loans

What’s the Best Way to Secure a Business Loan?

For some, securing a business loan can be a vital way of temporarily paying for some of the daily running costs of the company. For others, it can be an exciting phase in the very beginning of setting up a business. Whether you’re a new business owner or someone who is looking to cover some overheads temporarily, you will still need to undergo the process of applying for a business loan. So, what can you do to make sure you secure one?

Have a set budget that you can stick to

To set a budget, you first need to determine what this loan needs to cover. A few considerations include:

  • The fundamental costs of starting it up in the first place
  • Overheads: how much it costs to run your business day-to-day
  • To get your business more prominent than it currently is

Once you’ve settled on what it is that your business loans need to cover, you’ll need to do the maths and figure out how significant an investment you will need to cover the costs. It’s also recommended that you decide what type of loan it is that you need to finance any of these issues.

What is your cash flow looking like?

Once you’ve worked out how much you need to borrow, you’ll need to be confident that you can begin to pay it off. Taking time to assess what your cash flow is like, and whether it’s enough to pay back the loan in instalments successfully, is a fundamental safety step. Our expert cashflow planning service is the ideal way to plan, monitor, and manage your business’s money effectively. What’s more, before approaching a lender, it’s also advised that you check your cash flow statement is accurate. You want to ensure that the process moves on as swiftly and smoothly as possible and removing any discrepancies can help secure your chances.

Check your credit score

For many businesses, this can be the real nail-biting phase. It can be especially hard if you haven’t been trading for very long, too. Before you begin researching the best business loans, it’s worth checking in with a service that checks your business’s credit score. If the result wasn’t quite as you’d hoped, you should seek out some tips on how to improve it. It’s also worth checking to see if public records of your business finances match your current financial status, as it’s likely that some lenders may review public data on how your company is performing.

What is a Non-Executive Director? An Introduction to Smart Money

In simple terms, a Non-Executive director is a senior business specialist who has a seat on the board of a company. They contribute smart money and to the growth of a business by providing their knowledge in a specific area. For a startup company, they could be an expert in finance or someone who can create sales or business for that startup and so on, this would all depend on what area of business your company is involved in and what stage of progress your business is in.


The Non-Executive roles are often given to people instead of money, they are often given equity for this role. If you are interested in hiring a Non-Executive director then the smartest way would be to offer them B class shares, this way, the shares mature as the non-exec has proven their worth, as the company will hopefully grow due to the Non-Executive being in their position.

They are also very handy when it comes to getting investment, due to the fact that they can make a team look a lot more experienced, and for very little in return. It’s also a great way to network as the more experienced they are then the more people in the field they know.

 

It’s very important to remember that although this is your business, there will always be people out there who know more than you, especially when you’re just starting off, you need all the help you can get! Every day will be a learning curve. Therefore, it’s essential that you surround yourself with people who can help you.

 

If you want more information on how to find and attract potential non-executives to work with you then you can read the following article here: (LINK TO ARTICLE).

 

At Acceler8me we can set you up with; meetings, networking events, and workshops that include more in-depth discussions regarding all the important stuff such as hiring staff, bringing on investors or Non-Executives etc, this could be extremely useful for you if you are just starting off and this is all brand new information for you, don’t panic we are here to help!

 

Get in touch today!

 

Brad Channer,

Director, Acceler8me.

Regional Grants

Business Startup Grants – What Grants Are Available In The UK?

Too often people believe they are held back from setting up a business because they ‘just don’t have the money’. Years ago, having the money behind you to get started was crucial. Luckily, there are now tons of business startup grants out there to help those who just have great ideas and the drive to succeed in business. Granted, there is a lot more competition out there, as things have evolved, but there is also a lot more support in particular fields that will help you grow. Previously, The UK and Welsh Government provided grants for most businesses, however, this isn’t the case anymore.

These are just a few examples of certain grants in the UK; Innovate UK-, EU Jobs Growth (Backed up to 2020), Local council and borough grants, Princess and Princes Trust, Welsh and UK Lottery Funding, Arts Council funding, British Council Funding. There are also some Industry specific grants that cover; Film industry, Coal industry, TV technology, Social enterprise grants.

 

I know what you’re thinking; ‘Where do I start?!’. It may seem slightly overwhelming at first, but we are here to help. If you get in touch today we can assess your business plan and arrange a consultation to discuss your current situation, we can then help find you the perfect grant that will benefit your area of interest. We will even guide you through writing the grant application!

 

It’s important to understand that there is help out there, and remember; success in businesses doesn’t just benefit you, it also benefits the economy in the country. Therefore, government grants WANT you to succeed. If you dig even further there are even classes, training sessions and even boot camps that focus on young aspiring entrepreneurs to encourage them to set up their own business. It is much more encouraged and supported in the 21st century.

 

That being said, some people will still find more excuses such as; “I’m just afraid of failure” When really this is more of a confidence issue that everyone faces, however, in the business world someone who believes that much in their business WILL succeed, and sometimes will appreciate rejection, so they can take the feedback on board and come back fighting.

 

All it takes is one simple step and approach our consultation services and you are on your way to making your dreams come true.

 

So…now what’s holding you back?

 

Brad Channer,

Director, Acceler8me.

What Does ‘Smart Money’ Mean?

There are a lot of terms out there that sound better than they are and confuse a lot of new entrepreneurs. One of those terms is ‘Smart Money’ which sounds more complicated than it is, it basically refers to those investors who are experts in the financial markets and know exactly what they are doing. Simple.

Smart Money related to an investor means that they can offer you more to your business than just money. They often are experienced business people in the field your company is in, who can bring contacts, sales and even potential exits. They often, but not always, put in smaller amounts of money for more equity. They often have an advantage for investing in your business. It could be a professional or another investment that will benefit with the investment.

 

You might be thinking why that term? Well, the term originates from gamblers who have a history of success due to continued practice and intense knowledge of the field.

 

When it comes to investing – these are the big dogs who really know their stuff. They could probably answer any question you may have or direct you to the right path of investment that you are looking into. Therefore, they are pretty good to have around, especially if you have no idea where to start/what do to. We can even point you in the right direction of workshops, classes that can enrich your knowledge in certain areas.

 

At Acceler8me we can break it down with you on what areas you need help with, we can also discuss whether getting in touch with someone who has “Smart Money” will benefit you, and how you can do that. We also host networking events that can help you get in touch with potential investors. Just ensure that you are Investment ready at this point, you can read more about how to be investment ready here: (LINK).

 

Get in touch today!

 

Brad Channer,

Director, Acceler8me.

What Actually Is a Sales Strategy?

A good sales strategy is usually one of the many reasons why successful businesses thrive. Let’s say you have a product that you want to sell, you might think that the best thing to get your brand out there is to get out onto the streets to try and sell your product, this is great if you’re looking for some customer feedback so that you can work on improvements, not so good if you want to sell. You’ll find out soon enough that you won’t make as many sales, this is because nobody knows who you are and the trust has not been built.

Believe me, back in the olden days it was possible to strap on a bag full of anything, knock on doors and get some sales. In the 21st century, we live in a more digital world. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just means there are certain things that you need to consider before you try to make yourself known.

There are a million and one things to consider before you head out trying to sell something. You’d need:

  • To do your research – is there a gap in the market, who are your competitors, will somebody buy this product?
  • To show imagination – you might think that getting out there will show people you’re ballsy and you will therefore gain the respect you deserve, when really this idea generally just lacks imagination, it has been tried and done before.
  • To build your brand awareness – this way if you were to knock on the door then people would be excited about this as they will know who you are! You’ve gained the respect, trust and attention that you wanted and then you’re ready to sell as there is an interest to buy that has been built.
  • A strong marketing strategy – who are your target market? How are you going to attract their attention?
  • Product testing – is your product 100% ready and tested to sell?
  • A financial plan – how much are you selling for? Who are your investors? How are you organising any loaned money?

 

You should have a whole section of sales strategy in your business plan. It doesn’t need to be full of jargon that you don’t really understand, it just needs to cover all aspects with clear and concise points on how your going to grow your business. Strategies are your friends in the beginning.
Plan, plan and plan some more, until you are 100% certain that if you did walk out to sell on the streets you WILL get sales. If you don’t have this confidence yet then you need to work on the points that I’ve raised above.

 

Hit me up with a phone call so we can get started no your strategies and build up that brand awareness that will help you with your sales strategy.

 

Brad Channer,

Director, Acceler8me.

Top 10 tips to Finding Non Executive Directors & Smart Money

Now that we’re clear on what a non-executive director and smart money are how about we delve into how to find and attract them to work with you? Here are some top tips I’ve put together to help:


1. Don’t be scared to ask!
It might sound daunting but you have to remember that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. What’s the worst that can happen? Rejection is expected, but you just have to dust yourself off and move onto the next one.

2. LinkedIn
Contacting those via InMail actually work really well, it’s also a great platform to compare experiences and areas where you might need more attention. Just remember that you may only get one response for every twenty messages sent.

3. Research  
Find people who will benefit from being a non-executive, that way they get just as much out of the deal as you do. They could be with other businesses etc but are philanthropic and more than willing to contribute. Don’t be worried if you have to teach them what to do, everyone has to learn some way or another.

4. Don’t be put off by those who have never been approached  
A lot of people are too scared to ask, and a lot of senior people don’t know what a non-exec actually does. Be prepared to teach them.

5. Be concise  
Know and communicate exactly what you want from them and ask if they can help you. They are busy people usually and respect direct and to the point communication.

6. Don’t appear desperate  
Don’t just take them on because of who they are. Make sure you can work with them and believe in the business. Remember their job is to serve the company and not you!

7. Ask someone in the industry
This doesn’t necessarily mean ask your competitor for advice, but asking someone who is in the same industry and maybe does what you do just slightly different, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. People like to hedge their bets and at least you know they know their stuff. Just make sure you are protected by a strong non-disclosure.

8. Read industry papers  
Subscribe to industry newsletters and papers, this way you can find the names mentioned continuously and read the stories about them. Ask what this person can bring to your business and if they are of value if so find out how you can get in contact with them (probably LinkedIn).

9. Networking  
Join networking clubs that attract that level of people and businesses. This can easily become a distraction, so make sure they are quality events where you are getting a good return on your investment and time.

10. Don’t ask family
Remember a non-executive director is on the board and their job is to help you, but also hold you accountable. Make sure you don’t pick a friend or family member. If you do, be ready to lose them if something goes wrong.

If you take anything away from reading this article let it be this – have the confidence to believe that having a non-executive work with you will benefit them just as much as it will benefit you.

Believe that your business is going to soar and others will follow.

Get in touch for more information on how to approach non-executive directors.

Brad Channer,
Director, Acceler8me.

Five Secrets to a Good Sales Strategy

Sales strategy is really about finding a solution for others, it’s about solving someone’s problem. Think about it, if you’ve gained their attention in the first place then you have something that they lack or need.


There is this huge stigma behind salespeople nagging or bugging bypassers or knocking door to door trying to get a sale, those days are behind us. There are so many other avenues to explore when it comes to selling, but really it is about retraining the mindset of the seller to convince the customer, to believe that this product will truly solve their problems.

If you keep that mindset when trying to sell a product, you will improve your sales tactic by 50%, as you’ll feel like you’re doing them a favour rather than them doing you a favour by buying the product!

“The most unprofitable item ever manufactured is an excuse.”John Mason

How are you going to sell? This isn’t an article telling you to get off your backside, swallow your pride and get out there, although I always agree that you should do that anyway, it’s about unlocking new truths and viewing selling in a different light. Here are some tips I’ve put together to improve your selling technique:



1. Have patience and constantly learn
This isn’t something that can be picked up easily, it comes with lots of practice and observation in order for you to find your own style and boundaries. Everyone is different, it’s the same when it comes to selling.

2. Adapt quickly
If you appear desperate then you will lose a lot of potential customers, start a conversation with them first that way you can read their body language and style of communication to see how you can win them over. Learn that some people just aren’t interested, know your boundaries and let go when needed.

3. KNOW the product
This is a lot easier when its a product that you’ve created, but with your sales team it’s so important for them to know the product inside out. Be careful though, you don’t want to seem like you’re just regurgitating information about the product like you’re reading it from a teleprompter, this is boring and just won’t work. This falls back onto my last tip about adapting, getting to know the customer first will help you know how you can adapt the product so that it appeals more to them. What would this person benefit the most from this product?

A good way to make sure you’re prepared in this area is to learn every possible question that can be asked about this product imaginable. Even the stupid ones, because there will be a few of those.

4. KNOW your target market

Always know what problem you are solving and how much pleasure, pain or enjoyment will this give them. How much is this worth to them and how much money will it save them. If you know how much you are helping someone out by, you know who you should be targeting and how to target them. That is your job done!

5. Grow thick skin
Yes, it is scary putting yourself out there, especially if it is your own project and therefore, your baby, but everyone has to start somewhere. I will save you some heartache here, you WILL get rejected, it’s all about the process. Don’t take it to heart and learn to take constructive criticism it will actually benefit you in the future.

Of course, this may not relate to your area specifically, we are living in a digital world so there is much more to it than what’s mentioned in this article.

Book a consultation today so we can talk more about what sales techniques, methods and areas we can try with your business now.

Happy selling!

Brad Channer,
Director, Acceler8me.

9 Top Tips on How To Become ‘Investment Ready’

As Acceler8me offers consulting services for commercial funding, we’ve decided to put together a handy guide on how to become ‘investment ready’. Investors will hear about many potential investments during their time, so why should they give you the time of day? You need to make them see that YOU and your business ideas are investable! So…how do you get there? Just check out these 9 tips that will help you become investment ready;

1) Make Your Business Commercial

If your business doesn’t look professional then no-one will take you seriously. Try and view your business from the investors and clients eyes – Would you use your service? Have an appealing website, up-to-date social media following and ensure that you have researched any potential competitors, what makes you different from them?

 

2) Have a strong to-the-point business plan

Don’t fill your business plan with unnecessary jargon. Keep it simple, easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points and headlines with descriptive paragraphs, not only will this help the investor follow your plans in a step-by-step format but, but it will display your efficiency, professionalism and determination.

 

3) Have numbers that are realistic and achievable

At this stage in the process, you may not have a clear idea of how well your business will do but investors will see right through any unrealistic targets that you set, it is best to stay honest, take it step by step and take it from there. Work out what you would have to achieve with the funding that you would get if granted in order for the investors to see a profit.

 

4)  Have a plan on how to scale the business

Be prepared for your business to perform well, How will you cope and perform under an increased or expanding workload? How will you maintain a good level of performance?

 

5) Know your target market

Who will benefit the most from your product or service? Plan how you’re going to sell to them. Visualize it as if you are the client – What would make you want to use a service or buy the product? Some great ways to perfect this is by conducting consumer research, you can do this by; producing and sending out online surveys, engage in focus groups, or do some public product testing. These will give you some target audience reviews and market feedback.

 

6) Have sales on the board

Action speaks louder than words, nothing will prove more that your product will sell than already having customers or clients. This shows that your business has interest, which can only grow to a wider audience. If there is a gap in the market that you are addressing then this is a great way to prove that the world needs your business.

 

Additionally, any feedback that you gain from your research is an opportunity to make any amendments to ensure more sales, before approaching investors.

 

7) Have a proof of concept

How will your service work? You will need to realise which certain methods work in order to demonstrate its feasibility. Investors want to see that your idea has worked in the market, or will work. Is what you are building actually possible. The further down the line you are the more relaxed investors will be.

 

8) Have a good advisory board

Ensure you have a group of individuals who have helped advise you on certain business issues you aren’t sure of such as; business issues including marketing, sales, finances etc. It’s great to have a good support network that you trust. Always surround yourself by people who know more than you. It is even better if these people can also bring in sales….

 

9) Have the right attitude

If your mental attitude is anything but positive when it comes to achieving your goals, and becoming an entrepreneur, then you will fail. You need to always believe in yourself and your business, even when times are hard and you are not seeing results straight away. Investors invest in the individual and not just the business. Stay determined, be passionate and strive for success at all times.

 

All these points are just a brief guideline into much detailed advice that we, at Acceler8e me, can help you with.

 

Get in touch with a member of the team today!

 

Brad Channer,

Director.