We love to shout about our customers, and this month we wanted to showcase a couple of different deals to demonstrate our versatility. Take a look at some of the catering deals crossing our desks this month.

According to the FSB Small Business Index (Q3 of 2017), there was a sharp decline in successful credit applications, with only 63% securing external finance. However, the report found that only 12% of businesses surveyed applied at all, suggesting a significant proportion of SMEs are staying away from external finance altogether. A lack of cash flow within the small business community results in less investment in growth, fewer job opportunities and fewer businesses making the transition from small to medium-sized. So why are small businesses so wary of using external funds to support their development?

The Singh family have enjoyed success as a multi-site operator, occupying sites in Lincoln city centre and its surrounding towns and villages, including Bourne, Bardney and Sleaford. The latest chapter has seen the thriving business take a different direction, settling down to trade from two fixed locations; their popular Sleaford takeaway and restaurant, and a brand new site in Heckington.

At Johnson Reed, we believe the role of a finance partner goes far beyond simply facilitating funds. With many different brokers on the market, it’s important that you choose a partner that can meet your requirements quickly whilst being fully invested in your business and its success. Here are the key qualities that both businesses seeking finance and vendors should look for in a partner.

It’s been another busy year for the soft play industry, and at Johnson Reed, we’re incredibly proud to have been involved with so many new-start ventures, alongside the numerous projects involving existing operators and our repeat customers in the sector! As the market becomes more saturated, as operators it’s important to be vigilant and take the time to regularly review your offering to identify any areas for improvement. Here are just a few ideas to help you boost your business and bring more custom through your doors.

The NFFF is dedicated to raising standards within the industry through offering training at their Academy based near Leeds, in addition to self- study qualifications and the NFFF Quality Award – a scheme rewarding shops that provide top quality fish and chips. Join us for a catch up Media Coordinator, Robert Norris, to discuss member benefits, equipment finance and what’s in store for the fish and chip industry in 2018.

Based in Chapel-en-le-Frith in the heart of the Peak District, Mac Burnham Traditional Butchers is a popular and renowned supplier of locally-sourced meats and quality handmade delicacies. The traditional butchers shop stocks a range of meats, pastries and pies. The nine-year-established family business is owned and run by Mac Burnham, an experienced butcher and featured guest on foody TV favourites, Secret Supper Club and There’s No Taste Like Home. Mac also supplies and delivers meats and speciality pies and pastries to his growing client base of pubs, hotels, restaurants and delicatessens in the High Peak.

Situated in Horbury, near Wakefield, new-start soft play centre, The Secret Garden, aims to offer a quality play and educational experience in a safe, supervised and stimulating environment. With many young families in the local community, the business is well-placed to attract custom and offers a range of structured and unstructured play for different age groups.

First established in 2008, Club Energy Fitness has gone from strength to strength. They specialise in many different types of training; offering studio, cardio, performance, boxing and a ladies zone under one roof. Earlier this year, directors, Gary and Patrick, approached Johnson Reed as the business was looking to relocate to larger premises to accommodate their growing membership base. With the help of Mark Johnson, they were able to quickly acquire their desired equipment though a lease; spreading the cost through monthly repayments over a fixed term. 

2017 has been another record year for the gym and leisure industry, according to the latest research by the Leisure Database. Johnson Reed Fitness Finance director, Jamie Collier, assesses the challenges gym and leisure businesses face as they go into the new year.

We’re seeing record membership figures, with 9.7 million fitness members in the UK – a 5.1% increase on the previous year. We’ve also seen increases in the number of fitness facilities and market value; 4.6% and 6.3% respectively. With many key metrics fast-approaching milestones, experts predict 2020 may be the ‘golden age of fitness’.