Online Retailer plus Magazine Publisher
NATURE OF BUSINESSES | Online Retailer plus Magazine Publisher |
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT | E-tail: Established. Publishing: Early stage |
INVESTMENT BEING SOUGHT | £150k package (between both businesses) |
20% EIS TAX RELIEF POTENTIALLY AVAILABLE | Yes |
PREPARED TO HAVE MULTIPLE INVESTORS | Yes (A syndicate will be created on request) |
INVEST ALONGSIDE VENTURE CAPITAL FUND | Possible |
EQUITY STAKE | Attractive |
INVESTOR PARTICIPATION | Non-exec or part-time |
MANAGERIAL SKILLS SOUGHT | Chair |
LOCATION | Between Oxford and Birmingham |
The company runs two businesses, both focused on the several million people in social groups A, B and C1 who have children 0-16 years of age and enjoy travel and/or outdoor activities. There are two separate business plans but we would be happy to fund both businesses from the same source(s) because of the synergy between the two.
Online sales (celebrating its 10th birthday this year): Sells a comprehensive range of outdoor clothing and equipment for ages 0-16 years. Acknowledged as a leader in its field in the UK by customers, suppliers and manufacturers throughout Europe. Recognised by the national press, who use the team as a source of information/advice and provide publicity in return. USP: sale of the most comprehensive range of gear available in the UK exclusively for children.
Magazine publisher (own title): A spin-off magazine covering family travel and outdoor leisure, for parents of children aged from birth to gap year (most family magazines stop appealing to parents with children beyond the age of 6 years). Developed to capture the appetite for both new ideas and hard information that we identified through our online/mail order business. The magazine has been piloted (3 editions) and starting Autumn 2007 will appear in several nationally known chain stores.
Suppliers of products to the online retail business can buy advertising space in the magazine. Purchasers of the magazine can buy the products advertised in the magazine (and lots more) from the company's online retail business. Third party products (e.g. travel packages, DVDs, insurance, books etc) can be added to the range of products sold through this channel.
Both businesses are making a step-change, hence the need for additional capital. The team will welcome investors with general strategic and business expansion skills to the Board.
Further information: Harry Stott, University of Warwick Science Park Limited
024 7632 3123 or capital@uwsp.co.uk