Background – Supporting a growing creative business during lockdown
One of the things we love about working with small businesses across the UK is the varied and different types of industries we get the pleasure of working with. Petites Properties, a manufacturer and supplier of dolls houses and model railway buildings and accessories, is one that ASC had the pleasure of supporting recently. The business is operated by a stellar husband and wife team and came to us because they needed new business premises after outgrowing their current workshop space during lockdowns. One of the positives of the Covid lockdowns was the number of people taking up new hobbies, which meant that the business really expanded its operations.
Challenges – Securing finance for a unique property purchase
With ASC’s support, the client was able to successfully purchase a Grade 2 disused Church to use as its premises – a significant upgrade from the large shed in their garden they had previously been using! Given the property’s previous use as a church, the client needed to get planning permission (which can sometimes affect finance applications). This was made even more difficult in this case, as the local authorities kept suggesting that different councils needed to approve. With our expertise, local knowledge and contacts, we were able to guide the client through the process.
Solution – Expert guidance through complex finance and planning hurdles
Even though the requested finance presented more than the common hurdles, we were able to overcome them and complete the deal for our client. We are always pleased to see our clients’ businesses expanding and be able to take part in their growth.
Outcome – Expansion achieved and a thriving community space created
Our client was delighted that ASC was able to help them reach their goal of expanding their prosperous business, and will also open an art gallery at the front of the building to enhance the facilities for the local community. Our client comments, “Thank you for being able to secure finance for my expanding business, given the circumstances we all went through with COVID. Quite pleased with the service and the overall process and timings.”
At ASC, we are able to help individuals or businesses looking to grow or expand and provide the assistance they need to apply for business finance. We have been successful at doing this for over five decades, and therefore, we know the right people.
