How my business benefited
Since October 2009, businesses from across the North East have taken part in our series of free finance workshops. Here's what representatives from some of these businesses had to say.
Tony Gair
Remotely Useful Community Interest Company
Home energy efficiency
“I now have a clear knowledge and understanding of Profit and Loss and knowing what makes banks more likely to provide finance to a business.”
Michelle Harrison
PMH Interiors Ltd
Manufacturers of bespoke furniture and high end joinery
“Before completing the workshops, I would never have felt confident enough to apply for more finance but now I feel more able.”
Daniel McKenzie
I Want A Computer Ltd
Specialists in high performance machines, the gaming market, designing and engineering sectors
“Because I now have a foundation of knowledge learned on the sessions, it has given me the confidence and capability to be able to handle much bigger contracts.”
Richard Furze
Consett Popcorn Company
Creators of gourmet popcorn
"The workshops enabled me to talk in a coherent and sensible way to potential investors, lenders and our accountant regarding our financial plans."
Michal Czubinski
Mate Creative
Graphic Design Company
“We secured a large contract very early on, but after this came to an end, I knew I needed to expand the business – and my own knowledge of finance – in order for the company to survive.”
Amanda Rylander
Three Score Years and Ten
Care services for the elderly
“The confidence and skills I’ve gained during the course have been invaluable. We are now tendering for bigger contracts and now I feel much more able to take on this challenge.”
Mark Knott
Skills 4 U
Training company, offering new skills and education to disadvantaged youngsters
“As a social enterprise, the company relies heavily on accessing funding to survive, so good financial reporting and record-keeping are critical.”
Paul Alderson
WonderStuffStudio
Newcastle based design agency
“I had plans for expansion but no financial knowledge to back them up. The course seemed like the perfect opportunity to gain the knowledge I needed – and even better, it was all free.”
Del Greco
NightOutGroup
Social promotion network
“After attending all five of the Understanding Finance workshops, I was able to turn my business dreams into a dream business.”
Graham Prior
Ideal Dimensions
Landscape architectural design consultancy
“The Understanding Finance workshops have helped me turn my business ambitions into reality.”
