Honest from day one
If Ian isn't the right fit, he'll tell you — and point you somewhere better. You won't waste weeks finding out.
How it works
From idea to profit — the path Ian walks with you
Starting a business shouldn't feel like guesswork. There's a proven route from a rough idea to a funded, trading company — and Ian guides you along every step, so you always know what's next and why it matters.
The five stages
Idea → Plan → Funding → Launch → Grow
Wherever you are on this path, you can pick up from there. Most founders come to Ian somewhere between an idea and their first year of trading.
Idea
Shape a rough idea into a clear, costed concept worth backing.
Plan
Build the lender-ready plan and forecast decisions are made on.
Funding
Secure government-backed funding to actually launch.
Launch
Get trading with confidence and put the funding to work.
Grow
Keep building — and fund the next step as you scale.
Step by step
What actually happens at each stage
No jargon, no black box. Here's the work behind each step — and what you walk away with.
Idea — pressure-test and shape it
We start with your idea and get honest about it: who it's for, what they'll pay, what it costs to deliver, and where the risks are. The goal is to turn “I think this could work” into something specific and fundable — or to spot the gaps early, while they're cheap to fix.
You come away with: a clear, costed concept and an honest read on whether it's ready to back.
Plan — build the document lenders trust
Together we write a proper business plan and a realistic cashflow forecast — the single thing that decides whether funding is approved. Ian knows exactly what a strong application looks like, so your plan stands up to scrutiny instead of stalling in review.
You come away with: a lender-ready business plan and financial forecast.
Funding — secure the money to launch
As a government-backed Start Up Loans delivery partner, Ian guides you through the application end to end. You can access up to £25,000 per founder — a personal loan for business purposes, so it isn't secured against your home — with free mentoring built in.
You come away with: funding in place and a clear plan for using it.
Launch — start trading with confidence
With money in the bank, we put the essentials in place and get you live. You'll know your first priorities, your numbers, and how to make the funding work from day one — rather than crossing your fingers and hoping.
You come away with: a trading business and a focused first-90-days plan.
Grow — build, and fund what's next
Launching is the start, not the finish. With an optional monthly retainer, Ian stays in your corner — keeping you accountable, helping you make the right calls, and securing later funding rounds as the business grows.
You come away with: ongoing support and a path to your next stage of funding.
The funding stage, in focus
Government-backed funding, guided by an accredited partner
The Start Up Loans scheme is backed by the UK Government and delivered through the British Business Bank. Ian is an accredited delivery partner — so the person helping you write the plan is the same person who knows what the application needs.
It's a personal loan for business purposes, so there's no need to secure it against your home or business assets, and every loan comes with free mentoring built in.
- £500 – £25,000Per founder — up to four owners of one business can each apply
- 6% fixedInterest rate per year — no hidden fees
- Free mentoring12 months of dedicated support included
Figures shown for guidance only. Loans are subject to status and eligibility; terms are set by the British Business Bank and may change. Startup Assist UK is a delivery partner, not the lender.
Why founders choose Ian
A guide, not a form-filler
Government-backed
An accredited Start Up Loans delivery partner, so your funding route is credible and the mentoring is built in.
Stays for the journey
From first plan to later funding rounds, Ian sticks around — this isn't a one-and-done transaction.
Not sure which stage you're at?
Take the 60-second “Can I help you?” check and Ian will tell you honestly whether — and how — he can help.