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 LinkedIn
Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

Finance 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

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 LinkedIn
Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

Finance 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

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 LinkedIn
Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

Finance Focus is produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.