For a small distributor of table sauces, the enforced closure of food premises due to COVID-19 was a potentially disastrous outcome. But securing funding through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) has meant Des Carson Limited can stay in business and begin to build for the future.
Success Story
| Region/Nation | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|
| Programme | Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) |
| Partner |
Read what the business had to say in this BBLS case study.
British Business Bank: Can you tell us what your company does?
Des Carson, company director: Des Carson Limited is a small, family operation that distributes mayonnaise and other sauces to sandwich companies, hotels and general food-industry businesses across the whole of Northern Ireland.
The coronavirus has affected a huge number of businesses across the UK. What problems were you facing as a result of the outbreak and what made you apply for BBLS support?
My business’ problem was one of cashflow. When the coronavirus started, the hotels, cafés and other food premises that make up my customer base all closed very suddenly.
How I operate is that my supplier gives me 60 days’ credit and I give my customers the same —sometimes 90 days’ credit, in fact. So when I stopped receiving that credit, I had to stop giving it too. I was in a position where I needed to pay my suppliers but I wasn’t getting paid myself.
In all my years of business, I’d never had to go into an overdraft but now it looked necessary. But then I found out about the Bounce Back Loan Scheme and how it could help me.
How long did the application process take? Did you need any support?
From start to finish, the application process took just one week.
My bank, Danske Bank, were absolutely super. They gave me advice on how to apply for a Bounce Back Loan. They sent me the application form to fill in and return that same day, which I did – it was only maybe seven questions. And then they did the rest. It was a simple, painless system and I’m very grateful for it.
The Bounce Back Loan has allowed me to stay in business and protect the jobs of my two employees. Applying for the finance was completely painless and I’m really grateful that the scheme exists. - Des Carson director of Des Carson Limited
What advice would you give to other businesses that are applying for a Bounce Back Loan?
It’s hard to say as my situation was so simple and straightforward! However, I’d encourage every other business in my position to speak to their bank and find out how they can take advantage of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme.
How has the Bounce Back Loan helped your business to weather the outbreak? And what might have happened if you hadn’t received it?
Getting the Bounce Back Loan has meant that I can stay in business and keep my two workers in employment. It’s relieved a huge amount of stress for me, my employees and my suppliers. The process was a seamless one from beginning to end and I’d highly recommend that other businesses use the scheme if it’s the right fit for them.
If I hadn’t received the loan, I’d have had to go heavily into an overdraft for the first time ever, which would have created a lot of problems with my supplier.
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