The climate is good for scalable investments and disruptive technologies, but what about zombie companies and the threat of interest rate rises?

The tax climate has arguably never been better for investors and particularly those wishing to take advantage of the tax breaks available through EIS and Seed EIS.

Many of these investors are looking to back disruptive technologies that can break new ground and shift the playing field. They are looking for opportunities that can be scaled quickly, on a worldwide basis, through digital marketing channels. At this end of the spectrum, the pace of change is both fast and relentless, driven by the need to retain "first mover advantage", particularly where it is difficult to secure IP on a global basis.

At the other end of the spectrum we have what has become known as the "zombie companies" that remain constrained by both their debt and their often outdated business models. These companies are in a circle which is spiralling the wrong way. Now that the indicators are there for interest rates to rise this could force the position, and these businesses should seek help whilst they still have options.

At Secantor we have the resources and capability to deal with both ends of the spectrum, and everything in between. It is not just about knowledge, although that is hugely important to us as an organisation, where knowledge sharing is a way of life, but also about our connections and credibility with providers of both debt and equity.

Nigel Bacon
Secantor CEO
Fulfilling Business Potential
www.secantor.co.uk

Secantor partners with Fleet Innovations

At Secantor we are not about selling intellectual property we are about knowledge transfer to enable businesses to fulfil their true potential. Much of this comes from our highly experienced and technically accredited people. However, part of it is about understanding some of the latest products that are in the market place that can help our clients become more efficient. An example of this is the PEAK mileage capture product from Fleet Innovations www.peakmiles.com .  Read how you can use GPS technology to take the strain out of mileage expense claims.

http://www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/index.php/company-focus/223-transport/5436-fleet-innovations

www.secantor.co.uk

West Midlands funders getting behind SMEs

2014 can be described as a year when the pendulum is swinging for the West Midlands.

It is true that much of the growth has been driven by the JLR supply chain, but also the entrepreneurial culture of the region, which is now really starting to flourish. It is really pleasing to see that these innovative companies are securing finance from the likes of the Business Growth Fund,Mercia Fund, Midven, Finance Birmingham, Oxygen Accelerator, and others. it is great to be a part of all of this.

The power of all of this can be seen from the high value sale of Delcam Plc a worldwide 3D software business, principally for the manufacturing industry. It is a great example of how a local business, with good stewardship, can scale into a global business and maintain its market leadership, for the benefit of the region. Well done to Peter Miles and the team, you are to be congratulated.

Nigel Bacon
Secantor CEO
www.secantor.co.uk

Secantor Supports Equity Investments

As we come to the end of our financial year it is very gratifying to see the number of SMEs where we have helped  raise equity funds. From small business angel investments through to organisations such as Oxygen Accelerator www.oxygenaccelerator.com  up to the £4m investment that the Business Growth Fund www.businessgrowthfund.co.uk  made into Palmer Hargreaves www.palmerhargreaves.com .

We are delivering ongoing support to the SME community...help your business to grow.
www.secantor.co.uk

Informed Business Decisions - at the heart of what we do

The intensively competitive marketplace today demands a level and quality of performance measurement unlike any that ever existed. In the not too distant past, making money and winning at business was much easier: Companies could establish a competitive advantage quite easily and keep it for a very long time; market strength was virtually unassailable; customers were much less demanding; and leaders could manage relatively effectively with good-enough strategies and mediocre execution. but today, "good enough" is not good enough.

With thanks to Dean Spitzer

Secantor - supporting businesses to make informed decisions

www.secantor.co.uk

Government's Growth Voucher Scheme

Should you wish to try and gain Government Financial Assistance for some of our services please apply to the Growth Voucher Scheme.

For businesses looking for advice

Businesses looking for advice can apply to the programme online and they will be randomly assigned to an online questionnaire or face-to-face business advice assessment.

Some businesses will be randomly chosen to get a voucher for up to £2,000 to help pay for business support in one of the specialist areas. You’ll have to match the amount with your own funds. You can then find a Growth Voucher adviser to work with on the Enterprise Nation Marketplace.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-growth-vouchers
www.secantor.co.uk

Mentoring

We are not a recruitment company, we are a professional services frim/outsourcer dedicated to providing solutions to the SME community.

We do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach to business. The core of what we do  is providing an "Effective Finance Function", and this can be done in many different ways. Often I am told by prospective clients that they have a great financial controller or financial manager, but the business has got to a size where reliable historic financial information is simply not enough. In order for the business to grasp the opportunities that might lay head there needs to be a firm grip on "planning and control". The easy answer is to overlay a Finance Director. However, mentoring the Financial Controller to step up a level can be the preferred solution. I am often asked "how can I do that when I am already working full on". The answer often lies in helping everyone in financial function to take a step up which then gets us into the area of effective delegation.

For more about mentoring and effective delegation please ring me on 01564 330676.

Nigel Bacon
CEO
Secantor
www.secantor.co.uk