Case Studies

Below are just a selection of the testimonials received from some of our satisfied clients.

In each case, the individuals are quite happy to be contacted directly if you wish to find out more information on how Continuum are helping them to build bigger and better businesses.

Rowland Dexter – Managing Director QGate Software Limited

“We had overstretched ourselves in terms of building a large infrastructure before having the necessary revenue streams to support such a cost base. Consequently, we incurred large losses and a strain on cashflow that was very nearly fatal. I had known Brian Green from a few years previously when he helped us first set up the company and I asked if he would be willing to take a look at our situation. Brian very quickly concluded that the core business and, in particular, our reputation for excellent innovation and customer service were still strong and, as such, the problems were eminently fixable.

Continuum very quickly sourced business angel funding of £180,000 and negotiated the requisite facilities with our bankers. Concurrently, they set about guiding us through the necessary restructuring path. The prime objective was to very quickly get the fixed cost base aligned with the level of sales activity and we managed this in only a few months via a mixture of office consolidation, some necessary redundancies and a move to greater performance related pay for senior staff.

I am delighted to say that we are now on course to report profits of over a quarter of a million this current year with positive cashflow of the same magnitude. We now no longer have any need for an overdraft facility and I certainly didn’t think I’d ever be saying that again at one stage!

The thing that impressed me as much as anything else was that Brian was willing to put his own head on the line by becoming a director from the outset. This was clearly a huge risk for him but it gave us confidence in that it demonstrated his belief in the ability to turn things around.

Brian continues as our non executive Finance Director and Continuum take care of all the day to day financial aspects of our business. Knowing that this side of our business is in safe hands allows the rest of us to concentrate on building our core business which continues to go from strength to strength.” 

Rowland can be contacted at QGate Software on 08700 - 603255.

Alison Quill – Managing Director Brightminds Limited

“Brightminds was reaching a crossroads. We had proved that our proposition was successful but required investment to take the business forward.

Continuum put together a deal that provided us with new business angel funding of £250,000. The bulk of this was then utilised to buy certain of the trade and assets of a complimentary mail order business, thereby enabling us to achieve the necessary critical mass.

Continuum played a crucial role in the whole process including the integration of the two businesses and, in particular, the interface between the various banks and funders. I believe that we have the absolute confidence of these parties now largely as a result of the comprehensive reporting system that Continuum introduced. Certainly, I now have a complete handle on how every aspect of the business is performing at any given time.

Such is my satisfaction in Continuum, I have now asked Brian Green to remain on, even though the integration is now complete, as our ‘Virtual Finance Director’. Not only does this enable me to have absolute confidence in the smooth running of our finance function, I also know I have an invaluable sounding board day and night as well as the ability for the company to benefit from Continuum’s extensive network of contacts.

However, dear to the heart of a small business such as ours is the knowledge that because we have agreed to work with them on a fixed monthly retainer basis, I can contact Brian as often as I like in the knowledge that it won’t cost any more!

I would genuinely recommend that every company should make this investment.”

Alison can be contacted at Brightminds on 01761 – 438472.

Simon Woollard – Founder and Managing Director Purple Communications Ltd

“I invented a completely new product, the Paple, in the stationery and ad speciality field. Having left my job to form Purple Communications to develop and promote Paples, I very quickly discovered just how difficult it is in this country for start up businesses to obtain funding. Many was the time that I was on the verge of just giving it all up and returning to the rat race.

Then my accountant recommended Continuum as people who may be able to help. Inspired by Brian Green’s infectious enthusiasm, we put together a business plan that would not only appeal to potential backers, but also made me aware of many things I hadn’t thought of at all that would have seriously impacted any business if not addressed. Equally important were the contacts provided by Continuum’s network. This enabled me to appoint several high level businessmen with relevant experience to serve as non executive directors for Purple Communications. Brian also agreed to act as our non executive Finance Director.

As a result of the above, I’m delighted to say that we have procured the necessary bank funding. Ironically, we now have interest from a couple of business angels as well!

Of course, getting the funding is only the first step on what will undoubtedly be a long road. However, because of the team I now have around me, I am able to approach the future with far more confidence than I otherwise could have done.

And do you know one of the best things? Continuum worked all the time on a contingent fee basis. In other words, they only received a fee once the funding was procured. That gave me the belief that they really believed in the company when most had given up.

We now work on a monthly retainer basis enabling me to have access to Continuum’s input as and when required. This is an ideal way for me to operate as I’m no financial whiz myself!

Simon can be contacted at Purple Communications on 01428 – 648842.