ABC Accounting Services

Sourcing grant funding can be a minefield, but with the right help and support anything is possible, as Belinda Darley from ABC Accounting Services in Gainsborough found out, with the help of 360e.

Having worked as an accountant for over 20 years, in early 2004 Belinda left the security of a full time job in a bid to search for a new career path.

However, after being approached by endless ex-clients, in October 2004 Belinda set up her own business, ABC Accounting Services, operating out of a port-a-cabin!

Belinda says: “I never planned to set up my own business. It seemed to happen by accident and since setting up four and a half years ago, has gone from strength to strength.”

In August 2007, the business became a limited company and in 2008 Belinda took on additional staff to support the day to day running of the company – and that’s when she met Sue Gordon from 360e.

“Last September we moved office and needed help in setting up and making a decision on our IT system. I knew we could apply for grant funding but had no idea where to start or how to go about sourcing it. That’s when Sue proved to be invaluable.

“She was able to guide us through the whole process thanks to her extensive knowledge and experience and was able to help us with decisions surrounding software. She carried out the necessary research with suppliers to ensure the system worked for us, and was even able to retrieve the grant when we changed our minds half way through!

“Through Sue, we were able to source 50% of the necessary funding which has certainly supported the business during these tough times.”

Sue runs 360e with business partner John Owens. With over 40 years of experience between them, the company specialises in working with companies to help define their business, ICT needs and e-business strategies and goals.

Sue says: “ABC Accounting is the perfect example of a business which needed advice on its IT support system, and as a small business, was eligible for funding to support costly out goings of this nature. The result for Belinda and her team was great. They now have a system that works well for them, are in new premises and are continuing to grow the business.”