Business funding is a difficult area, but business funding companies could help. To find out more visit http://www.ukbusinessgrants.org/

These are difficult times to be starting a new business, or expanding an existing one. Business funding can be hard to find, but if you’re in the right market and you can show relevant expertise and business planning, you may be able to find a guardian angel who will invest in your ideas.

Business funding and business funding companies

So, what is a business angel and how can they help? Business funding has long been rooted in bank loans or other traditional investments and, as the economy struggles, these can be tricky to arrange. Using one or more business funding companies is another way to raise the funds you need. Business funding companies are private investors who are looking for new ways to invest their money and often their expertise:

• Private incomes – business funding companies have good sums of their own money to invest in other businesses.
• Business acumen – business funding from funding companies has been accrued through their own business success and so they have knowledge and experience that you could find useful.
• Syndicate funding companies – sometimes business funding can be secured through one angel, but more often than not, several business funding companies will come together to invest in a business.
• Local interest – most business funding companies are interested in providing business funding to companies in their local area so that they can be more easily involved in the strategy and focus of the business.
• Compatibility – because the business funding is coming from a private source, that source will want to be sure he or she is investing in a company they feel they can work with. You will need to show the business angel that you can accept new ideas and suggestions in order to improve your business, and they will need to show that they can step back when necessary and leave you to run your business the way you want to.

Business funding – finding your angel

Using funding companies for business funding might sound like the ideal solution to you, but how do you find the angel that is right for you? Depending on how much money you want to raise and on what stage your business is at currently, you may need to think carefully about how you approach any potential funding source. You will need to have all the right information to hand and be able to show where the investment is needed and what returns the investor can expect.

Securing your funding is largely down to how you’ve planned your business so far, and how you pitch to investors. One of the easiest ways to do this is through cmypitch.com where you can record a video pitch that can be viewed by a wide range of investors. They can then get in touch with you to arrange a visit so that you can meet face-to-face and discuss business funding. Take a look at our Funding page to see how it works, and you could be meeting your own business angel sooner than you think.

Few things are as important as pitching for business funding. To find out more visit http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1073858790

Without the right funding, your business may not succeed – or may not grow as quickly as you’d like it to. Securing the right level of funding at the right time is crucial, and often it comes down to whether you’ve done your research and whether your pitch works.

Business funding – the real Dragons’ Den

We’re all aware of what general things investors are looking for. The most important thing to any investor is the reassurance that they’re going to get a return on their money. They certainly don’t want to invest in anything where their money is at too much of a risk, so it’s up to you to show them that you have the right product, the right market and the right business plan to succeed. Business funding experts want to know that:

• You have the right skills – a track record in running successful enterprises will always go down well with investors. Demonstrating that you are knowledgeable in your business sector and that you have the management and business skills to succeed is also vital.

• You are committed – business funding is about return, so an investor will need to see that you are committed to making your business work. As well as your time and energy, investing your own money is a sign that you really believe in your business.

• You have the right product – investors will want to understand your product and service quickly and easily and be able to see how it can be applied to a specific market. Potential sales over a fixed period is a key indicator of how successful your business is likely to be, along with product development and marketing.

• You look at the details – having a great idea is all very well, but to secure good business funding, you have to show that you can run a business. Look at the cost of manufacturing your product against your sale price, so that you can see how much profit you can make. Don’t forget to include your general overheads in your budget, including any office or warehouse space your rent, and any staff you employ. A solid five-year business plan will be essential to securing business funding at most levels.

• You have an edge – what is it that makes your business better than your competitors? What distinguishes your product or service from the rest of the market? Answer these questions and you may be able to show your investor how their initial business funding could turn into a real money spinner.

lead generation companies

A business sale may be the perfect investment.

If you’re looking for a new investment, check out the businesses for sale. In difficult economic times, some business owners are deciding to put their business up for sale, and this could be a real opportunity for your own business. Sale details may be all it takes to spark an interest. A good way to get your business going is with quality lead generation companies that can direct you to potential customers.

Business sale – what works for you?

A business sale needn’t be on a multi-national level for it to appeal to the right investor. Before you buy a new business, you really need to think about what you want to get out of it. Do you want to look for a business sale that complements the business you already run – allowing you to expand to a new area, perhaps, or add new products or services to your own offering? Perhaps you’ve owned a business before and you’re ready to give it a go again, but only on a small scale. All you need is to see what sort of businesses are up for sale and where, so that you can begin to make a list of the opportunities that appeal to you. Think about:

• Cost – this has to be the prime concern. Business sales aren’t cheap, so you will need to have an idea of how much you can afford to spend, and you’ll also need to have funding lined up unless you can afford a cash purchase. Whilst you may not be able to secure an absolute decision on business loans until you can provide your lender with more details about the business for sale, you should be able to get some agreement in principle that lets you start to look seriously.

• Location – it makes sense to buy a business that’s close to where you already work and live, unless you’re looking for a reason to move. For some people, a business sale is the best reason to move locations, but you have to be sure that you’re ready to sell up and leave your current home to pursue your business dream.

• Viability – going into a business sale with rose-tinted glasses won’t do you any good in the long term. You must take the time to make sure that the new business will work once you’ve acquired it. Talk to the current owners about products, customers and markets, and research independently so that you can verify that the business is a going concern. The more you know about the business before you buy, the better judgement you can make.

Do you have to pay tax on the flat you are renting out? To find out more visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/moneytaxandbenefits/taxes/taxonpropertyandrentalincome/dg_10013435

Knowing whether or not you should be paying tax on the flat you are renting out can be a little confusing, to say the least. At John C. Boyle inGlasgowwe have an in-house accountant who can be called upon for basic tax advice regarding renting out your flat. However, if you have a few minutes we are sure you will find it beneficial to have a look at some of our guidelines to tax payable on the flat you are renting out.

Do you have to pay tax on the income you receive from letting your property?

Whether or not you pay tax on this income depends on your individual financial position. In fact, it is possible in some circumstances to pay no tax at all. Although John C. Boyle Letting Agency is always happy to act as a data reference for tax issues we do, due to the complex nature of tax, always advise that you confer with your own personal accountant. Whether you pay tax or not is dependant on your yearly income from the rent you receive, your expenses on the property you lease and whether you live outside theUK.

When will you be tax exempt?

If the rent money you receive is less than £4,250 per annum.

Does this mean you will have to pay tax on any rent taken above £4,250?

Yes but there are two different ways in which you can do this. You, or your accountant, will need to work out which method will be most beneficial to you. You can either pay tax on the money you receive over £4,250 or you can pay tax on the profit you make.

How do I work out the profit?

The profit can be calculated by subtracting your expenses from the rent received from the tenant. The expenses you can claim may typically include any of the following:

• Insurance premiums (e.g. buildings, content, loss of rent)
• Any necessary repairs or maintenance work done by contractors
• Utility bills you have paid (water, gas, electricity, council tax)
• Fees payable to letting agencies or accountants
• Furniture replacements (due to wear and tear)

However, you will need to keep a copy of all the invoices and receipts raised by these expenses and produce them as proof should the Inland Revenue request it. Your accountant will be able to advise you about all of the records you will need to keep.

How do you ensure that your property is correctly renovated? To find out more visit http://www.simplythenest.com/

If you are planning to rent out your flat, how do you ensure that it is correctly repaired and renovated? At John C. Boyle inGlasgow, we offer property owners wanting to rent out their flats, a superior service which involves a thorough inspection of the property and the opportunity to hire the services of a Letting Doctor to give more detailed advice if required.  Why not read on to discover a few tips as regards decoration and maintenance of your property?

If you are planning to rent out your property with a mind to long term investment, then you will need to do everything possible to make sure that it continues to be well maintained.

Start as you mean to go on. If you ensure that the flat is looking at its best before renting it out then you will stand a better chance of maintaining it to this same standard. So, what things might you want to think about changing? See below for our five essential renovating tips:

1. The general decoration should be a neutral colour as most of the potential tenants are more likely to find this fresh look appealing. This includes all interior walls and bathroom and kitchen facilities
2. Paint the flat rather than wallpaper it, as the colour can be more easily changed (as anyone who has ever stripped a wall will confirm!)
3. Try to buy as good a quality carpet and curtains as possible as these will last longer
4. Think about having tiled or wooden flooring for a cosmopolitan look as this is very popular with prospective tenants
5. Lighting is also very important especially if you are renting out a flat as they tend to have less exterior walls than a house

serviced offices mayfair

Professional and reliable janitorial services are essential for all businesses and organisations.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re business has 3 members of staff or 3,000; it’s your duty as an employer to provide them with clean, sanitary facilities. Whether you like it or not, your toilet and washroom facilities and serviced offices Mayfair act as a reflection of your company and it’s important to staff, clients and suppliers alike that you have good facilities. A company like Chiltern Hygiene Services is ideally placed to supply you with janitorial services in the Mayfair area.

The range of janitorial services

Mayfair has a thriving business community which supports a wide range of other service industries, such as cleaning, catering, water supply and IT support to name but a few. Janitorial services companies like Chiltern Hygiene Services are essential to the smooth running of your business, helping with issues such as:

• Sanitary disposal – clean and hygienic systems allowing for the hassle-free sanitary disposal and removal. Units in each cubicle can be emptied in-situ, removing the need for them to be carried through the office space, or even emptied in the washroom area. Sol-called “no touch” units are easy to use and give your toilet facilities a modern look and feel.

• Baby changing – if you run a business that’s oriented towards children, or you need to offer public facilities, you should think about including a baby changing facility. It’s vital that you install changing units and nappy disposal bins that comply with health and safety regulations, and that you have a contract with a company that will reliably turn out to empty and refresh bins and make any necessary alterations or repairs. For this type of janitorial service in Mayfair, talk to us at Chiltern Hygiene Services.

• Handwash and drying – it’s a well-known fact that germs are easily transferred by un-washed hands. Your toilet, kitchen and any other washing facilities should have good, anti-bacterial soap, preferably in a dedicated dispenser, and good quality hand-drying facilities; either air drying or hand towels. A good janitorial services company like Mayfair’s Chiltern Hygiene can provide a range of these supplies and make sure they are serviced and refilled at regular intervals.

What insurance do I need as a landlord of a flat?

If you are thinking of renting out your flat you may have noticed that there are a lot myths surrounding what insurance you need. At John C. Boyle in Glasgow we offer a comprehensive range of insurance options for flats to be rented out. To find out more visit http://www.landlords.org.uk/

As a landlord your potential liabilities are vastly increased and therefore it is imperative that you research how your current insurance needs to change. Should you fail to take out the appropriate insurance you will be liable for any damage to the property or bordering properties.

If you already have insurance cover then be sure to advise your current insurance company of your plans to rent out the flat. You will need to discuss the current Buildings Policy and Third Party Risks (Public Liability Cover) and how you can change these policies to a specific landlord insurance policy.

A good insurance broker will advise you to insure the contents of your property even if the flat is not fully furnished (even an unfurnished flat has carpets and curtains which could be damaged). Tenants will be responsible for insuring their own contents but the insurance for damage to the structure itself will lie with you, as a landlord. It is also worth noting that the insurance policy may not be covered if the property is empty.

Whether you are considering renting a flat or letting a property, Glasgow is the place you should be. Glasgow has something for everyone and appeals to property owners as much as it does to the young professionals wanting to rent. To find out more visit http://www.ifsdglasgow.co.uk/about-glasgow/living-in-glasgow

Over the last twenty yearsGlasgowhas worked hard to transform itself into a vibrant, energetic, cosmopolitan city. Its hard work finally paid off and it was proud to be the 1990EuropeanCityof Culture. This wealth of culture, enjoyed by the old and young alike, includes:

• TheGlasgowCathedral
• Beautifully preserved Victorian architecture
• More than 20 museums and art galleries (including the House for an Art Lover)
• Annual festivals and events
• Many Theatres
• Royal Concert Hall
• The Scottish Opera
• The Royal Scottish National Orchestra
• Scottish Ballet

As a city dweller ofGlasgowyou also have the added advantage of being able to enjoy both the city and the countryside asGlasgowis surrounded by

mountains, lochs, seascapes and the city itself boasts more than 70 parks.

Glasgowis now admired as a progressive, wealthy city and one in which anybody from any walk of life can call home. Indeed the standard of property itself has transformed at the same pace as the city, resulting in a wide range of flats with a distinctly cosmopolitan feel.Glasgowis loved by the young professionals and students for its excellent choice of European type flats to rent and by the property developers for its exciting marketplace and increasingly high standards of property.   

If you are a young professional looking for rented flats in Glasgow you can rest assured that you will not only find a fantastic apartment for great value but you will also experience great benefits from living in Glasgow. There is a workforce of one million people, many of whom take advantage of the airport which is located just 15 minutes from the city centre. The standard of transport for commuting is high, including buses, rail and an underground system all of which have excellent connections to the suburbs. The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre has ensured thatGlasgowis fast becoming one ofEurope’s top conference destinations.

What advantages will you experience when you rent out your office space in London? Office space for rent London is hard to come by so you could have property in demand should you choose to let it.

office space for rent london

Are you toying with the idea of renting out a property in London but wondering how beneficial it would really be to you? If so, why not take a few minutes to have a look at the advantages letting your office space might bring you.  

Recent surveys suggest that rented accommodation in the London area is as popular as ever. As the house prices continue to be high many people finding it difficult to get their foot on the property ladder are turning to rented accommodation. And it’s not just frustrated potential first time buyers and students who are seeking rented accommodation. The number of young professionals who are willing to relocate to further their careers is also on the increase. Let’s face it, quality residential property to let will always be in demand. This means that if you thoroughly research the market in the London area and choose a well-established reputable letting agency, then being a landlord can prove to be an extremely profitable venture.

Okay so we have established that if you look after your investment you can make money but you probably already knew that. So, what other benefits are there?

• You will receive a guaranteed extra monthly “salary”
• Over time your property will appreciate in value so you can make a profit when you sell it
• Current surveys suggest that demand for rented accommodation in London is outweighing supply
• If you use a reputable letting agent the letting process should be relatively hassle-free. This means you can sit back and relax while you watch the money roll in
• You can improve the value of your property
• Renting out property can provide a degree of financial security
• If you are going to work abroad you can rent out your property rather than having to sell it or leaving it empty
• If you are looking to invest your money, letting is a relatively stable investment

It is fair to say that not all office refurbishment projects are a complete overhaul. Many office refurbishment endeavours merely focus on certain facets of the workplace as radical changes may not be necessary.

There are obviously areas in every office which may be prime candidates for refurbishment but this isn’t to say that a complete office refurbishment proposal is required as most office design companies will be able to offer bespoke services whereby they can offer office refurbishment skills that focus purely on the parts of the office which you wish to renovate. For example, areas such as receptions and boardrooms are prime candidates for office refurbishment plans and many companies each year refresh their workplace layout with a few simple alterations without having to disrupt workflow with a complete office refurbishment overhaul. It is always prudent to discuss your office refurbishment requirements with professionals in the field of office design because they are in the position to give expert advice on how best to deploy your office refurbishment plans whether they be small scale changes or radical alteration to the layout and decoration of a workspace. Office refurbishment can be as minimal or extensive as you want it and there are many areas of an office that are well suited to refurbishment.

Office Refurbishment – Focus Areas

For those who don’t wish to undergo a complete office refurbishment, there are certain areas that are most frequently thought of when it comes to office refurbishment. The most common areas that office design companies focus on in the majority of office refurbishment projects include:

• Receptions – Generally speaking, a reception will be the first impression that someone visiting your work premises gets so it’s imperative that it makes the right impression. As such, it isn’t difficult to see why so many office refurbishment projects centre around the reception area.
• Boardrooms – As boardrooms are the rooms in which the majority of business transactions will be discussed, it is crucial that they look the part. This is something that most businesses are well aware of and when undergoing office refurbishment, particular emphasis is often placed on getting the boardrooms just right, in terms of style and appearance.