With the rise and adaption of mobile communication and browsing technology, consumer habits have also changed. Increasing numbers of people ‘shop on the go’ – they don’t want to go to different stores and shops to get what they need if they can see what is available on a little screen.

Why should you try fusion retailing?

Fusion retailing allows consumers to mix and match goods and services depending on what they require. As the high street evolves, large retail outlets such as Debenhams, House of Fraser and Next will have to meet changing consumer demand, otherwise they will disappear.

It also means that smaller independent stores will increasingly find more opportunity to develop and flourish in the gaps which will inevitably appear.

What is a fusion business?

Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury are all examples of a fusion store which has evolved from small independent chains of grocery stores into megalith retailers. Thousands of products and services all of which are linked by a single thread – everything a consumer needs under one roof for under their roof.

A fusion business is one that sells many products and services all of which are connected by a single thread. However, the aforementioned examples do not sell a wide selection of specialist goods and services. This is why over the next few years, small independent stores that are able to fill in the gaps, will be able to build up a loyal following, transforming the high street in the process.

Innovation

It is better to have a fusion business because you can get creative and let your imagination run wild as much as you want. Fusion business can hold your ideas together without ripping apart at the seams. For example – when you want to have pottery next to kitchen utensils it is possible because it can fall under one theme: home and lifestyle.

Loyalty

When you are a one-stop provider, most likely your customers will use your brand for everything he orshe needs than transfer to another business. Even if the other goods/services the consumer needs from you is priced higher than another competitor, the most likely scenario is that he/she will stick with you.

How to do it?

Think of a business plan with a singular theme. Then, you can combine eclectic products and services that harmonise well and centre around that particular theme. Example of themes can be beauty, fashion, or lifestyle. It is up to you what goods/services you want for your fusion business

There is no time like the present. Fusion retailing is a developing trend which has great potential.

The high street has exciting times ahead.

Our team at Genie Lending are dealing with a wide range of business and retail enquiries each week. We’d love to speak with you – so fill out our enquiry form or give us a call today.

The post What is Fusion Retailing and Should You Try it? appeared first on Genie Lending: Business Loan Alternative Finance Specialists.

But will all go downhill from here? Trade deals are integral in sustaining industries from raw material manufacturers to suppliers, but how will Brexit dictate the economic balance of the UK-EU partnership?

Currency at stake?

The pound was overvalued before the Brexit vote, which is why so many speculators and those in the know made a fortune betting against the pound.

Typically, the value of a currency is in part affected by the consensus of its economic current and future standing. Some experts had, before the leave vote, analysed the post-Brexit landscape and subsequently made the prediction that it will preempt a ‘slowing down’ of the economy.

However, these are probably the same ‘experts’ who predicted half a million job losses, an emergency budget and an extra £3,500 a year cost to every household in the UK should we vote to leave the EU.

Customs and trade?

Once the UK leaves the EU, it has to leave the customs union and take back control of the national economy once and for all. In practice, this could mean little difference to how things operate now. German carmakers, French wine producers and service companies which own significant stakes in our infrastructure will not stop trading with us overnight. It is not in their interests to block trade, neither is it our interest to reciprocate.

Countries such as Canada, the United States – in fact, any country which is not in or going to apply for membership of the EU trades freely with the EU. Why should the case be any different for the UK post-Brexit leave date?

What does the future hold in store?

Although Brexit will mean the UK is formally leaving the EU, under article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, the UK is still allowed to renegotiate a new trade relationship with the EU within a minimum of two years.

It is in the interests of the governments of the countries of the EU that a new trade deal is developed. However, the current mindset of some business owners, trade associations and, sadly, many of our elected representatives and unelected peers is one of defeatism and failure.

To sum it up, the future of trade between the UK and the rest of Europe will carry on with little effect. If there is any slight downside, that will be more than compensated by our new freedom to trade freely with other nations without the shackles of a protectionist treaty holding us back.

Business opportunities will be thriving in specific areas after Brexit has happened. We will undoubtedly be pleased to speak with you regarding any commercial finance enquiry. So contact us today with your requirement.

The post How Will Brexit Affect UK Trade Deals? appeared first on Genie Lending: Business Loan Alternative Finance Specialists.

Do some research – then do some more

Study the broker behind the business sale. The name of the broker behind the investment doesn’t have to be a big name BUT, a big brand broker backing a startup business certainly adds kudos and offers credibility to their client’s potential financial future.

Read and re-read the prospectus

Take a look over the company prospectus in detail. It will offer deep insight to:

• Who is running the company
• The company’s target market

There will often be substantial detail in the document. It will help you gain a much clearer picture of the risk versus the reward and help you decide between the following.

Caution wins the day

Anyone who wants to make money will always have to take some risk. Weigh up the pros and cons. Don’t be taken in by the promise of quick returns. If it sounds too good to be true, then it almost always is.

Set realistic targets

Be careful not to over-estimate your potential returns. It can be human nature to be overly-optimistic with such investments.

In the same way, returns on your investment, especially if the investment is with a new company, may come slowly. You should be aware that the failure rate with new companies is high, so factor this into your calculations.

Exit strategy

Think about at what stages you would be happy to sell or exit the business investment. It’s prudent to map out various scenarios in advance.

Finally

Your best resource in any investment is a financial adviser. He or she will be able to advise on the risk and reward.

Investing can be challenging, exciting and stressful but at the same time has the potential to be highly rewarding. As long as you prepare and research, risk can be substantially reduced, and the reward can be life changing for the better.

Our experienced team have the skills to obtain your funding requirements. Simply complete our Enquiry Form to see how Genie Lending can help you

The post How to Invest in Companies appeared first on Genie Lending: Business Loan Alternative Finance Specialists.

Of course, launching a new business of your own can seem like a daunting prospect, especially for those with little or no experience in the sector in which they want to make their mark. Here’s a quick rundown of some basic steps you should take in order to make your entrepreneurial endeavours a success in 2018.

Draw up a business plan

First things first –do your homework. Put pen to paper and create a comprehensive outline of what your business will offer its customers, which demographic that target market comprises and who will be behind the wheel.

You’ll also need to analyse the current competition in the marketplace and identify unique selling points (USPs) which set your enterprise apart. Furthermore, you should make an estimation of how much capital you’ll need to get things off the ground and your overheads for the first few years. Those with limited experience in their chosen market may want to seek support from a savvy mentor here, since getting your sums right is all-important for the next step.

Get funding

Unless you have a sizable amount of capital to play with from the get-go, you’re almost definitely going to need some financial backing to get your project started. Your detailed business plan will prove invaluable here; convincing a bank or building society to invest in your potential is so much easier if you can prove you know what you’re doing and you’re equipped to succeed.

On the other hand, even the best prepared business plan might be given the red light by banks in the current economic climate. If that happens to you, don’t despair: non-banking loans are more popular than ever before and there are a range of alternative finance options to consider. The rise and rise of peer to peer funding and crowdfunding open up investment to a small group rather than a centralised bank, for example.

Craft an attractive online presence

Whether you plan to open a five-star restaurant or a web design company, you’re going to need an online presence to attract attention and establish credibility. In this modern age, if people can’t Google your business and access a webpage dedicated to its products and services, they’re not going to spend a single second before moving on to the most convenient competitor.

Devote time and resources to creating a user-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing website which will dazzle all comers and turn prospects into customers. This may take significant time, energy and money initially, but it’ll be worth its weight in gold once you’re up and running. The smallest enterprise in the industry can be successful operating out of a bedroom or garage – but not if it doesn’t have a corner of cyberspace to call its own.

Push the button!

Once you’ve laid the groundwork and your project is ready to launch, go for it! Just be mindful to avoid resting on your laurels and taking your foot off the accelerator – you’ll need to be constantly monitoring your performing and looking for new ways to grow your business if it is to truly flourish. Put in the hard yards, however, and the rewards will come rolling in.

The post How to Start a Business in 2018 appeared first on Genie Lending: Business Loan Alternative Finance Specialists.

Finance is a barrier for many businesses, but a lack of cash shouldn’t hold you back. In fact, the majority of companies wouldn’t have achieved success unless they borrowed money to grow. In order to expand and flourish, you require a funding solution which allows you to purchase the type of property you need – shops, retail units, farm buildings or industrial warehouses.

So is it really possible to buy a commercial property without help from the bank? Yes.

Commercial mortgages from the high street banks

A commercial mortgage is a bank loan which is intended to be used for purchasing a business property. A general business loan will have lower lending limits than a commercial mortgage. This type of mortgage differs from a residential mortgage, and you will likely need a large cash deposit as commercial mortgages tend to cover 70% of the property price.

As always, when borrowing from high street lenders the level of risk is measured precisely and if any factor falls slightly outside the risk profile, the mortgage application will be refused.  It is becoming very difficult to obtain any loan from a bank, especially a mortgage.

Other options to Buy a Commercial Property

Almost all businesses require some sort of premises, whether it’s an office or a factory. If you need to purchase commercial property for your business, or you want to buy a business which is for sale such as a B&B or a restaurant, then you don’t always have to rely on the high street banks.

The finance market has changed drastically over the last decade, allowing loan brokers and alternative finance providers to offer a range of alternate solutions. They explore funding streams to offer businesses commercial mortgages to companies that would typically get refused a loan from the bank. Alternative finance providers offer tailored solutions to fit your business, whether it’s development funding, a bridging loan or a traditional commercial mortgage.

If you need to purchase a commercial property and would like to discuss the options available to you, call our business finance managers on 012020 868843.

The post How to Buy a Commercial Property without a Bank Loan appeared first on Genie Lending: Business Loan Alternative Finance Specialists.