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Ask the expert

Periodically we shall be inviting a Bristol-based expert to answer members questions.

To submit a question to our expert please fill out the form by clicking here.  A selection of questions and answers will be published at a later date and you can comment on the answers given.

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Our current expert is Laura Hampson, Head of Corporate Finance at PKF in Bristol.

PKF is one of the UK's leading firms of accountants and business advisors and specialises in advising the management of developing private and public businesses. We pride ourselves on creating and sustaining supportive relationships where objective and timely advice enables our clients to thrive and develop.

Our clients benefit from an integrated approach based on understanding the key issues facing small and medium sized businesses. This enables us to meet their needs at each stage of development and allows them to focus on building the value of their business.

The principal services we provide include assurance and advisory; consultancy; corporate finance; corporate recovery and insolvency; forensic and taxation.

Laura Hampson is a qualified Chartered Accountant and heads up the Corporate Finance team in our Bristol office.  Laura has extensive experience in dealing with owned management businesses in the local area on all aspects of Corporate Finance, including business strategy and fundraising.

In the current economic climate, having the right business strategy, finance and team is key to business stability and success.  If you are considering the right direction for your business in both the short and long term, Laura can assist in the development and achievement of the right goals and objectives. 

Ask the Expert - Laura Hampson, PKF, Accountants & Business Advisors

Question: 
My business is experiencing cashflow difficulties, please could you explain what solutions are available to me?
Name: 
Willshire, Kelly

Ask the Expert - Laura Hampson, PKF, Accountants & Business Advisors

Question: 
Should I expect a non-executive director to invest in the business?
Name: 
Willshire, Kelly

Ask the Expert - Laura Hampson, PKF, Accountants & Business Advisors

Question: 
I have heard a lot about changes to the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme. Is it now easier for technology businesses to access? Many other business owners I have spoken to say that bank managers are reluctant to lend under this scheme?
Name: 
Willshire, Kelly

Ask the Expert - Laura Hampson, PKF, Accountants & Business Advisors

Question: 
What are the advantages of taking preference share investment over ordinary shares? Is it just for investors who want to have their cake and eat it? That is to share in the upside, but ensure they get something back if things do not go according to plan?
Name: 
Willshire, Kelly

Ask the Expert - Laura Hampson, PKF, Accountants & Business Advisors

Question: 
A few years ago many companies were raising money from busines angels and smaller, more risk-taking, venture capital funds.  Is that no longer possible in the current climate, and if so where do you suggest growing businesses look for capital?
Name: 
Willshire, Kelly

Ask the Expert: Andrew Allan-Jones, Burges Salmon

Question: 
Can you explain the difference between ordinary shares and preference shares? We're at very early discussion-stage with a business angel investor and he has talked a lot about both types, including class A and class B. At this stage I am none the wiser. Can you help?
Name: 
Willshire, Kelly

Ask the Expert: Andrew Allen-Jones, Burges Salmon

Question: 
My company is looking to take on some students/graduate placements over the next year. No doubt the University will have its own contracts they will make me sign, but do I have the right to expect that any IP that results from the placement is owned solely by my business?
Name: 
Willshire, Kelly

Ask the Expert: Andrew Allan-Jones, Burges Salmon

Question: 
Are there any templates one can follow for disciplinary procedures that would mean I won't be hauled in front of an employment tribunal? There is a potentially very sensitive issue I have to deal with and I am not sure if my 'standard' policy will be sufficient if things get difficult.
Name: 
Willshire, Kelly

Ask the expert: Andrew Allan Jones, Burges Salmon

Question: 
A colleague and I are leaving our jobs to set up a new systems and software engineering venture. We have worked closely together in our current job for nearly 10 years. However we need to draw up a shareholders agreement between us. We will both own 50% of the company each and have no plans to raise venture finance at this stage. What sort of issues should our agreement be covering?
Name: 
Willshire, Kelly