Ernest Wilsons see strong demand for Sub Post Offices

The New Year has brought a flurry of requests from all over the country for assistance with the Sub Post Office application process which includes a Business Plan in the Post Office bespoke format and a presentation to be given at the Post Office interview. I have been inundated and it is very heartening to see such a strong start to 2013. I am planning a seminar "So you want to be a SubPostmaster, come and learn all about it" which will help answer all the questions that many have about the sector, the Company, the application process, finance etc - if you would be interested in attending email me and let me know!
Meanwhile we have fixed the 7th March 2013 as the date for our next and fourth seminar "Thinking about buying a business? - Learn How!". These have been ever so well received with excellent feedback and all have been fully subscribed. It will be in Leeds again and costs just £85 plus VAT for one and £160 plus VAT for a couple.Includes external professional speakers. Again email me if you would like details.

If you need assistance with buying a Sub Post Office or indeed with the raising of finance generally do not hesitate to telephone me on 0113 238 2900 or email me at martin.humberstone@ernest-wilson.co.uk

Ernest Wilsons - good news about Lloyds TSB and the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme

In my capacity at Ernest Wilsons in introducing buyers to finance providers I chatted to Lloyds TSB Commercial again today who advised that they have a real appetite to help businesses via the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme. Indeed until 31 December all approved applications benefit from keen rates. Indeed one quote received today for a £100,000 EFG loan (to buy a Sub Post Office) was at 3.1% above base rate, 3.1%! That is keen in my view and no arrangement fee for a short period either (usually 1.5% of loan amount). The Scheme assists a proposed borrower who has a good proposition that meets the usual cannons of lending criteria accept there is insufficient security, in which case the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills will provide a guarantee for 75% of the unsecured loan, subject to a 2% annual guarantee fee. More to it than that, but that is a very quick overview. So don’t wait until after the Xmas holidays to approach Ernest Wilsons if you need help arranging finance to buy that business! These very attractive rates may not be available then. I have to say the Relationship Managers I deal with at Lloyds are certainly hungry to lend. Took another call from a lady needing help with buying a Sub Post Office and the application process, daunted especially by the Business Plan and Interview – no problem glad to help.