FINANCE AND FUNDING 42 Issue 258 - April / May 2025 www.signlink.co.uk meaning that seeking the right professionals for your company can be crucial. Graeme Lipman, director at BTG Advisory, a boutique practice advice under the Begbies Traynor Group, says that getting engaged with advisers as early as possible is key to accessing more options. “My role is to advise and support companies with restructuring and refinance. I have a wide remit and assist companies of all sizes from £100k turnover to £100m plus. I help companies that can be stressed, and solid businesses that want to grow and expand. I also support smaller business outlets through Real Business Rescue,” says Lipman. Lipman also advises being constantly aware of the current situation in order to act accordingly, adding: “It does no harm to talk to professionals, even if they say, ‘you are in good shape, but do keep monitoring the position and come back’. Do not leave anything to the eleventh hour as the first thing we look at is what oxygen we can inject into the business to keep it breathing, and then we work out the options from there.” As supported previously by Compass and its relational approach, knowing that the organisation you are working with has an understanding of your industry and business needs is crucial. Similarly, Lipman helps compannew technology to give them better products and remain competitive, or a lead in a set field. Nelson adds: “Investing in new technology is crucial for printers looking to stay competitive and drive growth, particularly when products and technologies are evolving so quickly. There are some fantastic events this year to showcase the most recent developments, such as Hunkeler Innovationdays and FESPA Global Print Expo, which we’re really looking forward to attending with our customers.” When it comes to navigating the hurdles of funding, Nelson talks about the tightening of lending criteria by high street banks, which has led to the growth of asset finance and asset-based lending solutions. “High street banks often require solid credit ratings, deposits, and personal guarantees. Fortunately, independent lenders and challenger banks are more flexible, focusing on understanding business needs and growth potential. “Additionally, lenders accredited by the British Business Bank to provide funding supported by the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), such as Compass, are in place to support lending in scenarios where additional support is required to get an investment off the ground. GGS can enable lenders to provide lower interest rates than they otherwise would have done in higher risk scenarios.” When it comes to navigating the pitfalls of asset financing and lending, Nelson advises decision makers to stay informed about market trends and to continuously review financial strategies. “Engaging with a finance provider that understands your industry and offers personalised support can make a significant difference in achieving long-term success,” says Nelson. Getting the Right Advice When it comes to subjects of refinancing and restructuring, the business world can be a minefield for options and advice, ▲ Jamie Nelson [L], director of Compass The Growth Guarantee Scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme. It is designed to support access to finance for UK small businesses as they look to invest and grow Factoid Compass Business Finance was established in 2005 2005
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