Case Studies
Oasis Graphics

Oasis Graphics

Blue Cube help Oasis chart new path to success

When the two business partners who founded Oasis decided that they had each had different ambitions for the future and one decided to leave the business, an amicable parting of the ways was needed.  The question was how could this be achieved without damaging the value and smooth running of the company?

Oasis called in Blue Cube to help them make the right decisions.  Blue Cube prepared an up-to-date business evaluation that gave both parties an impartial and accurate basis for negotiations.  Blue Cube were also able to recommended a strategy that would allow the company to repurchase the outgoing directors shares in the most tax efficient way and mitigate the cash flow implications of this significant transaction.

With both Directors delighted with Blue Cube’s approach, the parting was amicable and created a positive outcome for the restructured business.  Impressed by how Blue Cube had handled their problem, Oasis retained their services to develop a monthly management information report, which has become invaluable to the remaining director. The information provided allows him to make informed decisions about cash flow requirements, future investments, and the long-term development of the business. 

Thanks to Blue Cube’s support, Oasis is now in a healthy position and run by a management team with a confident vision of its future growth and prosperity.  

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Brainstorm

Brainstorm

Blue Cube defends Brainstorm in HMRC challenge

When Brainstorm Communications received an unpleasant letter from HMRC, they turned to Blue Cube for guidance on how to manage the problem.  HMRC had suggested that a number of their freelance workers should be re-categorised as employees.  The financial impact of this re-categorisation, when back-dated, would have cost the company tens of thousands of pounds.

Blue Cube interviewed Brainstorm’s Directors and contract workers to establish a fuller picture of their terms and conditions of employment and remuneration.  Armed with this precise information, Blue Cube were able to comprehensively review Brainstorm’s contracts with their freelance employees.  Blue Cube then approached HMRC confident that they had a strong case to present on behalf of their client.  And they were right.  Blue Cube successfully defended Brainstorm’s position and HMRC withdrew their challenge - no payment of any tax in relation to this challenge was required. 

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Expel Oilseed

Expel Oilseed

Blue Cube helps Expel to boost start-up funding

Expel, a business start-up engaged in agricultural processing, were seeking help with attracting funding and turned to Blue Cube for advice. The company wanted to construct a rapeseed crushing and processing facility in the Midlands.  The business owners felt that it had all the ‘green’ credentials required to attract investors interested in an ethical investment opportunity. However, Blue Cube suggested that there was more that could be done to increase its attraction to investor.

Blue Cube’s advice was to realign the business so that it could enhance its appeal to investors as a company that qualified under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.

With Blue Cube’s help, Expel was successful in their application for EIS and Seed EIS qualifications and as a result secured HMRC Advanced Assurance that the company meets the qualifying criteria for this status.  Thanks to Blue Cube’s expertise, Expels new tax efficient structure has succeeded in making the business even more attractive to potential investors keen to support an ambitious business with proven green credentials. 

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  • Nothing is ever too much trouble. Blue Cube have always been willing to answer all our questions, we’ve learnt so much about how to make our business financially stronger from these guys.

    Simon, Oasis Graphics

  • I really appreciate Blue Cube’s straightforward approach. They’ve made it so much easier for us to keep on top of our tax and VAT.  Our relationship with HMRC is now entirely stress free. It doesn’t get much better than that. 

    Jason, Rare Design

  • Blue Cube has helped us to attract investors and secure government grants. We’d never been able to do that on our own.  Their support and encouragement have been invaluable and shaped our vision of where to take the business.

    Jane, Chamonix