Services for Growing Businesses
Startups
From personal experience Continuum understands the challenges facing start up companies. This is why our clients appreciate us and our ability to work closely alongside them.
You've had the idea and the courage to set your own company up. You possess all the technical skills and commitment necessary to provide the product or service you specialise in, but don't know where to begin to tackle the legal and financial minefield involved in getting a new business off the ground.
The time and money spent in dealing with these start up aspects can set you back several months. Wouldn’t it be great if you could pass these headaches on to a trusted ally whilst you deliver what you’re good at?
That’s where Continuum comes in! We provide the practical help and advice crucial to the set up and future development of your business.
The accumulation of many years of experience in business start-ups allows us to support you through this phase and beyond.
Most importantly, we recognise that it is at precisely this stage that your funds are most stretched. As such, we will not get the stopwatch out and start charging you there and then for every minute of time. Rather, we will seek to provide a flexible solution that most suits your needs. This could take the form of a fixed fee, a deferred fee, a contingent fee or even equity in lieu of cash.
Our broad experience allows us to state with confidence that guidance on any or all of the following at the outset will greatly enhance the chances of business success:
Optimisation of board and shareholding structures
It is absolutely essential to get this right from the start. Many a business owner has subsequently regretted their initial shareholding structure or has struggled with a disappointing mix of skills. Getting these vital early decisions correct will ultimately lead to far greater wealth.
One way of mitigating potential problems down the line is to ensure that watertight shareholder agreements and service contracts are put in place.
Preparation of business plans
Even if you do not require a business plan for fund raising purposes, your business is certain to benefit from an internal business plan. Your internal plan will be the map that describes how your business is going to succeed and the strategies that will be used to get there.
All reliable research demonstrates that having an internal business plan is vital to business success. A recent study of small companies found that those with a business plan have an average of 50% more revenue and profit growth than those without one.
Registration procedures and legal aspects
It is an unavoidable fact that a raft of paperwork and compliance is involved at start up stage. As a minimum, registration with the HM Revenue & Customs will be required. The formal purchase of the company name along with all the forms regarding directors, issue of shares, etc. will have to be filed with Companies House. Having clear concise terms and conditions of trade drawn up from the outset help significantly to avoid potential disputes down the line. If employing staff, suitable employment contracts and staff handbooks should also be in force from the start.Finance and fund raising
You may need to borrow money to finance your business venture. In this case, advice on potential funding sources and a business plan tailored to the expectations of the proposed funding source will be needed. If funding is not required, choosing the right banking relationship is still an important consideration.We have excellent relationships with banks and other funding providers.
Tax planning
Good tax planning has the potential to be a lucrative wealth creator for both a business and an individual. Don't pay what you don't have to!Systems and reporting
It is important to any business that the correct financial reporting disciplines are introduced from day one. In addition to the selection and installation of a relevant day to day accounting package, it is imperative that a suitable reporting package is designed that will provide all the vital information necessary to aid decision making and run the business.In addition to the above, our Vitesse business start up accelerator product can provide a full turnkey solution, helping you by taking care of many more aspects such as…
- IT specification and procurement
- Insurance
- Marketing
- Recruitment
- Property rental or purchase
- Website design
Vitesse takes all the worry out of setting up and gives you the best chance of making your business a success from day one.
Continuum can also provide all your ongoing financial requirements going forward such as payroll, management accounting, annual accounts, taxation, etc.
This leaves you free to concentrate on what you do best - making the most of your own vision and skills.