It was during the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic. When people were restricted to travel within a 5km radius, facemasks were the fashion trend of the time and Zoom quizzes were all the rage, an opportunity arose to begin our journey of supporting businesses through their respective challenges, during arguably the most challenging time in recent memory for business owners.

Our first client approached us in early 2020, to help them secure their business following an unexpected and unplanned transitions from their old accountants.

VAT returns were late, company accounts were due for filing and the business had numerous liabilities owed with little income coming through. The client required urgent, clear guidance to re-structurer their business and provide much needed financial coaching & business support to work their way through the pandemic. We listened to the client’s concerns, informed ourselves of the facts, clarified the challenges and applied our knowledge and experience to build a plan for the client.

We dove straight in and helped the business get their tax affairs in order by filing all outstanding VAT, PAYE and Corporation Tax returns. We re-structured their invoices processing and bookkeeping system by helping them move from a once per year accounts preparation engagement to a bi-monthly cloud-based accounting system which allowed up to date information and continuous operational support from their accountant. This allowed them to better price their projects, manage their cashflow as well as better meet their compliance obligations.

Once tax compliant, we made arrangements on outstanding liabilities with Revenue and suppliers. We looked forward into the future and agreed realistic payment plans based on the financial capabilities of the business that allowed the owners to meet their ongoing business costs, service the older debts and most importantly, have a reasonable income for the owners to provide for their young family during the pandemic.

As the business began to stabilise and the new business structures began to relieve pressure from the owners, opportunities arose for them in the online sales market due to the acceleration of the online purchasing model due to the closure of physical stores due to restrictions. We helped the business apply for grant funding through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) to establish an online presence and grow the business at a time when most businesses had stagnated or even closed.

Throughout the Pandemic, we provided ongoing support to the business, guided them through other tax relief/grant funding including Job Plus Grant (aided employment for long term unemployed individuals) which helped subsidies wage costs for the business. As a result of the return to health, the business was able to secure several very large projects which consolidated the client’s cashflow.

The client in its first two years of our collaboration was able to move from being on the verge of closing down with heavy Revenue and suppliers' debts to having its Revenue record up to date, other debts being under control and consistently having enough funds to pay a sustainable wage to their household. Through our partnership with this business we:

•          Took the time to hear our client’s initial concerns,
•          Identified their critical business challenges,
•          Established and refined their future financial vision for the business,
•          Took from them the areas that we were experts in (allowing them to focus on what they were best at); and
•          Worked with them to create a better now for their business and family.

After several years working abroad, a couple returned to Ireland with a strong vision: to build a business that would allow them to settle permanently and create a future for their family. Based on their overseas experience, they had identified a real opportunity — but like many start-ups, securing the necessary finance proved to be the biggest hurdle.

They engaged our firm to handle the initial set-up, including:

• Business structure planning

• Tax registrations

• Company incorporation and CRO compliance

However, despite their strong business idea, they faced multiple rejections when approaching banks and traditional lenders for finance to acquire critical business assets. At a point where they were close to abandoning their plans, we proposed a different path: approaching Microfinance Ireland (MFI), a government-backed lender focused on supporting small businesses.

We provided hands-on support throughout the process:

1. Business Planning: We drafted a detailed business plan and financial projections to support the loan application.

2. Loan Application Support: We completed the MFI application process on the clients' behalf and assisted in structuring the application to meet the lender’s key criteria.

3. Ongoing Liaison: We liaised directly with MFI to address any follow-up queries and ensure a smooth application process.

Thanks to a combination of perseverance, strategic thinking, and clear financial planning, we successfully helped the clients secure the funding they needed. They were able to pursue their dream, establish their new business, and build a brighter and more secure future for their family in Ireland.

One of the most attractive funding sources for Irish businesses in recent years has been the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS).

The EIIS offers investors up to 50% income tax relief in the year of investment, helping companies raise vital funds for start-up initiatives and growth by offering investors immediate, front-loaded returns.

However, accessing the EIIS is complex.

Strict eligibility criteria apply to both companies and investors, and the permitted use of funds is heavily regulated. Revenue has also withdrawn its pre-approval process for EIIS, meaning the structure and execution must be correct from the outset.

When a client approached us to fund the development of a new business venture, we designed and implemented a step-by-step plan to help them successfully explore, structure, and secure EIIS investment:

1. Eligibility Assessment: We determined the EIIS eligibility of the business, investors, and any connected parties.

2. Tax Opinion: We provided detailed advice on the benefits, requirements, and restrictions of the scheme.

3. Business Planning: We prepared tailored financial projections and a comprehensive business plan, as required by EIIS legislation.

4. Investor Materials: We drafted an investor prospectus (teaser document) and investment brochure for presentation to potential investors.

5. Investor Support: We assisted in identifying and securing eligible investors.

6. Compliance Management: We handled all company secretarial work, the issuance of EIIS shares, and the mandatory Revenue filings.

7. Ongoing Compliance: We continue to guide the client on maintaining compliance with the scheme's conditions.

Thanks to our structured approach and hands-on support, the client successfully secured funding under the EIIS and turned their business vision into a thriving new venture.

When one of our clients identified an opportunity to purchase an established business, they faced a key challenge: how to assess whether the asking price was fair — and how to secure the funding to make the acquisition happen.

We worked closely with the client from the earliest stage to provide the financial clarity and support they needed:

1. Valuation Analysis: We reviewed the business’s historical trading performance and determined that the asking price represented a highly competitive and valuable opportunity.

2. Financial Feasibility: We collaborated with the client’s shareholders to assess the financial feasibility of the acquisition before any commitments were made.

3. Business Planning: We prepared a detailed business plan to present to financial institutions, demonstrating the commercial viability and growth potential of the business.

4. Funding Support: We liaised directly with banking partners and successfully secured the necessary finance for the transaction.

5. Due Diligence: We completed financial due diligence work to assist the client in navigating the acquisition process and ensuring a smooth changeover.

6. Post-Acquisition Support: We provided easily interpretable, actionable financial reports on key business metrics to help the client quickly consolidate financial control of the new business.

Thanks to our hands-on support and financial expertise, the client was able to move through a complex transaction with greater certainty, secure the funding they needed, and gain early control over the financial performance of their newly acquired business.