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<title><![CDATA[inspiresme.co.uk - Finance]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/?rss=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Understanding investors and funding]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Commentators, politicians and professional advisers often apply labels to different types of investor: angels, VCs and private equity. The purpose of this article is to set out in simple terms the cast of potential investors and to explain the meaning and relevance of various commonly used jargon.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:11:57 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/equity-finance/understanding-investors-and-funding/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <guid isPermaLink="false">ef5312fd-5646-4499-8c5e-32d74fb7073d</guid>
  <title><![CDATA[Projecting start-up costs for a new business]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[The majority of new businesses fail within five years, many because they make too little money and spend too much. In the early years, maintaining tight control of costs and knowing exactly what needs to be spent is essential. Business owners that don’t know how much they will be spending each week risk significant trouble if costs suddenly spiral out of control. Projecting start-up costs in the short and long-term is essential to building a profitable and sustainable business.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:22:45 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/start-up-financing/projecting-start-up-costs-for-a-new-business/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[OPINION: Power to the people - give alternative lending a chance]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[The current economic climate, as well as the future of the economy, doesn’t make for good reading and naturally, this has a significant impact on the success of the UK’s 4.5m SMEs – the backbone of the British economy. Conditions are definitely tough for SMEs and one of the main reasons is that small businesses are either being refused loans or they are not asking for credit because they are being cautious in light of the economic environment. ]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:08:12 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/power-to-the-people--give-alternative-lending-a-ch/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[EVENT COVERAGE: Angel Talk - Find out what angel investors really want]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Dreamstake’s Angel Talk event bought an audience of startups and entrepreneurs to the Club Workspace venue at The Leathermarket on Wednesday 13th March.

Paul and Marina, the Dreamstake dream team, put together a fine hat-trick of speakers. Three Angel Investors - Charlotte Mason, Tony Kypreos and Judy Piatkus - took to the Leathermarket’s stage to share their knowledge.

]]></description>
  <pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:06:50 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/equity-finance/event-coverage--angel-talk---find-out-what-angel-i/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Alternative sources of business growth finance]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Talk to any business owner or read the business section of any newspaper and you’re likely to come across stories of struggles to access sufficient finance to grow or maintain their business. But we are beginning to witness a change in how business owners access finance with many now actively seeking out alternative sources.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:08:26 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/alternative-sources-of-business-growth-finance-/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[ANALYSIS: The financial benefits of a Renminbi link to UK SMEs]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[After a recent two-day visit to Beijing, Chancellor George Osborne announced bold plans to establish London as an offshore trading centre for the Chinese Renminbi, bringing widespread opportunities to British businesses. ]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:59:43 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/the-benefits-of/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <guid isPermaLink="false">eeb6964a-37a2-4dd4-bd6f-28ce221bf7a6</guid>
  <title><![CDATA[Simple tips for buying business travel better]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[For the majority of SMEs, buying business travel often finds itself at the bottom of the to-do list. Due to time constraints on smaller companies, regularly there is no structure or policy in place and is frequently an impulsive purchase. If an employee needs to take a trip, the common practice is to simply head online and search for the best flight and a suitable hotel. The general consensus being, it’s cheaper than having a dedicated travel manager, and most manage to book personal holidays just fine. ]]></description>
  <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:36:12 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/simple-tips-for-buying-business-travel-better/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Working capital matters, regardless of your size]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[In the current climate of economic uncertainty, as projects are postponed and payment terms extended, banks remain reluctant to lend to businesses. For SMEs, this means finding new ways to raise capital. Looking internally and adopting a sustainable approach to working capital has become the optimal way to lay down the foundations for future growth.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:21:44 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/working-capital-matters,-regardless-of-your-size/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[How does Quantitive Easing work and will it make a difference to SMEs?]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[The UK’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is determined to inject as much as £100bn into the economy, with a further £50-75bn in February 2012. Jamie Jemmeson of Global Reach Partners looks at how this is likely to help the country's SME sector.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:52:47 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/how-does-qe-work-/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[OPINION: Risk capital for hire: a guide to royalty funding]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[The aim of this article is to make the case for a fresh approach to small and medium-size enterprise financing, particularly the so-called equity gap. It proposes an instrument termed royalty funding, which would enable owner-managers to hire risk capital, rather than be hired by it.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:42:44 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/equity-finance/opinion--risk-capital-for-hire--a-guide-to-royalty/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Legal issues when dealing with investors]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Securing significant investment is often crucial for a business’s development and survival. However, entrepreneurs shouldn’t be afraid to hold out for the right deal on the right terms. Even where the broad commercial deal appears favourable, businesses should make sure that the legal language in any transaction documentation doesn’t create long-term problems.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:49:34 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/equity-finance/legal-issues-when-dealing-with-investors/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Let’s take control and stop relying on the banks...]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Ten years ago, a small business owner might reasonably expect to visit the local bank manager and – assuming the business was fairly healthy - negotiate a loan or an overdraft. But that was before the series of calamitous events that have hit the global economy and changed the financial industry forever.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:29:40 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/business-banking/let-s-take-control-and-stop-relying-on-the-banks--/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Case study: Every saved penny counts for businesses says SMEDiscounts]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Former chartered accountant Andries Smit has always had an eye for a good business model. He started his first business age 14 and has since started 15 more, in sectors as broad as retail, consultancy, training, property, accountancy, investing and ecommerce. ]]></description>
  <pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:12:18 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/every-saved-penny-counts-for-businesses-says-smedi/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <guid isPermaLink="false">94b82d59-9e23-44fc-b504-0e4916cd7873</guid>
  <title><![CDATA[Alternative methods of raising funds]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Business growth has traditionally been financed by banks, venture capitalists or angel investors. But sometimes the traditional route is not always ideal. Nowadays the potential funding opportunities have diversified. If your company is struggling to raise finance, consider looking for an alternative method of funding to get the cash you need to growth.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:00:57 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/start-up-financing/alternative-methods-of-raising-funds/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Sources of start-up finance]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[All businesses need money to get off the ground, but the way in which you raise this money is very important. There are numerous routes to access finance, all of which come with their own advantages and disadvantages.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:40:04 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/start-up-financing/sources-of-start-up-finance/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Common mistakes when making investor presentations]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Pitching to investors can be one of the most nerve wracking situations around, but it’s important to retain your cool and stay on target to get the best chance of securing that important investment. Avoid these errors in order to bolster your chances.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:37:22 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/start-up-financing/common-mistakes-made-when-making-investor-presenta/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Investing your own money into your business]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Investing your own money into your business is an option taken by many entrepreneurs. There are a number of ways to invest – from savings and remortgages to selling valuable assets.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:31:29 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/start-up-financing/investing-your-own-money-into-your-business/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Raising money from friends and family]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Start-up finance from friends and family is a popular way to kick-start a business; favourable terms and flexible repayment schedules are often just what entrepreneurs need when trying to get off to a good start.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:26:51 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/start-up-financing/raising-money-from-friends-and-family/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Applying for a Government grant]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Government grants are growing in popularity; with funding available for a range of projects and in different geographic areas, small businesses no longer have to feel limited by traditional ways of raising capital. Applying for a Government grant is easy and can be very cost-effective.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:23:43 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/small-business-grants/applying-for-a-government-grant/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <guid isPermaLink="false">96dcb7d6-5af8-480f-956d-f4163169af46</guid>
  <title><![CDATA[Guide to small business grants]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Small business grants are available from both government-sponsored funds and also private organisations such as charities and Regional Development Agencies. They are typically for small amounts but offer very attractive repayment terms – in many cases the grant is a gift that doesn’t need to be repaid. ]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:04:19 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/small-business-grants/guide-to-small-business-grants/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <guid isPermaLink="false">eec21a8e-9c3b-4ad2-abc9-ae7732a88478</guid>
  <title><![CDATA[How to negotiate with investors]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Learning to negotiate with investors will help you secure the best possible deal for your business. Your investor will try to strike a hard bargain – remaining strong but being flexible is key to success.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:28:11 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/equity-finance/how-to-negotiate-with-investors/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <guid isPermaLink="false">01862ae7-d034-48c2-9cde-740e02ab0f76</guid>
  <title><![CDATA[Guide to venture capital]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Venture capital provides significant investments – upwards of £2,000,000 – to high-potential businesses capable of rapid growth. This investment is made in exchange for an ownership of company shares.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:23:05 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/equity-finance/guide-to-venture-capital/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <guid isPermaLink="false">293fca62-73d4-4bf7-a53c-37fb3114f472</guid>
  <title><![CDATA[Guide to equity finance]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Private equity provides businesses with finance in exchange for a proportion of the business, most often in the form of shares. It is a popular method of financing because private investors often provide support and guidance in addition to capital. ]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:20:03 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/equity-finance/guide-to-equity-finance/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Guide to angel investors]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Angel investors provide significant amounts of capital to start-ups and established businesses in exchange for an equity share of the business – they can also provide advice and industry contacts, but may want a say in the company’s future decisions.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:16:48 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/equity-finance/guide-to-angel-investors/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <guid isPermaLink="false">91653e58-a913-4889-abe9-ccca78e4009a</guid>
  <title><![CDATA[CAMPARI: preparing a business bank loan application]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, bank loans are an important source of funding, whether to fulfil orders, employ staff or finance patent protection applications. This guide uses a well-known acronym to help you fully prepare for a loan application and maximise your chances of receiving capital.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:06:59 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/business-banking/campari--preparing-for-a-business-bank-loan-applic/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <guid isPermaLink="false">0f2269b5-8681-4967-ab14-9a64f7f69250</guid>
  <title><![CDATA[Choosing the right business bank account]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Choosing the right business bank account is essential. Bank accounts differ in the facilities offered, borrowing costs and your relationship with the institution. Make the right decision and your account will serve you well as you grow and grow.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:01:33 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/business-banking/choosing-the-right-business-bank-account/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Why banks reject loan applications]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Many entrepreneurs looking for bank loans have been turned away. There are many reasons why banks reject loan applications; some are easy to fix whilst others may take a substantial amount of time and energy.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:55:47 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/business-banking/why-banks-reject-loan-applications/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[How to apply for a business bank loan]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[This guide gives you the lowdown on what to expect when applying for a business bank loan. It starts with the preparation stage to ensure you’re fully prepared to walk into a bank and impress the bank manager so much that your application succeeds and you receive the capital required.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:50:38 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/business-banking/how-to-apply-for-a-business-bank-loan/?feed=channel]]></link>
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  <title><![CDATA[Guide to business bank loans]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[Business bank loans offer entrepreneurs and small businesses access to commercial finance. Whilst they are not the only source of funding they are one of the most popular. This guide gives you the lowdown on how they work and how to apply for one.]]></description>
  <pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:46:48 GMT</pubDate>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.inspiresme.co.uk/finance/business-banking/guide-to-business-bank-loans/?feed=channel]]></link>
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