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How To Grow Your Business - Finance (Exclusive To Altrincham Bid Levy Payers)

Date: 17th May 2017
Location: Altrincham
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Theme: Access to finance, Business Strategy, Start a business

Sorry this event has already taken place - please see our forthcoming events list

PLEASE NOTE: SESSION IS AVAILABLE TO ALTRINCHAM BID LEVY PAYERS ONLY

This programme of 4 masterclasses is being delivered for Altrincham Business Improvement District Levy paying Business to Business organisations by Altrincham Unlimited (the Altrincham Business Improvement District) with support from the Business Growth Hub.  The programme aims to give eligible business insight into the key areas of Strategy, Finance, Digital and Leadership

This is the second session and will focus on business finance and cover:         

  • Understanding the impact accessing finance could have on the growth of an SME business
  • The range of different finance products and types available.
  • The key requirements for becoming investment ready, focusing on:
  • Business planning
  • Financial forecasting and modelling
  • Including the importance of maintaining quality management information systems
  • Approaching funders and funder requirements
  • Investor pitching
  • Sources of funding including introductions to a number of funders who will be available to speak to at the sessions. Typically we will draw funders from:
  •   Business angel community/venture capital
  •   Traditional banks plus emerging ‘challenger’ banks
  •   Asset based lenders
  •   Peer-to-peer lenders
  •   Crowd funders
  •   Grant providers

What will attendees learn / take away from the session? 

Understanding of the importance of developing robust business plans when seeking commercial funding. Information on the sources of funding available and an in-depth knowledge of how to approach specific funders in order to improve your chances of success.

Bio of Deliverer

Ian and John work for the Business Growth Hub within the Access to Finance Department and provide fully funded information and advice on all aspects of financial management to eligible SME’s across Greater Manchester.

Ian Dixon

A qualified Chartered Accountant (Arthur Andersen & Co) Ian has gained over 25 years’ experience in a variety of board level financial and commercial roles in the manufacturing and service sectors.

In his capacity as Finance Director Ian has developed an in depth knowledge of corporate finance including equity, debt and grant based funding sources supporting growth strategies.

Ian is skilled at implementing and executing strategic objectives into successful business projects delivering a high return on investment to meet stakeholders and funders’ expectations. Experienced in leading and motivating remote teams Ian’s methodical and analytical approach ensures that both financial and non-financial targets are met in line with expectations.

Ian has a strong track record in understanding SME funding requirements and translating them into practical, actionable, business support. He has a detailed understanding of the needs of businesses across the North West and has developed and delivered a wide range of initiatives to enable these businesses to achieve their growth potential.

Ian has an extensive network of financial contacts, encompassing funders, intermediaries and business support organisations. Ian is adept at networking to build and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders at local, regional and national levels, and developing informed research that feeds into the policy-making process.

Ian is a skilled presenter and panellist and regularly contributes to finance events and conferences across the North West.

John Moore:

John has an in depth knowledge of all types of business debt and equity finance gained from an extensive career in a High Street bank and specialist providers of both commercial mortgage and Invoice Financing products.

He has a strong ability to analyse the financial performance of a business and successfully apply underwriting techniques gained from training and personal underwriting authority in previous roles (been a regular participant on the Bolton Business Ventures loan approval panel)

Considerable experience of how to build both a business and financial case for submission and to identify and approach the most suitable finance provider, depending on the financial circumstances of the client.

SFEDI accredited and both ACIB and ABFD qualified

Proficient in the use of accounting software including Sage, QuickBooks and Xero

BSc in Computer Studies

Agenda

8.00 – 8.30

Arrival, refreshments, networking

8.30 – 9.00

Introduction and overview of session

9.00 – 9.30

Business Plans – The Importance

9.30 -10.00

Financial Forecasts

10.00 – 11.00

Sources of Funding

11.00 – 11.30

Introduction to Funders

11.30 – 12.00

Open Questions and Close

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