HMRC GETTING TOUGHER

This is something we highlighted in our last newsletter in February and the ‘sting in the tail’ seems to have arrived with HMRC starting to take a tougher stance on arrears.

However, we would stress, that HMRC are still very receptive to the proposals that we put to them. They certainly see our involvement as a very positive step and please bear us in mind for any situations where we can leverage our relationships.

STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH MARKET LEADING INDEPENDENT BROKERAGE HILTON BAIRD

We are very pleased to announce that we have established a new strategic alliance with Hilton Baird (www.hiltonbaird.co.uk), which will provide our clients with a wider range of financial solutions. Hilton-Baird is the largest independent broker in the UK and has a unique approach to arranging financial options for a range of businesses, from start-ups to corporate entities.

There are very good synergies between us and this creates opportunities for significant reciprocity. For us this will be particularly relevant when a business simply cannot access new/alternative finance and equity investment is the most appropriate solution for the situation.

This is tangible evidence of two market leading businesses aligning their respective capabilities for the benefit of SME clients. Please contact us if you recognise benefits to your clients via similar strategic partnerships/alliances.

£750,000 EQUITY INVESTMENT COMPLETION

This is another great example of the current vibrancy of our market.

Our client was referred to us following an Independent Business Review (IBR) by Moorfields Corporate Recovery that was undertaken upon the instructions of the company’s bankers. The business had been struggling as their market place had been badly affected by a number of recessionary factors and critically the bank had no further appetite to increase their exposure.

However, there were a number of very positive factors that enabled us to generate significant investor interest, with 5 meetings being held within the first two weeks following engagement.
Within 3 weeks our client was in advanced discussion with one of our investors and we are delighted to report that completion took place a short time thereafter.
This was an excellent result all round with all the stakeholders benefitting significantly and formal re-structuring procedures were avoided.

Nicholas Young, Managing Director

GREAT START TO 2010 - Second Newsletter of 2010.

In the first quarter of this year we were delighted to have successfully helped over 30 clients in the West Midlands region as part of the ‘Business Recovery Service’ initiative. Some of you may recall this was a very positive scheme to provide “at risk” businesses with consultancy/advisory services. This support package was offered at NO COST to the recipient SME as it was fully paid for from funds provided by the European Regional Development Fund and Advantage West Midlands.

This has also helped us to leverage the skills of our team and we are looking to develop our consultancy offering further in this area, particularly if similar schemes are rolled out across the country – although RDA budgets have already taken a pounding this week!

Luke Johnson and Beer & Partners

A number of financial news stories have noted the acquisition of a 27% share in Beer & Partners by Luke Johnson, the serial entrepreneur who was famed for bringing Pizza Express to the market. They are for example:

• http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk/news/fundraising-deals/1250548/luke-johnson-backs-beer-and-partners.thtml
• http://www.fundingforgrowth.co.uk/press-release-luke-johnson-supports-small-business-britain-through-beer-partners
• http://www.bmmagazine.co.uk/Luke-Johnson-supports-Small-Business-Britain-through-Beer-and-Partners.770
• http://realbusiness.co.uk/startups/luke_johnson_angels_are_the_only_realistic_option