Bath accountancy firm Richardson Swift director Debbie Boulton has been appointed accountant-in-residence at the University of Bath Innovation Centre and is now providing expert business and investment advice to its hi-tech start-ups.
Among them is Tom Dewhurst, University of Bath graduate and co-founder of Ordable, the interactive app that enables customers to order and pay in advance at coffee shops using their smartphones – beating the queues and earning loyalty rewards.
Debbie and the tax team at Richardson Swift helped Tom secure vital investment for his new venture by applying for advance assurance for Ordable to qualify for the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), which offers tax relief for investors in new businesses.
On the back of a successful application, Ordable has been 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.
She said: “We are delighted to be working with Tom and the other ground-breaking businesses based at the University of Bath Innovation Centre.
“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.”
Pictured, from left: Tom Dewhurst of Ordable, Richardson Swift’s Debbie Boulton and Saira Rana, also from Richardson Swift
