Becoming a successful angel
Angel investors are the most important source of capital for UK companies seeking up to £2 million in funding. This importance to the British economy is recognised by the government, which means that attractive tax breaks are available to business angels. Added to this, helping start-up ventures with money and mentoring can be satisfying and fun. If you have considered taking advantage of these tax incentives by making angel investments, or find the idea of providing capital to entrepreneurs – and the potential financial rewards of doing so – appealing, then your starting point should be How to Become a Business Angel.
Richard Hargreaves has 40 years' experience making investments in unquoted companies and as such is well placed to guide those who are new to the area through the process. He knows what to look for in potential deals, the risk-reward structure angels should demand, the times when legal advice must be taken and the pitfalls to be wary of. In a concise, readable manner, he provides practical guidance to all aspects of investing in unquoted companies and gives numerous invaluable case studies from real-life deals so you can see how angel investments work in practice. You will learn:
– Whether angel investing is right for you – How to find and assess opportunities – What investment terms angels require – How to manage investments you have made and resolve problems that arise – How to exit from investments – Lessons from real-life deals that went well, and badly, through detailed case studies
If you are looking to build a portfolio of investments in unquoted companies, wish to learn more about the technical side of investment, such as share capital structures and investors' legal rights, or wish to invest your capital in entrepreneurial ventures in the most effective for both you and the entrepreneurs, then this book is for you.
Private enterprises are essential to a nation's economy and society – yet without finance, or risk capital, they may never get off the ground. Lack of risk capital on suitable terms thus frustrates entrepreneurial ambition, and checks economic growth. And, just as damaging, the search for finance can lead companies and businesses into unsuitable funding arrangements – such as bank loans or equity deals with external investors – that burden them with excessive debt or limit the ability of managers to run the business. This book proposes a fresh solution to the search for risk capital that should suit enterprise and investor alike.
Ian Whalley begins by describing the rich inheritance of private enterprises and the financial systems which support them in major market economies. He looks at some serious problems which afflict many enterprises when they seek funding through conventional methods: from small and medium-size firms to major companies, providers of public services and diverse enterprises such as mutual and non-profit organisations. A common theme emerges – enterprises of all types struggle to obtain risk capital without taking on debt or compromising effective management control. The capital is necessary but the drawbacks are potentially fatal.
The book shows how the dual functions of equity – risk capital and ownership capital – can be separated and thus how risk finance can be raised without affecting the ownership or control of a company, and without traditional borrowing. The model for achieving this is royalty funding, a system grounded in the proven and familiar practice of licensing. Under this system enterprises pay for the invested risk capital by means of royalties on the sales revenues they achieve, rather than become debtors or partners to those who provide the funds. Royalty funding will benefit both those who own and manage enterprises and also the investors who receive a contractually committed return whilst maintaining the security of asset ownership in the event of a failure of the enterprise.
Whalley explains how royalty funding could be put into practice for a range of different enterprises, and draws some broad conclusions about the impact that royalty funding could have if used to finance business in the future.
Offering a compelling alternative that complements current financial models this is an essential read for anyone involved in establishing, running or investing in successful enterprises, as well as policymakers and academics.
"One of the most important economic thinkers of all time" – Paul Krugman
Milton Friedman changed the world. From free markets in China to the flat taxes of Eastern Europe, from the debate on drugs to interest rate policy, Friedman's skill for vivid argument and ideas led to robust and often successful challenges to a dizzying amount of received wisdom.
Relying on big-picture economic analysis and an insistent faith in human freedom, he took on the economic and political orthodoxies of his day – and if he didn't always win, he never failed to change the terms of the debate.
Rarely an uncontroversial figure, with his disciples and detractors to this day, this is neither a credulous nor a critical look at the Nobel laureate. A brand new guide, it simply sets out to explain his economic and public policy thinking in a straightforward and accessible way for the general reader and student.
Find out:
– how Friedman undermined Keynesianism and the prevailing wisdom of large-scale economic intervention – how he demonstrated the true cause of the Great Depression and identified its real culprits (they weren't the ones jumping out of the windows) – what Friedman believed really destroys the value of the money in your pocket and how it can be stopped – his arguments for why regulations and minimum- wage laws actually achieve lower standards and greater poverty – his reasons for why big corporations prefer markets that aren't free, and how high taxation harms the wealthy less than anyone else.
With more, too, on democracy, equality, global trade, education, public services and financial crises, this is a concise but comprehensive guide to the influence of a key 20th century thinker.
It is a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about the economist whose work changed everything.
'A HouseBeautiful Home Business' is for anyone who has a passion, skill or hobby involving interiors and an interest in turning this into a business. You may always have a home project on the go and dream of turning your talent for styling a room, sourcing unusual products or upcycling fabrics and furniture into a successful business. With clear steps, useful links and expert advice, this book is your essential guide to making that happen.
Become a Freelance Writer is a complete guide to the business of writing. Freelance editorial consultant, Rachael Oku, sheds light on the skills and attributes needed to become an in-demand freelancer. Offering a realistic outlook on getting ahead, Become a Freelance Writer provides a wealth of useful information and tips on how to build a successful brand while avoiding common pitfalls. Covering everything from budgeting and prioritising to pitching and reputation management, Become a Freelance Writer also explores the benefits of social media, email marketing and analytics software – advising how writers can leverage such tools to build an expansive audience and client base. Become a Freelance Writer is a must-read for any writer serious about taking their potential to the next level. With a no-nonsense approach that gets straight to the point, this book is written with the infamous George Orwell quote in mind: «If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.»
Are you trying to write a business plan, but struggling? Are you put off by lengthy business planning books which you tuck away on a bookshelf, before ever attempting to read them? If you are, don't despair. Here's the solution! Brightword Publishing's new practical guide My StartUp Plan can help you as an aspiring entrepreneur or a start-up company to get your ideas down on paper and plan for your business and its development. My StartUp Plan takes you through the nine key areas you need to consider when planning for a new or existing venture. Each chapter contains a series of prompting questions which encourage you to develop your ideas and plans for your new venture. The guide is easy to read and understand, and there's none of that business jargon!Not only will My StartUp Plan enable you to build your business plan quickly and pain-free, but it will also help you to avoid making common mistakes typical of business start-ups. My StartUp Plan has been written by two experienced business support practitioners who saw a need for a simple guide for their clients struggling with writing their first business plans. The book has already been tried and tested by a number of aspiring entrepreneurs, from 16 to 60 year olds, who claim that the experience was simple, quick, and pain-free! My StartUp Plan offers you the simple and smart way to build a business plan, so before your bookshelf collapses under the weight of yet another unused business planning book, get your hands on the hands-on toolkit which will help you get your business on the right track.
This is a practical and insightful book to give new business owners the tools to save money and become confident negotiators. Find out exactly what you want from each deal and the go out to get this in a considered, considerate way that protects and grows long term business relationships. Negotiation is an essential skill for business owners, one which is sometimes overlooked. The benefits of being able to negotiate well are significant and extend beyond business life. Besides being able to save money, you will be able to improve other aspects of your deals which may include payments, delivery, volumes, quality, you may get other benefits such as marketing support and you should gain some extra friends! Knowing exactly what you need to achieve and making a plan of how to go about it will certainly improve your confidence when dealing with suppliers, and will give you and your company a professional edge. This book takes you through all the steps necessary for good negotiation. Starting with some golden rules which ensure that you don't rush into a deal or make mistakes, we will to make sure you understand what you are wanting to achieve and then ensuring that you understand the needs of your supplier or customer to get to a 'win-win' situation. The book highlights the importance of building long term relationships and it gives tips on meetings, what to wear, language to use and body language to be aware of. You will learn: – How to carry out research into your market – How to find many ways to save money – To understand how to structure deals that will benefit you – To communicate clearly with your suppliers and customers – What to expect at business meetings – How to keep discussing a deal until it is right for you (and your supplier) – The importance of relationships – How to feel confident even in difficult situations – Negotiating skills you learn never fail to stand you in good stead when you are in discussions at home or work.
The UK handmade market is currently riding high as our attitudes to shopping and the products we want to buy are changing. With this change comes a new wave of manufacturers – small, local and talented. If you are a producer of handmade products, or you have a craft hobby and are thinking about taking the next step and wondering how to do it, then this book has the answers. In it you will find out: – How to turn your hobby into a small business – Where to sell your products, both on and offline – How to price your products – How to develop a unique and recognisable brand – Where to start with visual merchandising – How to use social media to market your business This book not only takes you through these points in no-nonsense plain English, but also has quirky craft activities to complete along the way. Jam-packed with top hints and tips from real-life crafty small business owners in the know, this book is essential reading for anyone looking to craft their way to success!
If you run a small business, then your customers are online. They search for products online, they assess stores and service providers online, and they buy online. So you and your business need an online presence; the time has long past when a business can afford to be without a website. Once your business has a website, you can't stop there. You need to invest time and energy in establishing your online presence so that your website and range of online marketing tactics work effectively. This is where 'The Small Business Guide to Online Marketing' comes in. This guide to setting up and growing your online presence tells you everything you need to know to get your business' online marketing started and then how to develop your approach with time. Lola Bailey begins by laying down the essential basics that you need in place before steadily building up to more advanced techniques. Jargon is carefully avoided and step-by-step worked examples illustrate the processes to follow. You will learn: – What internet marking is and how it drives sales – The importance of superior content – How to utilise online performance metrics – What SEO is and how to use it – The benefits of social media – How to use affiliate marketing – What to consider when optimising for mobile If you have up until now shied away from giving your business an online presence because of uncertainty about how to us internet marketing or its use for you, or if you have started to market online but would like to enhance your approach, 'The Small Business Guide to Online Marketing' is for you.
Technology is all around us. Mobile phones, computers, the internet, e-mail, satellite navigation – the list is endless. But are you making the most of technology in YOUR business? Whether you run a retail shop or a home based business, using the right technology can radically transform the way you operate, making you more efficient, saving you time and money, and inspiring you to push your business further. This eBook aims to introduce business owners to new technology tools which will enhance or even revolutionise the way you operate your business! Coupled with tips to make the best use of your new found tools, this eBook will supercharge you and launch your business into the techno-sphere. So what are you waiting for, lets plug in, log-on and get started…