News: Twenties themed restaurant roaring to go

A young chef has shown all of his Yorkshire grit and determination to transform a former tearoom in Rotherham into his dream restaurant, despite being only able to welcome guests for one week since opening his doors for the first time.

Elliott Vaughan opened his 1920s themed restaurant, The Garrison at Wickersley, last October after securing financial help from alternative lending provider Finance For Enterprise. However, within less than seven days, his plans were thrown into jeopardy when, along with the whole of South Yorkshire’s hospitality sector, the restaurant was ordered to close as South Yorkshire entered into Tier 3 lockdown.

Unable to welcome customers to his new venue, Elliott was forced to take matters into his own hands and decided to re-invent his restaurant by offering takeaway and delivery services, enabling customers to enjoy a preview of his innovative kitchen creations including his signature Yorkshire pudding wrap, or as some locals refer to it, a Sunday dinner in a sandwich. To Elliott’s surprise, his takeaway services have proved to be incredibly popular, and despite having enjoyed less than two weeks of welcoming customers to his restaurant, he is hoping they will finally be able to experience the unique environment he has created.

Drawing on inspiration from the hit TV show Peaky Blinders, whilst giving a nod to the golden age of jazz and the so-called roaring Twenties, Elliott re-imagined the former tearoom, transforming it into a cosy, atmospheric dining experience.

Despite his tender years, Elliott is no stranger to the hospitality industry. He picked up his first kitchen knife aged just 15. When he left school a year later, he headed straight to catering college, rising through the ranks as he worked alongside experienced chefs working in independently owned restaurants across South Yorkshire.

Elliott had always dreamed of running his own business. In 2019, he began making tentative plans to build and launch his own mobile catering business. His plans changed when, whilst browsing the Internet, he saw the tearoom being advertised for sale, so he reached out to the owner – someone who he’d worked with regularly during his career.

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A deal was agreed in principle and only one thing stood in his way: financing the new venture. Like many new entrepreneurs, Elliott struggled to access help from traditional high street lenders, and it seemed as if his entrepreneurial ambitions would be dashed. However, a former tutor came to his rescue and recommended that he should try approaching Finance For Enterprise for help.

Working with experienced start-up loan adviser Gillian Pickard, Elliott spent time carefully developing his business plans and was able to secure a Start Up Loan to help cover the costs of transforming the former tearoom into his dream destination.

Elliott Vaughan, Founder, The Garrison, Wickersley said: “I’d always dreamed of running my own business, and from the moment I spotted the pictures of the site on the Internet, I felt I’d never get a better chance. I liked the idea of creating a venue that combined a traditional, relaxed environment with great food. It was that which drew me to the idea of a 1920s themed bar.

“I knew finance may be a stumbling block, and the banks I first approached were quick to dismiss my ideas. Gillian was very different though. She listened to me, took me seriously and helped me to understand the different options to raise the money I needed, and she guided me through the application process. Once I’d written my business plan and financial projections, it helped me to understand how the business would work.

“I was never particularly academic at school, and although I liked the idea being my own boss, I never for one minute thought it would be possible. People like me tend to work in businesses, rather than own them! The help I received from Finance For Enterprise has given me the confidence to believe in my idea. I knew it was important to know my numbers; fortunately, my father-in-law is a business consultant and both he and Gillian were brilliant when it came to understanding what I needed to do to make the business a success.

“Since securing the start-up loan funding, I’ve been able to give the building a complete overhaul. The restaurant now employs three people, and even though we’ve only been able to open the restaurant for less than two weeks since I launched the business in October, we’ve seen our delivery services in high demand and received some terrific reviews. I’m really looking forward to meeting those customers in person!”

Gillian Pickard, Investment Manager, Finance For Enterprise said: “We always base our lending decisions on merit and affordability, Elliott’s passion for his business and determination to see the idea succeed, even during an incredibly uncertain time for many hospitality businesses, speaks volumes about his commitment and determination to make his restaurant a success.

“Like many new business owners, Elliott realised that he needed additional funding to secure the premises and transform them into his homage to the 1920s, but he was unable to access help from high street banks who simply dismissed his ideas. We discussed his plans, and it was clear that he had a solid grasp and understanding of what was involved in running the restaurant. Backed with his solid business plans, I didn’t hesitate to recommend his application, and as a result of the Start Up Loan funding Elliott has received, he’s been able to act on his ambitions, creating an incredibly atmospheric venue and one which I’m sure will be popular with food lovers for many years to come.”

The Garrison facebook page
Finance For Enterprise website

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News: Start-Up Loan funding helps Rotherham salon cut through cashflow gap

A mother and daughter who invested their life savings in a bid to bring a touch of glamour to the residents of a Rotherham village have seen bookings increase four-fold since July as residents clamoured to chop their lockdown locks down to size.

Experienced hairdresser Anna Wesley and her make-up artist daughter Robyn, were so inspired by the adventures of Joey Essex and friends they drew on inspiration from the hit TV show The Only Way is Essex to launch their Wickersley-based business, The Only Way is S66, after calling on help from Finance For Enterprise to help them unlock the potential in their TV-inspired unisex hair and beauty salon.

Since securing the keys to the premises, the duo have invested more than £60,000 in transforming a former laundrette into a haven for hair extensions, magnificent manicures and even beautiful beards. With ambitious plans to make the Tanyard Shopping centre a focal point for style-conscious shoppers, Anna and Robyn realised that additional financial support would be needed to complete their extensive renovation work, as well as providing a cash buffer during their first few months of trading.

Recognising that many high street banks are often reluctant to lend funds to a new businesses with no previous trading history, the duo began researching alternative ways of raising the finance needed and called upon Finance For Enterprise for help.

Working alongside experienced Investment Manager, Gillian Pickard, helped the duo secure funding to support their business through the Start Up Loans programme, enabling them to access two loans totalling £16,000 which were used to complete the salon’s refurbishments, including the purchase of an Intense Pulse Light machine which is used in the treatment of acne, hair removal and thread veins, as well as providing the vital funds needed to manage cashflow in their start-up business.

Anna is no stranger to the beauty business. She opened her very first hair salon at the tender age of 21 and she has devoted the past twenty years to building and turning around the fortunes of hair dressing businesses across South Yorkshire. When her daughter returned from spending time working and studying in London, the duo decided to combine their skills and expertise and launch their new business.

From a relatively early age, Robyn identified as transgender. She left home to study at the London College of Fashion when she was 18 and after qualifying as a make-up artist, Robyn began to forge a successful career for herself in the capital, using her skills in the world of TV and film and even spent time working on the hit Netflix series, Game of Thrones. Despite the success she was enjoying in her career, as she began her transition, Robyn felt she lacked the support network she needed in the capital, placed her career on hold and returned to her native South Yorkshire.

Since first opening the doors of the business in 2018, the Only Way is S66 proved to be an instant success, quickly establishing a loyal customer base, who were wowed by Robyn’s make-up artistry and Anna’s sensational scissor skills. It appeared the salon was poised to enjoy a significant period of growth, however, rather than focus upon growing their own business, when lockdown forced the closure of all non-essential retail businesses, their future plans were thrown into jeopardy.

They weren’t alone. With extended restrictions placed upon the hair and beauty industry, with a number of local salons forced to close their doors. With ample space available within their own business, when a nearby barber’s shop was forced to close its doors, Anna and Robyn stepped into to offer a helping hand, enabling two experienced barbers to continue trading.

Since July, bookings at The Only Way is S66 have increased fourfold, and because of their careful cashflow management, the duo are hoping to use their skills to increase their workforce. Today the business employs five members of staff and they are hoping to recruit an additional new apprentice in the near future.

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Anna Louise Wesley, Owner of Only Way is S66, said: "Shortly after Robyn returned from her time in London, we spotted a To Let sign on one of units at the Tanyard Shopping centre. The premises were in a good location and we felt it offered a golden opportunity for us to combine our skills and bring a touch of sparkle and glamour to Wickersley. Our mantra has always been to a create a one stop hair and beauty shop for all ages and genders and following the introduction of our new barber’s service, I think we’ve achieved just that.

“From my previous experiences of running businesses I knew building a salon from scratch would require a significant investment. When we contacted Finance For Enterprise, Gillian, our investment manager, talked us through the different options available to our business. We decided to apply for Start-Up Loan funding, which offered fixed low interest rates, which made the repayments affordable. From the outset, she made the application process simple and straightforward and within a relatively short period of time, we secured the finance needed to help us complete our refurbishments as well as providing us with a lifeline as we came to terms with the reality of lockdown.

“I knew how important it was to maintain a healthy cashflow during our first few years of trading if the business was to succeed, although we could have never predicted the impact Covid-19 would have on our business. The funds we secured from Finance For Enterprise helped to provide us with a cash buffer, whilst we waited to find out whether we would be eligible for additional Government support. It proved to be a lifeline and without the help we received from Finance For Enterprise, I doubt whether our business would have survived.

“Since restrictions were lifted, the business has gone from strength-to-strength. Our new barbers shop has proved to be every bit as popular as our beauty treatments, and we’ve already recruited new members of staff to meet growing demand.”

Gillian Pickard, Investment Manager at Finance for Enterprise, added: "One of the main reasons why many start-up businesses fail is due to cashflow pressures. As an experienced business owner, Anna was acutely aware of the threat this posed to her business, but unable to turn to traditional high street lenders, she approached Finance For Enterprise to discuss potential lending options.

“As the business was relatively new, she was eligible to qualify for a start-up loan. Unlike traditional business loans, Start Up Loans, are designed specifically with businesses which have a limited or no trading history and provide a low rate of interest.

“Since receiving the Start-up loan, the mother and daughter wasted no time in completing their renovations, and the support we provided has not only helped the business to maintain a healthy cashflow during extremely challenging trading conditions, but they were quick to develop new opportunities with the addition of the new barbers shop, which illustrates how they have been able to successfully adapt and respond to the challenges they have faced in recent months.”

Richard Bearman, Managing Director of the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, said: “The Start Up Loans programme is here to help people like Anna and Robyn gain access to the funding and support they need to start and grow a business. What they have achieved is commendable, and I’m proud that the programme has played a part in helping them and so many others across the region to realise their ambition of business ownership.”

Today, the Only Way is S66 employs six members of staff and Anna and Robyn are passing on their skills and expertise to a new generation of stylists.

Finance for Enterprise is a delivery partner of Start-Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank, which is designed to help new entrepreneurs with limited trading history with the ability to secure finance, allowing entrepreneurs like Anna and Robyn, who in other circumstances would be unable to secure lending.

Since the Start-Up Loans scheme was launched in 2012, it has helped more than 75,000 entrepreneurs to realise their business ambitions. In Yorkshire & The Humber Start Up Loans UK has provided nearly £55 million to over 6,300 new businesses.

Finance For Enterprise provides a range of tailored loans, aimed at helping SMEs throughout the Sheffield City Region and North East Lincolnshire. The company acts as a fund manager for the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund and Start-Up Loans UK and provides business loans up to £250,000.

Only Way is S66 Facebook page

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News: Labfacility turns up heat on international growth

Rotherham-based Labfacility, the UK’s leading manufacturer of temperature sensors, is set to expand its operations after securing a six figure lending package.

The Dinnington firm is the UK's largest manufacturer of temperature sensors, making sensors for industries including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, glass and aerospace.

The funds from Finance For Enterprise and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) will be used to help Labfacility acquire the adjacent 6,000 sq ft premises to its existing manufacturing and stores facility as it targets future growth within the export sector. The property has been secured on a ten year lease and will increase the size of the company’s site to 18,000 sq. ft.

Responsible for producing a range of more than 5,000 temperature instruments, sensors, and couplings, Labfacility manufactures more than a million products each year which are sold in 120 countries across the globe.

In recent years the company became mindful of the potential uncertainties caused by delays in Brexit. Working closely with growth accelerator manager Jim Scott, the company began exploring international growth options in markets which would be largely unaffected by the current political uncertainties and began exploring non-EU markets. Export orders now account for over 25% of the company’s sales, resulting in regular orders being placed by businesses based in the US, China and Australia.

However, in order to meet demand, Labfacility knew it needed additional working space. When a neighbouring unit became available the company turned to Finance For Enterprise for help, recognising that a quick deal was needed in order to help it achieve its future growth plans.

The six figure loan has enabled Labfacility to not only secure the new property, but invest in upgrading the building as well as purchasing new equipment, enabling it to boost production, as well as creating additional new roles including a planned six apprenticeships within the business as the company sets its sights on future growth.

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Labfacility was launched in 1971 by Norman Riddett, from his family home and has now grown to employ some 80 people across sites in Dinnington and West Sussex.

Under the leadership of Norman's son, Martin, Labfacility pioneered its temperature sensor manufacturing operations in Dinnington in 1991 after acquiring a local competitor. Since that time, the number of staff employed in South Yorkshire has risen from just three employees to over 40 with further recruitment anticipated.

Martin Riddett, managing director at Labfacility (pictured, left) said: "The growth and success we have achieved in recent years is very much the legacy of our work with Jim Scott, who helped us to understand the possibilities and opportunities available within the export market. Sadly, Jim passed away before our latest phase of growth had been fully realised. The success we are achieving today is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

"We have worked with Finance For Enterprise for a number of years and during this time, the financial support they have provided has enabled us to innovate, expand and invest within our company for the long term. In recent years, there has been a lot of uncertainty in the export market, but the success we’re achieving is bucking the trend and some much-needed good news for Britain’s manufacturing sector.

"The support we have received will enable us to not only invest in developing and expanding our South Yorkshire site; we are also looking to create new skilled jobs within the local economy through our apprenticeship programme which will help to equip the engineers of tomorrow with the vital skills needed to succeed in the workplace."

Alan Scott, senior investment manager at Finance For Enterprise, (pictured, right) added: "Businesses often find their growth plans stifled because they are unable to access lending from traditional high street lenders. Entering the export market can be lucrative but it isn't without risk.

"At a time when the manufacturing sector has been particularly hard-hit as a result of the uncertainties surrounding Brexit and possible future trade deals with the EU, Labfacility was quick to seize the opportunities offered by entering into new export markets, but crucially targeted areas outside Europe, ensuring that the impact of Brexit could be mitigated. We have worked with Labfacility for a number of years and the approach they have pioneered has resulted in the company achieving significant growth in overseas markets, enabling the company to invest in new premises and jobs within South Yorkshire."

Labfacility website
Finance For Enterprise website
NPIF website

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News: Dragon's Tap founder toasts alternative finance provider

Tapping into help from alternative lending provider Finance For Enterprise enabled a former languages tutor from Rotherham fulfill a lifelong dream of running his own micropub.

After spending time working as a teacher, Simon Evans called time on life in the classroom and has gone from poring over textbooks to pouring pints at his Dragon's Tap venue in Rotherham.

Inspired by the growing popularity of small independently owned bars, he began making plans to create a new home for lovers of craft beers in his home town, drawing on more than a decade of experience working in the drinks industry.

Simon first developed an interest in fine wines and independent breweries when he secured a job in an exclusive wine shop to pay his way as a student. He spent much of the following decade balancing his studies, which saw him earn three degrees including two masters qualifications, alongside learning about rare and unusual wines, which were sourced from across the world.

He began noticing a growing demand from discerning drinkers for craft brews and locally produced beers. As time progressed, he also started to notice once empty shops being transformed into cosy, independently owned micropubs and inspired by their success, Simon began developing plans to create his own vision of the perfect pub.

Encouraged by the success of Rotherham's first micropub, the Wath Tap, and feeling that he had spotted a gap in the local market, Simon spent nearly a year meticulously writing and preparing his business plan, carefully examining whether his idea would be viable.

When a former DIY shop, at the Stag Roundabout became available, the aspiring entrepreneur realised he had found the perfect premises for his new venture. Only one thing stood in the way of his dream micropub: Finance.

Unable to raise the funds needed by himself, Simon approached alternative lending provider Finance For Enterprise for help. Working with a dedicated investment manager, he was able to secure the vital funds needed to secure the premises and invest in the vital equipment and renovation work needed to make his dream a reality.

Within just a few weeks, the empty shop had been transformed. Modelled on a French style bistro, featuring an eclectic range of furniture and six different hand pulled beers for customers to sample, the Dragon's Tap fired into business.

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Since that time, Simon's micropub has gone from strength to strength, quickly building up a loyal client base. Such has been the popularity of the pub that it was crowned as Rotherham CAMRA's Autumn Pub of the Season and has even secured a place in the Good Beer Guide.

Simon has been keen not to rest on his laurels either. Since opening the Dragon's Tap he continued to invest in the premises, transforming the upstairs of the building into a live music venue, which is used regularly for private functions and he has continued to invest in expanding the range of drinks on offer to include a selection of more than 60 gins, as well as a changing range of six real ales, four craft beers and ciders.

Simon Evans, owner of Dragon's Tap (pictured, right), said: "As a student I had spent time working in a bistro in France and loved the relaxed, friendly environment. I wanted create something similar, but adding a Yorkshire twist to the concept. During the decade I spent in the North East, the craft beer revolution really took hold and as micropubs began opening throughout the region, I began to think there may be an opportunity to bring the concept to Rotherham.

"Setting up the business was a leap of faith. It felt like I was on a bungee rope! But I knew that if the micropub was going to be viable, a cash injection was vital, enabling me to transform the empty shop into my dream pub. Many banks are reluctant to lend to new businesses with no proven trading history, and so I decided to contact Finance For Enterprise.

"Working with an investment manager, they have been incredibly supportive and without their help, I suspect I'd still be wondering "what if." Working with an investment manager gave me confidence that the business was viable and as a result, the Dragon's Tap has come a very long way in a short space of time. That wouldn't have been possible without the help I've received and I'm beginning to explore new ways of growing the business further."

Dave Potts, investment manager at Finance For Enterprise (pictured, left) said: "After meeting Simon, it was clear he had spent a lot time planning and researching his idea. He presented one of the most thought out and considered business plans I have ever seen in all the years I have worked in the finance sector, which mean we were able lend him the vital funds to get his business off the ground. Since opening his business, the Dragon's Tap has gone from strength-to-strength, not only creating a number of new jobs and it has quickly established itself as a very popular venue in Rotherham.

"As an alternative lending provider, Finance For Enterprise are often able to step in when lending from traditional high street banks is not possible. Banks are often reluctant to support new business ventures, particularly when they have no proven trading history, but we always take time to understand the business and we felt confident that Simon was onto a winner."

Dragon's Tap Facebook page
Finance For Enterprise website

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News: Finance boost for Eagle Platforms

Rotherham-based platforms hire company, Eagle Platforms Ltd, is aiming even higher after landing a five figure loan from NPIF – BEF and FFE Microfinance, part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

From a standing start, the firm has grown to a near £2m turnover business, employing 20 people and moving to larger premises in Anston to deal with demand which continues to grow year on year. The firm also operates from a number of regional hubs supplying the next generation of access platforms such as scissor lifts and telescopic booms.

Eagle Platforms has set its sights on investing more than a million pounds in new equipment over the next five years with the funds provided by Finance For Enterprise set to be used to purchase additional new lifting machines to support people working from height, predominantly in the construction sector.

At the same time, Eagle Platform's workforce is set to create five additional new jobs as a direct result of the new investment.

In 2018 the company recorded 30% growth and with the business continuing to exceed all expectations during the first quarter of 2019, managing director Jim Haigh recognised the company needed to act quickly in order secure the additional machines needed to meet demand and turned to Finance For Enterprise for help.

Securing finance quickly was vital and after spending time exploring different funding options, Jim met with Finance For Enterprise investment manager Alan Scott to discuss Eagle Platform's growth plans. Within 24 hours Alan returned with an indicative decision, and in just five days, the finance was in place, enabling Jim to order the much needed additional equipment.

Launched in 2011, within just two years Eagle Platforms had purchased 40 different forms of lifting machines. As a result of the loans provided NPIF – BEF and FFE Microfinance, the total number of machines held within the business will exceed 120.

Jim Haigh first went into business in 1988 when he set up an access platform company with his father James, who invested his redundancy from the closure of Silverwood colliery into that operation. In 1996 the company was acquired by the Hewden Group; however, in 2011 Jim decided to resurrect his business model.

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Jim Haigh, managing director at Eagle Platforms (pictured, second left) said: "Spring and summer is traditionally the busiest time of year for the construction industry. This meant we needed to have finance in place quickly to pay for the equipment deposits, to enable the machines to arrive in time to meet peak demand.

"I had worked with Finance For Enterprise previously and felt confident they understood our business model and the importance of receiving a lending decision quickly. Within five days, the loan had all been agreed, enabling us to concentrate on ordering the additional machinery, as well as securing new orders.

"One of the main reasons for purchasing the new machinery was to reduce our own dependency on rented equipment. As a result of the funds we've secured, we've not only been able to increase the size of our own fleet but this has also enabled us to create new skilled jobs in the local economy, as well as developing additional revenue streams for the business, including expanding our training school."

Alan Scott, investment manager at Finance For Enterprise (pictured, second right), added: "Since Jim decided to resurrect Eagle Platforms in 2011, we've helped to support the business secure the finance needed to realise his growth plans and we understood the importance of securing a lending decision quickly. We discussed a number of different options and as a result, I was able to develop a tailored lending package, enabling Jim to secure the funds needed to enable him to purchase the new equipment.

"This funding will pave the way for continued growth within the business."

Mark Wilcockson, senior manager at the British Business Bank (pictured, far right), added: "The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund was developed to help businesses access finance at times when they need it most. With the NPIF – BEF and FFE Microfinance loan, Jim and his team are setting their sights on achieving significant growth and are creating new jobs. These are things that can make a real difference, not only to an individual company but also within the wider local economy."

Eagle Platforms website
Finance for Enterprise website

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News: Entrepreneurs reflect on growth of mirror business

A family run business that started as an eBay shop has secured business investments worth over £30,000 with the help of a local lender.

Based at Dinnington in Rotherham, JS Mirrors has secured investment from alternative funding specialist Finance For Enterprise which will be used to help the business invest in its customer service offering, creating new roles within the business as it sets its sights on future growth.

Today, JS Mirrors employs seven members of staff and since the business was launched in 2005 has established itself as one of the UK's largest mirror specialists in the UK, which are sold exclusively online. The company was founded by Stuart Morgan after he received a sum of money on his father's retirement. Stuart, along with his siblings, were given £500 on condition they grew, rather than spent the money.

As the business began to grow, Stuart began developing additional business ventures. Today he operates four dedicated e-businesses, helping homeowners to source chandeliers, home furnishings and mirrors from the comfort of their own home.

Larger premises were needed, and unable to secure lending from a traditional high street bank, Stuart turned to Doncaster-based alternative funding provider, Finance For Enterprise for help.

Earlier this year, Stuart and his co-director Joanna Morgan called upon the help of Finance For Enterprise, enabling him to invest in a new technology infrastructure to improve the efficiency of the business. Previously known as Donbac, the lender previously helped to fund new premises and purchase stock in 2011.

Following the additional investment, Stuart and Joanna are hoping to create new customer service roles within the business.

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Clients range from members of the public, business-to-business establishments such as hotels, salons and restaurants, and even the occasional celebrity! The company has received orders from professional footballers, actors and both Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel-Horwood and Liam Gallagher have both purchased unique creations for their homes! Three mirrors were donated as part of a recent episode of Love Your Home & Garden with Alan Titchmarsh.

Joanna Morgan, co-director at JS Mirrors (pictured, left), said: "Investing in staff is a big commitment for any business and we contacted Finance For Enterprise to help our business receive a cash injection as we entered into a new phase of business growth and development.

"Like many businesses, we had a proven business model and good trading history, so it came as quite a surprise when our high street lender told us that we weren’t eligible for lending. After spending some time researching our options, we contacted Finance For Enterprise, who helped us to secure the vital capital our business needed.

"The support we have received from Finance For Enterprise has proved to be invaluable to our business journey. They made the application process quick, easy and straightforward and as a result we have been able to create new jobs within the business as well as invest in new technology to prepare our business for further growth."

Alan Scott, investment manager at Finance For Enterprise (pictured, centre), added: "Many business owners are often surprised when they visit a traditional high street lender and are unable to secure the lending they need. In Joanna and Stuart's case, securing a business loan was vital to their future growth plans, ensuring they could implement the systems and procedures to improve efficiency within the company as well as enabling them to create new jobs within the local economy.

"I have worked with JS Mirrors for a number of years and they have enjoyed a significant period of growth during that time. When Joanna and Stuart approached me earlier in the year to discuss their further growth plans, I worked with them to identify a loan package which was capable of meeting their needs. I examined a number of different options and was able to help them access the right form of financial help which was capable of meeting their needs."

Exclusive Mirrors website
Finance For Enterprise website

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News: Business loan supports spa makeover

An award-winning massage therapist from Rotherham launched her dream spa after securing a lifeline Start Up loan from Finance For Enterprise.

After leaving university, Lindsey Jones from Ravenfield in Rotherham, carved out a successful career for herself in the retail industry but decided to turn her back on her regional management role. Opting to explore her passion for spa therapy, she secured a role with a leading skincare specialist where she could expand her existing beauty knowledge.

Equipped with a wealth of spa and wellness knowledge at her fingertips, Lindsey started offering treatments in her spare time; working from home and steadily developing a loyal client base.

Outgrowing the home, Lindsey found her perfect premises in the form of a Grade II listed property on the historic high street in Tickhill, Doncaster – yet appearances can sometimes be deceptive. Despite loving the look of the property from the outside, she realised that the inside needed its own major makeover.

Having been turned down for finance from the banks, the entrepreneur contacted the Doncaster-based alternative lending provider, Finance For Enterprise, which helps SME businesses to access funds required to launch, grow and expand.

Within just a few weeks her Start Up Loan application had been granted, enabling Lindsey to purchase the lease on the property, order equipment and obtain additional stock.

Sooner than anticipated, Lindsey found herself up against another barrier. Realising the renovations were more substantial than she originally anticipated, Lindsey turned to Finance for Enterprise for further support and was able to secure a top-up on her loan. The additional funding allowed her to successfully overhaul the new premises and complete a re-brand of the business within just two weeks.

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Since launching The Apothecary Urban Spa just two years ago, Lindsey has successfully created three new roles within the business, recruiting one full time Therapist and two Apprentice Therapists who are both under 19 years old, whilst developing over 20 bespoke treatments including full body massages, facials and manicures and pedicures.

Lindsey Jones, founder of The Apothecary Salon (pictured, right), said: "When I left my career in retail I wanted to achieve better job satisfaction, whilst also pursuing my interests in the spa and wellness industry. The power of spa and beauty therapies and how they can help people to relax and unwind is something that has always interested me and I was keen to explore this further with my business.

"As the business began to grow, I felt that I was trapped: reminders of my work would be the first thing I would see in the morning and the last thing I would see at night. I no longer enjoyed being self-employed and knew that something had to change.

"After I spoke to Gillian, my investment manager at Finance For Enterprise, she helped me to believe in myself and revived my business confidence. Without the loan and guidance from Finance For Enterprise, my business wouldn't be where it is now. I think myself lucky every day for being able to be my own boss and to have the support from Gillian whenever I need it."

Gillian Pickard, investment manager at Finance For Enterprise (pictured, left), added: "For many new businesses, accessing finance can be a major barrier; one which can inhibit growth and even force the business to close. As an investment manager my role is to encourage entrepreneurs to overcome the obstacles they face, helping them to access the right support at the right time.

"Working alongside Lindsey, I was able to secure her a small loan with the Government initiative Start Up Loans, as well as a top up of the loan further into her business journey. The funding she has received has enabled her to re-brand her business, operate from premises, renovate her salon, recruit her first members of staff and introduce a number of tailored treatments."

Lindsey was awarded the title of Start-Up Business of the Year at Doncaster Chamber Awards last year and is setting her sights on developing the business and expanding the property, with plans to open a beauty training school to help aspiring therapists learn the tricks of the trade.

The Apothecary Urban Spa website
Finance for Enterprise website

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News: U-NEEK's own recruitment drive

U-NEEK Solutions LTD, a market leading recruitment agency specialising in the placement of professionals within the entertainment & IT arena, has secured finance to back its own recruitment drive.

With offices at Manvers, the business was launched in 2016 by joint managing directors Danny Johnson and Scott Cooper, due to the increasing demands for specialist agencies to offer bespoke, transparent and tailor-made staffing solutions.

U-NEEK sources permanent, temporary and interim assignments from graduate to VP level across Europe. Between them, the co-founders have recruited for the likes of Sony, Microsoft, Sky, British Gas, Google and O2.

The company has recently secured a number of valuable contracts from venture capital backed technology companies based in London to recruit candidates across their technical, sales, creative, marketing and PR divisions. The team decided to contact the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub as they looked for funding to take on additional staff to deliver the increased demand for their services.

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The Growth Hub is designed to be a single point of contact for all businesses across nine local authority areas. The model coordinates and simplifies business support so that it joins up national, local, public and private business provisions across the city region.

The partners include successful companies, consultancies, universities, Chambers of Commerce and local authorities, and national provision such as Innovate UK and the Department for International Trade (DIT).

U-NEEK Solutions LTD contacted a member of the Growth Hub's Access to Finance team who concluded the company would need a set amount of funding to achieve their aims and to help deliver on an increased workload.

The advisor introduced the company to Finance for Enterprise (FfE), a grant supplier which regularly provides loans to early-stage businesses who granted their initial request for finance.

Finance For Enterprise has been supporting the start-up and growth of SMEs since 1985, as one of the first enterprise agencies and business loan funds in the region, initially operating as Donbac.

Within four weeks of making the initial enquiry, U-NEEK had secured additional funds and were able to take on two additional members of staff. A further four are now being planned to be recruited in the next six months.

Danny Johnson, joint managing director of U-NEEK Solutions LTD pictured, left), said: "I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I made my initial enquiry. I was delighted that in such a short space of time I was able to speak to an experienced Access to Finance advisor who helped clarify my funding requirements and successfully introduce me to a funder who understood our business and growth plans.

"As a result of support from the Growth Hub, we have been able to finance the recruitment of additional staff to deliver world-class customer service to our rapidly growing customer base."

The company's recruitment drive will now allow them to successfully deliver the new contracts and also accelerate the projected company growth over the next couple of years.

U-NEEK Solutions LTD website
SCR Growth Hub website
Finance for Enterprise website

Images: Growth Hub

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