Let’s Celebrate Local!

By Chris Horgan, director of Finance for Entrepreneurs, Commercial Finance Brokerage, based in Swindon which supports business owners with their commercial funding needs.

How are you feeling about your business? 

It’s an exciting time, which sounds a bit weird given the last six months. Opportunities are starting to come to the fore and some service offerings are on the horizon.

How are you feeling about business in general? 

There are signs of some form of “normality” if we can use that word any more. What has been very interesting is the increase in collaboration of businesses. Just like pockets of local communities have come together to help each other, the business community of Swindon has done the same, with signs of growth in some instances which is amazing to see.

Tell us how you now apply this phrase to your business and/or life ‘buy local supply local’. 

What has become paramount in buying decisions, both business to business and consumer purchasing, is that high level of personability and person to person interaction from local SMEs and retailers which you can’t get from a corporation or online.

What has changed for you positively as a result of lockdown? 

I have taken some time to invest in me, which has been great. Spending time with the family has probably big the biggest change, no more working weekends and just appreciating the simpler things even being able to go for a quick pint on a random Friday is a great feeling!

Tell us what makes a ‘good’ local business. 

It’s always been about the personal experience, about the business knowing the customer (the go0d and the bad) and making you feel appreciated as a customer.

Can you name a local independent business which you support around food & drink? 

There’s been a few, from our local Britannia Kebab shop, to the Greek Olive and the Khyber. It’s been  great to support our local Working Men’s Club the Westcott Club since their re-opening in August.

https://www.thegreekolive.co.uk

Can you name a local independent business which you support around health, wellbeing or fitness? 

John from JL Mindset and Performance has been a great source of knowledge and support for a number of people I know especially with his Mental Health First Aid training which has been imperative during these times.

https://www.jlmindsetperformance.co.uk

Is there any other local business you'd like to recognise? 

I would like to mention Nanogreen Cleaning, they have continued to support the local community through their work with the local authority and their care homes and sheltered accommodation while continuing their focus on social and environmental impact. Craig Duff and his team have been immense in their continued efforts and I know they are too modest so I’ll shout about it while I can!

www.nanogreen.co.uk

Can you shout out to any local suppliers you wish to celebrate? 

This is really tricky…Smarter Media and specifically Robert Curtis, has been a tremendous help during lockdown keeping me on my toes with SEO and digital marketing needs of my business. 

And there is Mike, from Optimum Professional Services as always has been an asset to my business regarding his accounting advice and keeping it on the straight and narrow - https://www.optps.co.uk

Can you name one person in business who has really had your back over recent months?  

I’d love to say there has been only one, but thankfully, I have seen a great network of support from a network of great business owners and friends. When you are an owner and operator in a busines it can be difficult juggling all these hats and life kind of gets on top of you, but being able to pick up the phone or in my case receive the odd abusive text (with some hidden love) it brightens up the day and allows you to keep on trucking.

Can you name on person in your life who has really helped you during this time? 

My biggest support has been my wife Kate, it’s easy to take for granted what you have at home when you’re consumed in your business every day and just knowing that when you walk in the door there’s a list of jobs to take your mind right off your troubles…I joke, but it is difficult going through what has been a tremendously difficult time for all business owners and their families but she’s been there every step of the way and kept me sane through it all.

What are your business plans for Q4? 

Finance for Entrepreneurs will soon be launching a bespoke “Outsourced Funding Solution” designed for advisory firms such as accountants, financial planners etc, so watch this space!

Any special offers you’d like to mention? 

Since March I have been offering funding reviews for business who have been denied or not yet applied for any of the business interruption loans which has been a free service.  The deadlines are looming and so the offer is still available, whether it be a distanced coffee, zoom or an email, I’m here to help!

For more information visit www.financeforentrepreneur.co.uk