Financial Planning

Top Ten Tips for SME’s dealing with Banks

Article by Patrick Sutton, Partner, O’KellySutton in The Sunday Business Post, 26th August 2012.

1. Bank Application Forms:
Get familiar with what banks are looking for at an early stage. Bank requirements vary, depending on the size and nature of the loan. All the banks have application forms on their websites and these will need to be completed.

2. Business Plan:
This is a critical document and, yes, banks do take time to study the plan in detail.
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Hidden charges and exit penalties in pensions and other investment products.

Charlie Weston personal finance editor for the Irish Independent, interviewed Patrick Sutton, partner of O’Kelly Sutton Accountants,Kildare on the 6th of August 2012.
Finance expert Patrick Sutton, of O’Kelly Sutton accountants in Kildare, said many pension funds had been badly invested, causing losses of between 30pc and 40pc.
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Jack Welch – Straight from the gut

Just read Jack Welch’s Straight from the gut again for a second time recently and it’s such a great book. Jack retired in 2001 from GE after 20 years as CEO where he lead the organisation through rapid growth over that time. The book is full of valuable advice and tips for any aspiring or successful business leader. There’s so many interesting war stories in the book and lessons to be learnt from them from his days as GE’s CEO .
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SME Financial Management

In the challenging economic climate we live in today it can be difficult for business owners to keep focused on the routine mundane task of balancing the books at month end. We in O’KellySutton have seen how a lack of discipline can occur in the financial management area where securing the next order can be all consuming. In trying to maintain a sustainable and viable business it is essential to know where your finances stand every month. The following are basic requirements of any SME;
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The Business Planning Process

One could argue that the process of business planning is hugely more important than the end plan itself. The activity of business planning is an important management tool that allows an organisation to evaluate the health of its position in the market and industry, and adapt accordingly. We liken the business planning process as being akin to checking yourself into a Medical Clinic and getting series of tests done to evaluate your health. The results of the business check up will trigger a series of changes that should be made to the business. Failure to conduct regular checkups may result in a failure to detect early signs of business problems and may even ultimately lead to a companies demise.
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