FUNDING
W
hen Shak Asghar launched Nudl six months ago , with colleague Zara Ford joining “ for the ride ", it was always the intention to try to put a degree of fun into helping firms secure financial support .
The Teesside funding consultancy has done that ever since , highlighted by its “ quirky ” branding and an approach designed to break down barriers when it comes to growth plans .
And since Annmarie Antunes joined as chief operations officer in May , with 20 years ' experience in finance and HR behind her , Nudl has continued to work with clients from a diverse range of sectors to secure somewhere in the region of £ 15-20m of investment to the UK economy .
The Middlesbrough-based company , which has offices in Newcastle and Hull as well as its Boho Zone HQ , is driving forward , expanding its consultancy offer from public sector contracts to helping high growth potential start-ups , with business plans and cash flows to aid in fundraising and investment rounds .
Nudl also provides in-depth financial planning , profit and loss , balance sheet and cash flow forecasting .
Annmarie says : “ We are a helping hand . We are there to provide one-toone support for local people and the local area , as well as across the UK and beyond .
“ In general , you need to make sure you have a business plan for the medium to long term as well as the associated documents – for example , a cash flow forecast .
“ It is the human approach that we add . You end up with a portfolio of business reports , and we highlight why it is important . You won ’ t get very far seeking funding if you haven ’ t got a business plan that ’ s fit for purpose .”
Nudl ’ s expertise has ensured massive steps have been taken already , with priority given to making clients feel comfortable along the way .
Shak , Nudl ’ s CEO , says : “ Most people are setting up a business because they are good at it . While you might be a good electrician , it doesn ’ t necessarily make you a good businessperson . We apply business knowledge to make your journey a little easier .
“ For example , if a manufacturing company needs to raise investment , we will put the documentation together to help them unlock and secure the funds and extract the thoughts they need down on the page to get where they want to be .
“ We want you to be at the point where you can achieve it . We will develop a plan and a set of tools to use that are bespoke to your business .”
" Using your Nudl " and " simplifying funding " are two of the marketing slogans Shak and the team have used and this has been noticed across Teesside and beyond .
Nudl has recently worked with a Middlesbrough construction company , trading nationally , on a project that is at the cutting edge of research and development . Nudl ’ s links to authorities and key personnel will help everyone benefit from the project .
Shak explains : “ We have previously helped this business to secure funding . We are now helping them with our networks and expertise to set up a research and development programme , in collaboration with various other organisations and international investors . If successful , it could be transformational for the business , the area and the industry itself .
“ We also have regular discussions with contacts in the United States , Middle East , Europe , everywhere ! As a result , we are now working with businesses from all over the world and across all sectors .
“ We are also trying to bring some of those businesses into the Tees Valley . We have a good skills pool , good accommodation options and plenty of leisure destinations . This helps us propose the region as a good inward investment opportunity .
“ We can provide general strategic growth consultancy to develop their planning . They then know they have documents in place that explore their growth objectives , as well as identifying any specific support they can leverage to assist them in getting there .
“ Another area of consultancy we are involved with is within the public sector . We have worked with local authorities , combined authorities and government departments to help them design support mechanisms that are built for the future . We take a deep dive into things . It ’ s a pretty cool process !
“ It is through this , and by being bold , that we hope to influence how business support is delivered so that it has more impact for businesses accessing it , leading to accelerated growth , more robust businesses and a thriving economy .”
Shak has 15 years ' experience in the funding sector . Given his Teesside roots , he ' s keen to help the area as much as he can .
Nudl is currently working with a large housing builder to secure funding for the Tees Valley area because it fits into the wider economic picture .
He says : “ There ’ s no point having thousands of people and businesses if we don ’ t have appropriate places to live to support such growth .
“ We will work with businesses in the UK or abroad and show what options are on the table or elsewhere in terms of investment .
“ Of course , as we are Teessiders , we like to promote it high up on the list as a potential destination to invest in . “ It has economic benefits to the wider Tees Valley and helps us if we get more businesses into this area . We will help them and look everywhere around the UK . However , Teesside has a special place in our hearts , so we ’ ll proudly fly the flag .”
Nudl ’ s work doesn ’ t stop there – it also grows businesses through its Angel Investment activity . It is constantly looking for opportunities to invest in businesses where there is high growth potential and a clear return .
Shak adds : “ Currently we have around £ 1m of Angel Investment conversations going on . Whether it is in commercial or residential building opportunities , service industries , manufacturing or technology , we will look at and cover the whole piece .
“ We encourage people to get in touch with us if they think they have a robust idea with high growth potential .”
Visit nudl . co . uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 57