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Since our launch in April 2004 we have received over 600 enquiries and from these we have been able to provide business advice and financial information to a great number of clients. This has meant not only providing loans but also informing, signposting and assisting clients with other forms of funding for their business. Sometimes Capitalise may not be appropriate for the client and if this is the case, we will endeavour to provide the client with other options. We have had enquiries from a number of different sectors such as agriculture, retail, engineering, services such as plumbing, gardening and rubbish clearance. The following case studies are examples of some of the clients we have assisted. Case Study 1: Who They Are: Hayley Cook who
lives with her partner In Cross In Hand. What Is Their Business: Tayo Photography will specialise in weddings and civil partnership ceremonies but will also promote herself as a commercial photographer. With the recent changes in law Hayley believes there will be a real demand for civil partnerships and hence photographers specialising in this market. Why They Came To Capitalise: Hayley approached Capitalise as she required additional equipment such as cameras and lens and a new computer to support the launch of her business. She had approached her bankers but they were unable to assist. How Capitalise Has Helped: Hayley met with Mike Trotter, Loan Fund Manager and together they refined and developed the business plan. A portfolio of her work was also put together. A successful application followed and the funding provided to enable Hayley to purchase a new computer together with the related software package, purchase a second digital camera and provide funds for marketing and other start-up costs. What Has Been The Result: Hayley has already secured a number of bookings in her own right together with her existing work commitments with the other photographer. Hayley had the skills to carry out the work and was able to put to put forward a solid business proposition. Capitalise was able to make a judgement based upon the strength of the business plan and the expertise of Hayley and was pleased to be able to assist. Case Study 2: The Company/Business: K & S Caravans is a caravan and camping accessories shop located in Pevensey Bay and near to a number of caravan parks. The business was started in June 2005 and is run by Keith Thurston. The Problem: Keith invested
his own savings into the venture to secure the premises and purchase
the initial stock. Following level of enquiries and demand for certain
items Keith realised that he needed to increase his stock levels
and also diversify into new areas such as becoming an authorised
calor gas supplier. The Solution: Keith had made an initial enquiry to Capitalise prior to starting the business and approached us again for his funding requirements. Mike Trotter, Loan Fund Manager worked with Keith to develop and refine his business plan and put an application in front of the panel. A successful application was agreed at the panel meeting in November 2005. The Outcome: Keith has been able to invest in new stock and is now authorised to sell calor gas meeting a large demand from both the local community and caravanners. He has also been able to invest more into the premises to cater for additional stock. Summary: The bank did not have sufficient a track record to be able to lend but Keith could demonstrate to Capitalise through his business plan that he had a viable business. Case Study 3: The Company/Business: Bargain
Balls is a sole trader business run by Paul Angell and based in
Hastings. The Problem: As a young man with no assets and no business track record and no sizeable financial stake in the business, Paul was unable to secure finance from the banks. He had test marketed the idea on a small scale and this had worked well with him more than covering his costs. In order to launch the business Paul needed to invest heavily in stock and source the golf balls from abroad and needed the finance to do so. The Solution: Paul presented his business plan to Capitalise. Mike Trotter, Loan Fund Manager helped Paul to develop and refine the business plan and reduce his start-up costs in order to package the application to put to the loan panel. The Outcome: A successful loan application followed and funds were advanced to allow Paul to invest in his stock and get it shipped in from America. Summary: Paul was able to demonstrate
a sound business idea but was unable to fulfil the banks requirements.
Capitalise was able to see the potential through meeting Paul and
through his business plan.
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Case Studies