A recently established DIY store has reported a strong start to trading after receiving backing from alternative lending provider Finance For Enterprise.
Sales expert Richard Chapman and experienced locksmith Mike Skinn have worked alongside each other for more than 12 years. When the owner of the business they worked for announced plans to retire, the duo began exploring the possibility of acquiring the business. However, they were unable to reach terms and, after seeking out advice, they decided to launch a new venture from scratch.
When they discovered a unit at Immingham’s Kennedy Way Shopping Centre was available, they decided to put their plans into action.
Working with experienced business lending manager Jane Cusse, the duo successfully secured Start Up Loan funding.
Since opening, Immingham Hardware attracts between 60 to 100 visitors each day.
Richard Chapman said: “We knew the combination of a traditional DIY store alongside locksmith services was a winning formula, and when we spotted suitable premises to run the business from, we felt it would be the perfect opportunity to put our plans into practice. We spent quite a bit of time planning and explored a number of different scenarios, including possibly acquiring an existing company or starting a new company from scratch.
“However, it didn’t really matter which avenue we explored, we realised that additional finance would be needed, and we knew that without any previous experience of running a business, it was likely to be a challenge to secure it. We were introduced to Finance For Enterprise by a business adviser; Jane listened to our ideas and helped us to secure the vital finance we needed.”
Jane Cusse, business lending manager at Finance For Enterprise, added: “Businesses operating in the retail sector typically need to invest significant amounts of money to secure the stock their business needs, as well as kitting out new premises. In many cases it can be difficult to secure finance from traditional high street lenders, however they spent time working Paul Slade at Efactor to discuss and develop their plans and he suggested that Finance For Enterprise may be able to help them access the finance they needed.
“The Start Up Loan scheme was created specifically to help new entrepreneurs, and although Richard and Mike’s business is a new one, they’re no strangers to the industry they work in. They put together a strong business plan to support their application. I’m confident that their business has an exciting future ahead of it.”