Fresh Perspective Resourcing unlocks NPIF and CBILS loan following a joined-up Lancashire approach
The Access to Finance Lancashire team has supported recruitment agency Fresh Perspective (FP) Resourcing to secure a loan to help them to diversify and grow their business in the face of COVID-19.
Lancashire-based FP Resourcing was founded by sisters Emily and Laura with the aim to have a ‘fresh perspective’ on recruitment by guaranteeing to fill every vacancy they take on and charge clients for time rather than percentage placement fees.
With the current pandemic affecting most industries, FP Resourcing knew they had to diversify in the face of COVID-19 planning to shift focus to those sectors that are currently thriving, and create virtual training for candidates and businesses through webinars, as well as working on social media and their own market visibility.
After recently participating in the new scale-up programme for female entrepreneurs Two Zero, FP Resourcing was aware of the support offered across Lancashire and sought specialist financial advice through the Access to Finance team. The Access to Finance team helped the business to develop a comprehensive application package for CBILS funding and, despite being declined by the bank, FP Resourcing was successful with its application to GC Business Finance.
Government backed alternative finance provider GC Business Finance, being specifically geared to support businesses unable to obtain mainstream lending, was able to offer the flexibility and understanding needed so that FP Recruitment could secure funding and withstand COVID-19 interruptions.
With the help of the £35,000 CBILS backed loan the company has been able to maintain its workforce rather than utilising the furlough scheme.
Laura Leyland, Founder and Managing Director of FP Resourcing said: “The loan has allowed us to continue the work we do and knowing we have the loan feels like a safety net in these troubling times. The process was really simple, and the team at Lancashire County Council and GCBF were extremely helpful in delivering the loan efficiently and providing sound advice.
“By creating webinars and social media content, as well as supporting clients in changing their interview processes digitally, we have been able to push our own visibility which will help the business positively going forward as we look to grow from this time.”
Mark Gibbons, Senior Access to Finance Adviser said: “It’s great to see a Lancashire business be resilient in their approach during what is a tough time for all businesses. Working with FP Resourcing on their CBILS application, unlocking finance outside of the bank and supporting continued growth of a viable Lancashire business is at the heart of what we do.”