Bath accountancy firm Richardson Swift is providing expert business and investment advice to hi-tech start-ups in the city, following the appointment of a new position at the Innovation Centre.
Richardson Swift director Debbie Boulton has been appointed accountant in residence at the University of Bath Innovation Centre, which supports fast-growing companies and entrepreneurs.
They include University of Bath graduate Tom Dewhurst who is receiving specialist business advice from Debbie who has also helped Tom secure vital investment for his new venture.
Tom is the co-founder of Ordable and has developed an interactive app that enables customers to order and pay in advance at coffee shops using their smartphones.
This means you can beat the queues at your favourite coffee shop and earn loyalty rewards.
The tax team at Richardson Swift advised and assisted Tom with applying for advance assurance for Ordable to qualify for the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), which offers tax relief for investors in new businesses.
This is a key step in attracting early stage investment. On the back of a successful application, Ordable were able to secure vital seed funding from a local angel investor.
As well as reviewing Ordable’s business plan, Debbie has also been providing Tom with general accountancy advice on VAT returns, payroll and share structure.
“We are delighted to be working with Tom and the other ground-breaking businesses based at the University of Bath Innovation Centre,” she said.
“Entrepreneurs like Tom come up with brilliant ideas that can change the way we live but often they need important guidance on their finances and business models.
“That’s where we can help, by advising fledgling firms on their growth strategies and helping them attract the investment they need.”
