Archive for July, 2006

Small Business Matters

As committee member of the local Federation of Small Business in Sussex, also being in business for myself and working with many small and some not so small business I am constantly getting asked to provide Finance Advice.

Many Business Owners have not yet taken off their Rose Coloured Glasses before they call me, and I usually let them down gently and get them to take step back to consider what is required and why. For most, funding is required in order to obtain premises or to build stock and often the basics are forgotten. The Banks are not interested without a well thought out Business Plan and for good reason. Lending to Small Business is Risky, and a decent plan is a great starting point.

Aside – some of you may know that  I also manage a Marketing and I.T Business – I have recently provided and important update to this recession is here Beating 2009

Anyway, the reason for this note is the following:-

Being in business is not easy.

There are tried and tested solutions to most of the financial problems encountered.

Business Premises are always available but you may need to compromise.

Funding Options are varied and the solutions are also as varied.

IMHO, by definition really good businesses do not need to borrow money (please dont call me to argue this point) Seed Money is a different issue.

Most Small Businesses FAIL and for good reason, they do not plan, they do not have enough ‘start up’ capital, and many owners do not listen or take advice about all aspects of their plans.

You would not plan to fail, but if do not plan you will fail.

If you want some decent advice in all areas of your planning call me to discuss your plans in more detail. We can offer support and assistance in many areas including Marketing, the Internet and I.T.

Richard Smith
Independent Financial Expert

0845 226 9106.

www.thefinancezone.co.uk

Comment- Investment Markets

With WAR in the Middle East being more likely than not, following the actions of Israel and others during the past few days Stock Markets have fallen. although not by much.

The Middle East is also not all of the problem, we still have the threat from other parts of the world with Missile Testing and Inflationary Pressures which all of the major world economies are battling with. It also seems that Russia has all of the Oil and Gas!

On a brighter note we are seeing Corporate Profit increasing and levels of debt whilst high they are stabilising, you see there is some good news.

I think we will see some more volatility in the markets over the coming weeks, with a clearer picture in September when the Summer is coming to an end.

Meanwhile, those of you with Balanced Investment portfolios should not worry that much.

Richard Smith

Independent Financial Expert.

0845 226 9106

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