Finance Focus

Ever wondered how debt finance can fuel rapid business growth without causing financial strain? In this bonus episode of the Finance Focus podcast, hosts Tracy Smart and Sam Jones welcome back Paul Sherratt, founder of the innovative retail brand gloveglu, to share expert insights into effectively using debt finance for scaling retail businesses. Paul reveals his key strategies, from keeping a clear and realistic business plan to creating an effective financial dashboard that tracks crucial metrics like revenue by channel and cash flow scenarios. The conversation also highlights common fundraising challenges, stressing the importance of accurately forecasting capital needs and understanding repayment terms to avoid financial pitfalls. (00:00) - Debt Finance Tips with Paul Sherratt (00:27) - Top Tip for Starting a Retail Brand (00:55) - Building and Using a Business Dashboard (01:43) - Scenario Planning with Float (02:26) - Fundraising Insights and Challenges Paul Sherratt: Founder and CEO of gloveglu, a global brand specialising in goalkeeper product innovation and care. With over 30 years of experience in the sporting goods industry, Paul has scaled gloveglu from a side project into a multinational business by leveraging debt finance, operational agility, and strategic insight.Finance Focus helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of finance. Each episode features expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions on topics such as crowdfunding, trade finance, angel investing and debt. Hosted by Tracy Smart from The Smart Team and Sam Jones from Satellite Finance.Connect with Tracy on LinkedInConnect with Sam on LinkedInFinance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Can you scale a global consumer brand without giving up equity? In this episode of Finance Focus, hosts Tracy Smart and Sam Jones speak with Paul Sherratt, founder of gloveglu, a fast-growing goalkeeping brand sold in over 55 countries. Paul shares his remarkable journey from pouring bottles at his kitchen table to running a business that now sells a product every 150 seconds.Paul explains why he chose debt finance over equity, the financial risks he took—including remortgaging his house—and the key strategies that helped him manage cash flow during periods of rapid growth. The conversation dives into the real cost of growth, the challenges of working capital, and how businesses can use debt financing wisely without overextending. (00:00) - Using Debt Finance to Scale a Global Brand (00:33) - Meet Paul Shett from Gloveglu (00:59) - Paul's Journey into Business (01:28) - Taking the Leap: Going All In (01:52) - Rapid Growth and Global Expansion (05:12) - Financial Challenges and Solutions (07:56) - Manufacturing and Production Investments (10:15) - Debt vs. Equity Financing (12:05) - Strategic Decisions and Market Expansion (15:43) - Learning from Mistakes (21:49) - Building a Strong Team and Culture (23:37) - Final Thoughts and Advice Paul Sherratt: Founder and CEO of gloveglu, a global brand specialising in goalkeeper product innovation and care. With over 30 years of experience in the sporting goods industry, Paul has scaled gloveglu from a side project into a multinational business by leveraging debt finance, operational agility, and strategic insight.Finance Focus helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of finance. Each episode features expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions on topics such as crowdfunding, trade finance, angel investing and debt. Hosted by Tracy Smart from The Smart Team and Sam Jones from Satellite Finance.Connect with Tracy on LinkedInConnect with Sam on LinkedInFinance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this bonus episode, hosts Tracy Smart and Sam Jones are joined by Paul Finn from Oxford Drug Design to break down the essential tips for securing grant funding. Paul, who has successfully raised millions in non-dilutive funding, shares his expert insights into identifying the right grants, preparing a strong application, and navigating the bureaucracy of funding bodies.Whether you’re new to the grant application process or looking to improve your success rate, this episode delivers quick, practical tips to help you secure the funding your business needs.Tune in for expert advice and actionable insights that could be the key to unlocking new opportunities for your company.(00:00) - Grant Funding Tips with Paul Finn (00:37) - Identifying Funding Sources (01:21) - Crafting a Strong Application (02:31) - Seeking External Help (04:13) - Final Tips and Conclusion Paul Finn: Chief Scientific Officer at Oxford Drug Design, with extensive experience in securing grant funding for biotech and pharmaceutical research. He has successfully raised over $10 million in non-dilutive funding and also serves as a grant assessor, reviewing applications for funding bodies across the UK, EU, and the US.Finance Focus helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of finance. Each episode features expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions on topics such as crowdfunding, trade finance, angel investing and debt. Hosted by Tracy Smart from The Smart Team and Sam Jones from Satellite Finance.Connect with Tracy on LinkedInConnect with Sam on LinkedInFinance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Could grant funding be the key to unlocking your business’s growth without giving away equity? In this episode of Finance Focus, hosts Sam Jones and Tracy Smart sit down with Paul Finn, Chief Scientific Officer at Oxford Drug Design, to uncover the secrets of securing non-dilutive funding. With over $10 million successfully raised through grants, Paul shares expert insights into the application process, the challenges of bureaucracy, and how businesses can improve their chances of winning funding. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to navigate the grant funding landscape effectively.(00:00) - Unlocking Grant Funding for Your Business (00:26) - Meet Paul Finn (01:42) - Understanding Grant Funding (02:36) - Starting the Grant Application Process (03:49) - Collaborative Grant Applications (04:57) - Common Pitfalls and Tips for Success (06:45) - Grant Application Timelines and Challenges (14:20) - Post-Grant Award: Administration and Execution (19:57) - International Differences Between Grants and Angel Investing Paul Finn: Chief Scientific Officer at Oxford Drug Design, with extensive experience in securing grant funding for biotech and pharmaceutical research. He has successfully raised over $10 million in non-dilutive funding and also serves as a grant assessor, reviewing applications for funding bodies across the UK, EU, and the US.Finance Focus helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of finance. Each episode features expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions on topics such as crowdfunding, trade finance, angel investing and debt. Hosted by Tracy Smart from The Smart Team and Sam Jones from Satellite Finance.Connect with Tracy on LinkedInConnect with Sam on LinkedInFinance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

How can businesses unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices?In this bonus episode, hosts Tracy Smart and Sam Jones sit down with Chris Mitcham, a seasoned expert in invoice finance, to share practical insights on how businesses can prepare for and maximise invoice finance. Whether you’re facing cash flow challenges or looking for ways to fund business growth, this episode provides essential tips on securing the right invoice finance solution.Chris explains the key factors lenders consider, the difference between factoring and invoice discounting, and how businesses can speed up the funding process. He also discusses the role of finance brokers, the importance of forecasting future cash needs, and the biggest risks in invoice finance.(00:00) - Invoice Finance Tips with Chris Mitcham (00:30) - Essential Preparations for Invoice Finance (02:34) - Understanding Different Invoice Finance Options (03:53) - Finding the Right Finance Provider (04:52) - Quick Fire Questions and Conclusion Chris Mitcham: With 25 years in the invoice finance sector, Chris Mitcham is a Senior Business Development Manager at Ultimate Finance. He has extensive experience in structuring bespoke funding solutions for B2B businesses, helping them access cash tied up in outstanding invoices. His expertise spans multiple industries, including recruitment, manufacturing, and construction.Finance Focus helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of finance. Each episode features expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions on topics such as crowdfunding, trade finance, angel investing and debt. Hosted by Tracy Smart from The Smart Team and Sam Jones from Satellite Finance.Connect with Tracy on LinkedInConnect with Sam on LinkedInFinance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Is cash flow holding your business back? In this episode of Finance Focus, hosts Tracy Smart and Sam Jones explore the power of invoice finance as a solution to cash flow challenges. They are joined by Chris Mitcham, an industry expert from Ultimate Finance, who shares 25 years of experience in helping businesses unlock capital tied up in unpaid invoices. The discussion covers how invoice finance works, its benefits over traditional funding options, and how businesses can leverage it for growth. (00:00) - Solving Cash Flow Problems with Invoice Finance (00:22) - Meet the Expert: Chris Mitcham (01:00) - Understanding Invoice Finance (01:42) - Mechanics of Invoice Finance (03:21) - Factoring vs. Invoice Discounting (05:57) - Benefits of Invoice Finance (07:31) - Costs and Charges Explained (09:44) - Risks and Mitigation (20:11) - Technology and Invoice Finance (24:23) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information Chris Mitcham: With 25 years in the invoice finance sector, Chris Mitcham is a Senior Business Development Manager at Ultimate Finance. He has extensive experience in structuring bespoke funding solutions for B2B businesses, helping them access cash tied up in outstanding invoices. His expertise spans multiple industries, including recruitment, manufacturing, and construction.Finance Focus helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of finance. Each episode features expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions on topics such as crowdfunding, trade finance, angel investing and debt. Hosted by Tracy Smart from The Smart Team and Sam Jones from Satellite Finance.Connect with Tracy on LinkedInConnect with Sam on LinkedInFinance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

How do you secure funding from an angel investor and ensure your startup is investment-ready?In this special episode, hosts Sam Jones and Tracy Smart are joined once again by angel investor David Ford, who shares his top insights for founders embarking on their fundraising journey. From choosing the right investors to crafting a compelling pitch, David provides practical advice on how to navigate early-stage investment. He explains why securing investment is about more than just numbers, why relationships matter, and how founders can set themselves up for long-term success.If you’re an entrepreneur looking to raise funds, this episode is packed with valuable guidance to help you attract the right investors and avoid common pitfalls.(00:00) - Angel Investing Tips with David Ford (00:17) - Understanding Angel Investing (01:59) - Choosing the Right Investors (04:12) - Effective Pitching Strategies (05:39) - Common Pitfalls and Red Flags David Ford: An Oxford-based angel investor specialising in life sciences and healthcare startups. With a background in biochemistry and decades of experience in the investment world, David transitioned into angel investing full-time, focusing on early-stage businesses with strong vision and leadership.Finance Focus helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of finance. Each episode features expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions on topics such as crowdfunding, trade finance, angel investing and debt. Hosted by Tracy Smart from The Smart Team and Sam Jones from Satellite Finance.Connect with Tracy on LinkedInConnect with Sam on LinkedInFinance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Are you ready to take your startup to the next level but struggling to secure early-stage funding? In this episode of Finance Focus, hosts Tracy Smart and Sam Jones are joined by experienced angel investor David Ford to explore the world of angel investing. David shares his journey from biochemist to full-time investor, explaining what angel investors look for in a startup, how to build trust with investors, and why securing funding takes longer than many founders expect. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking investment or simply curious about how early-stage businesses get off the ground, this episode offers valuable insights into the process of raising capital.(00:00) - How to Secure Funding from an Angel Investor (00:39) - Understanding Angel Investing (00:59) - David's Journey into Angel Investing (04:25) - Involvement in Business Decisions (05:30) - What Makes a Good Investment (06:43) - Challenges and Risks in Angel Investing (09:10) - Building Trust with Founders (16:13) - Fundraising Timelines and Strategies (22:18) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts David Ford: An Oxford-based angel investor specialising in life sciences and healthcare startups. With a background in biochemistry and decades of experience in the investment world, David transitioned into angel investing full-time, focusing on early-stage businesses with strong vision and leadership.Finance Focus helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of finance. Each episode features expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions on topics such as crowdfunding, trade finance, angel investing and debt. Hosted by Tracy Smart from The Smart Team and Sam Jones from Satellite Finance.Connect with Tracy on LinkedInConnect with Sam on LinkedInFinance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Thinking about using trade finance to grow your business but unsure where to start? In this special bite-sized episode of Finance Focus, hosts Tracy Smart and Sam Jones sit down with Steve Rose, CEO of Tint Financial Services, to break down the essentials of trade finance in under ten minutes.Steve shares expert insights on what makes a successful trade finance transaction, key do’s and don’ts, and how to structure funding efficiently. From assessing existing financial arrangements to understanding insurance, logistics, and documentation, this episode provides a clear roadmap for businesses looking to fund cross-border transactions.What documents do you need? How much of your trade will be funded? What red flags should businesses avoid? Get the answers to these crucial questions in this focused and informative discussion.(00:00) - Trade Finance Tips with Steve Rose (00:18) - Overview of Trade Finance (00:57) - Tips for Successful Trade Transactions (02:49) - Funding and Documentation Steve Rose: CEO of Tint Financial Services and CFO at The Storm Group, a trade finance expert with a background in financial services and commercial banking. With experience at Barclays, Aspen Insurance, and Bibby Financial Services, Steve now focuses on helping SMEs grow through trade finance solutions.Finance Focus helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of finance. Each episode features expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions on topics such as crowdfunding, trade finance, angel investing and debt. Hosted by Tracy Smart from The Smart Team and Sam Jones from Satellite Finance.Connect with Tracy on LinkedInConnect with Sam on LinkedInFinance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

How can businesses navigate the complexities of international trade while maintaining cash flow and mitigating risk? In this episode of Finance Focus, hosts Sam Jones and Tracy Smart sit down with Steve Rose, CEO of Tint Financial Services, to explore the world of trade finance. They discuss how trade finance supports SMEs in expanding globally, the risks and benefits involved, and the role of emerging technologies in making trade funding more efficient. Whether you’re an importer, exporter, or just curious about global trade, this episode provides practical insights to help businesses manage international transactions with confidence.(00:00) - Funding Global Trade with Trade Finance (00:13) - Overview of Trade Finance (00:58) - Meet Steve Rose (02:09) - Understanding Trade Finance Mechanisms (03:32) - Funding Periods and Transaction Sizes (07:23) - Risks in Trade Finance (11:15) - The Impact of the ELECTRADE Documentation Act (15:46) - Technological Innovations in Trade Finance (18:02) - Digitisation and Supply Chain Finance (20:34) - Conclusion and Contact Information Steve Rose: CEO of Tint Financial Services and CFO at The Storm Group, a trade finance expert with a background in financial services and commercial banking. With experience at Barclays, Aspen Insurance, and Bibby Financial Services, Steve now focuses on helping SMEs grow through trade finance solutions.Takeaways from the episode:Understand Trade Finance for Your Business: Trade finance bridges the payment gap between importers and exporters by funding transactions. If your business is involved in international trade, explore how trade finance can help you manage cash flow and reduce risks.Assess the Risks and Benefits: Before using trade finance, evaluate the risks, such as fraud, perishable goods, and geopolitical disruptions. Ensure you have reliable trading partners and a strong legal and insurance framework to protect your transactions.Leverage Technology for Better Trade Management: Digital advancements such as tracking devices, automated documentation, and blockchain can enhance trade security and efficiency. Look into how digital tools can streamline your trade operations and reduce paperwork delays.Stay Updated on Trade Regulations: The Electronic Trade Documentation Act (ETDA) is revolutionising trade by allowing digital documentation exchange. Keep up with regulatory changes to ensure compliance and take advantage of faster, more efficient trade processes.Explore Alternative Funding Options: Trade finance is one of many financial solutions available to businesses involved in global trade. Compare options like invoice financing, loans, and overdrafts to find the best fit for your company’s growth strategy.Finance Focus helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of finance. Each episode features expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions on topics such as crowdfunding, trade finance, angel investing and debt. Hosted by Tracy Smart from The Smart Team and Sam Jones from Satellite Finance.Connect with Tracy on LinkedInConnect with Sam on LinkedInFinance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.