Building bridges for the business community
Mar 3 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal
Name of business: Finance Tree Ltd.
Location: 16-18 Hood Street, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Line of business: A bridge between investors and entrepreneurs: Training, business planning and support to help manage finance in companies and raise investment.
Director: Jonathan Gold
How long have you been established?
Three years. We originally established in 2005 but re-organised into its current form after a management buyout in April 2008.
What have been the biggest achievements so far?
The delivery of a £1.5m investment-readiness training programme for companies in the North East. Over the past two years we have worked with over 1,200 companies and have held more than 70 seminars and workshops, helping businesses raise over £1m in additional finance.
What have been the biggest hurdles so far?
Completing the management buyout in April 2008 from NStar – now North East Finance.
Where do you go for advice?
Other entrepreneurs and anyone in the finance field who is an investor or runs a fund.
How is running the business different from the early days?
In my mind, we are still an ‘early’ stage business and I will work to keep that feeling alive, as it keeps us on our toes. I now spend more time with clients and the other difference is that I now feel we are a coherent team of 10 staff.
Have you met your financial targets?
So far we have, although I keep moving them upwards.
How do you attract sales?
By building and maintaining a good network of clients, stakeholder and other suppliers in the world of finance and business.
How has your business plan changed?
It has adapted to the constant change in the economy, although our goals and objectives are the same.
What does the future hold?
Expansion. I see difficult times and the recession as a place for opportunity.
Are you glad you did it?
Yes, I am content that I have made the right choice with my business.
The Next Step is run in conjunction with the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, which runs a mentoring programme to help people running growth businesses benefit from the wisdom of established entrepreneurs.
For more details about it, go to the website at www.entrepreneursforum.net.
