The personal and professional finances of an entrepreneur are often closely related. Here, private banker Eileen Redmond-Macken answers real money management questions from our network.

 

 

NICK MODHA, Trustist:

For business owners balancing company growth with personal wealth creation, what are the most overlooked strategies to ensure long-term financial security?

 

The best starting point for any entrepreneur is to find the right financial partner who understands your unique journey. A private banker will take the time to assess your circumstances and goals, providing support through good and bad times. They can also work holistically across your personal and business interests to tailor the services you need.

Typically overlooked strategies include leveraging tax-efficient investment vehicles, such as ISAs and pensions, which can enhance wealth while providing tax relief. Additionally, family trusts can help preserve wealth for future generations.

Strategic borrowing against your personal and business balance sheets is another effective way to grow your wealth.

Finally, regular financial reviews with your financial partner are essential to adapt your strategy as economic conditions change.

 

 

VANJA LJEVAR, Kubik Intelligence:

How can entrepreneurs manage their money when liquidity events are uncertain in timing and scale?

 

Finding a bank with a refreshingly human approach is key. At Investec, we personalise our solutions. We might take a long-term view of a client’s financial position to determine an appropriate loan amount or align their mortgage repayments with their irregular cash flow.

From a savings perspective, maintaining access to cash for everyday needs is important, so it’s worth exploring the options available to you. A notice deposit account (such as Investec’s Voyage Reserve account) allows you to earn an attractive interest rate on your existing cash, while making withdrawals with a notice period.

There are also tools that can provide more predictability and control over your money. A Foreign Exchange Forward contract allows you to secure an exchange rate up to two years in advance, which would allow you to confirm the value of proceeds in a foreign currency, ahead of time.

 

 

MIT PATEL, Thrift Investments:

Can a high-net-worth individual raise funding for a new venture using their existing assets as collateral?

 

There are three main ways to raise equity-based capital, and at Investec, we can help connect the dots.

Firstly, individuals with liquid securities (such as stocks and shares) may be able to borrow against their portfolio's value without selling the underlying assets and incurring tax liabilities. This is usually an efficient and affordable form of borrowing. Secondly, property owners can secure a mortgage against their homes. Finally, individuals with established private business interests, may be able to borrow against this equity.

While many lenders offer these services, Investec can take a flexible view across asset types to create a personalised and blended solution for each client.

 

 

RUCHIRA TALWAR, Foundxrs Club:

How can a small business protect itself from fraud while allowing employees to make payments using company funds?

 

Start by educating employees about different types of fraud and relevant warning signs. Training should encourage vigilance and reporting of suspicious requests.

It’s essential to have strong internal controls. Limit access to sensitive information and systems to those who need it. Separate duties during fund transfers, conduct regular financial reviews and audits, and require dual authorisation for significant transactions to minimise fraud risk.

Finally, always verify payment requests, especially for large or unusual transactions.

 

 

SHYAM PATEL, Stimpsons Eves:

Our business model focuses on acquiring established companies within our industry, integrating them into our portfolio and scaling their operations. What types of funding options are available to support our continued growth by acquisition strategy?

 

Capital to facilitate acquisitions can include committed or uncommitted facilities. Committed facilities guarantee available funding for a specific timeframe, but could come at a higher cost.

The level of commitment is often dictated by a lender’s belief in the quality of the pipeline. There may also be controls around how the capital can be used and when it can be drawn, as well as mechanisms that adjust the agreement depending on company performance.

 

 

ANITA KALRA, Kalra Legal Group:

Managing a business, taking drawings, and reinvesting funds can be a juggling act. Is there a blueprint that an entrepreneur should follow?

 

Our working capital team supports businesses with cash flow management. Here are nine steps they recommend:

· Set clear financial goals: Define what you want to achieve financially, both personally and for your business.

· Create a detailed budget: Outline all income sources and expenses, including personal drawings, and keep it updated.

· Monitor cash flow: Regularly check your cash flow to understand how money moves in and out of your business.

· Develop a drawing strategy: Decide how often you’ll take personal drawings and ensure they don’t disrupt business cash flow.

· Plan for reinvestment: Determine a percentage of profits to reinvest in growth areas.

· Build an emergency fund: Set aside profits for unexpected expenses.

· Choose the right accountant or adviser: Work with a qualified accountant familiar with your industry.

· Review your finances regularly: Conduct monthly or quarterly reviews of your financial performance.

· Invest in your own development: Attend workshops or training sessions to enhance your business knowledge

 

Investec is a leading international bank which provides private, corporate and investment banking to individuals and businesses. For more information, please contact Eileen Redmond at EileenRM@investec.com

 

Important information: This article is for general information purposes only and should not be used or relied upon as professional advice. It is advisable to contact a professional adviser if you need financial advice.

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Portfolio loans are secured against your investments with Investec Wealth &Investment (UK), which is a subsidiary of Rathbones Group Plc. There are a limited number of situations where the lending purpose may determine our ability to lend. Portfolio loans are repayable on demand.'

You can only book an FX Forward which is for an underlying personal or commercial spending purpose. You cannot book an FX Forward for investment or speculative purposes, for example in order to achieve a gain based on movements in exchange rates. Also, you

cannot book an FX Forward on behalf of any other person. Additional terms and eligibility criteria apply for FX Forwards.

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In May, we teamed up with The Ned to host one of the UK’s most prominent entrepreneurs, Mr Roger Wade. The trailblazing entrepreneur behind BOXPARK. Founder of one of the first British streetwear brands BoxFresh and now the founder of VC firm BoxFund.

Founded in 2011, BOXPARK pioneered the pop-up retail and dining experience, turning repurposed shipping containers into vibrant social hubs. From its first location in Shoreditch to multiple sites across London, BOXPARK became a cultural phenomenon, championing independent businesses and redefining urban spaces. In 2021, Roger sold a majority stake in the company for £40M, marking a new chapter in its evolution.

Before BOXPARK, Roger built and sold the iconic streetwear brand BoxFresh, cementing his reputation as a visionary entrepreneur with a knack for spotting trends and disrupting industries. His journey - from launching and scaling brands to navigating high-stakes acquisitions.

 


 

Photographs by Glenn Foster for Foundxrs Club

In April, we teamed up once again with Pavilion Club and property investment firm ‘Wealth Invest Consulting’ to host yet another unforgettable ‘Audience with’ evening. This time we had the pleasure of welcoming the multi-talented UK rapper turned serial entrepreneur and founder of skincare brand ‘Nala’s Baby’, Casyo ‘KREPT’ Johnson.

From the moment he took to the floor, the energy in the room was palpable. Krept, known globally for his chart-topping music as one half of duo ‘Krept & Konan’, revealed the sharp business acumen and creative drive that underpins his success both within and beyond the music industry.

It wasn't just about the hits and the accolades; the conversation delved deep into the mindset of an entrepreneur – someone who consistently identifies opportunities and isn't afraid to forge his own path. We explored his journey, the challenges he's overcome and the principles that guide his ventures.

Here’s a little look back at the evening.

 

 

Photographs by Glenn Foster for Foundxrs Club

As far as whisky tastings go, we’re pretty sure they don’t get better than this. Invited by Tomintoul Speyside Single Malt, 8 members made their way to Inverness the home of the gentle dram. After an hour’s drive the members were settling into the Tomintoul House, a 16-bedroom Scottish mansion previously owned by non-other than legendary musician Bob Dylan.

Hosted by Foundxrs Club and Tomintoul Single Malt, the two-day event included a few whisky tastings including 40 and 50 year olds, cigar sampling, distillery tour, lunches by the River Annan, curated dinners, having bottles signed by Master Distiller Robert Fleming and not to mention the bond building between the members and everything that happens between including playing Bob Dylan’s piano and dancing until the early hours of the morning.

A very special THANK YOU to Jordan, Cody, Michael and the rest of the Tomintoul family for showing what Scottish hospitality really feels like.

 

 

Established in 1965, Tomintoul Distillery is located near to the village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland and in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Master Distiller, Robert Fleming, who is a fourth generation Speyside distiller, has been the custodian of Tomintoul for more than 30 years. It's Robert and his dedicated team who are responsible for handcrafting every drop of Tomintoul Single Malt. They use traditional production techniques that stretch back hundreds of years, to handcraft a wide range of award-winning Tomintoul Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

 

 

www.tomintoulwhisky.com

Our HERstory 2025 event at Fortnum & Mason was a truly special celebration of women in business, bringing together inspiring female founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders for an afternoon of meaningful conversations and connection.

Set against the elegant backdrop of one of London’s most iconic venues, the event was a powerful reminder of the strength, ambition, and impact of women in business today. From shared stories of resilience to forging new collaborations, it was an unforgettable gathering of like-minded women determined to elevate and empower one another.

 

 

Photographs by Jai Shah for Foundxrs Club

To launch the Clubs HERstory 2025 campaign we had the pleasure of bringing together 50 Foundxrs at Pavilion Fulham to host an incredible woman. Raising triplets as a single mother, a world record holder, one of the first women to conquer both North and South Poles and described by The Telegraph as one of the ‘Top 20 Great British Explorers of All Time’ – Ann Daniels. 

An open and candid Q&A curated by the Club's very own Ruchi, Ann talked about changing mindsets, overcoming adversity, staring death in the face and coming out the other side and on top.

A HUGE THANK YOU to Ann for joining us, Pavilion for teaming up with us and never forgetting our fearless Foundxrs for making the evening electric.

 

 

Photographs by Jai Shah for Foundxrs Club

Late Feb 2025 played host to the clubs first father and daughter duo as part of our ‘Audience with’ series.

Nick Bassi, founder of Childsplay Clothing, one of the world’s largest online retail fashion platforms for children’s designer fashion was joined by daughter Serena Bassi, Lead Buyer for the business who joined the company in 2019. What started as a modest boutique in Essex 35 years ago is now a global empire with bases in London and Miami and a client base including the Kardashian to DJ Khaled, from Beyonce to Lionel Messi.

Nick has always been at the forefront and ahead of the curve being able to see value in opportunities before most do. In 2014 he secured a TV show deal with ITV focussed around the business and over the years has become a seasoned investor in numerous businesses including being one of the first and early investors in Velocity Black which sold for just shy of $300M in 2023.

Bringing 50+ Club members together in Mayfair, the evening included candid conversations on business, life, family and inspiration.

 

 

Photographs by Jai Shah Photography

It’s safe to say ‘JIMMY CHOO’ is probably one of the most notable and recognised names when it comes to luxury footwear and fashion. 

As we closed off 2024, we had the honour of welcoming and hosting world renowned Professor Jimmy Choo and niece Lucy Choi for our final ‘Audience with’ of the year.

Amongst being a global icon. Jimmy founded ‘JCA’ (Jimmy Choo Academy), a fashion academy operating from Mayfair in the heart of London. The academy is spearheaded and run by Jimmy’s niece Lucy Choi, a luxury shoe designer in her own right.

Over 24 hours we hosted 2 club events with the iconic designer and here’s a look back at the events with the official photos now live.

 

 

Photographs by ‘No Name Digital’

One of, if not the BEST party of 2024 but let’s be honest, we’re going to be a little bias.

As Foundxrs and entrepreneurs, we can very regularly get stuck in the operational process of the business and not taking stock of what we’ve achieved and very importantly not making the time to celebrate the wins. As a Club, we made a pact a few years back to say, we’re going to make sure we celebrate the year, each year and we’ll bring all our members along to ensure they do the same.

End of November 2024 played host to Foundxrs Club's grand END OF YEAR PARTY bringing together over 300 club members and guests. In partnership with Carter Bond Solicitors, Fortis Wealth, No Name Digital, Mistique Events, Musical Movements and Wealth Invest Consulting, the party was hosted in London and in support of global charity Sense International.

Here are the official photos from the night and we’d like to say a huge THANK YOU once again to all our event partners and of course our wonderful members and Foundxrs family for making it a night to remember.

 

 

Photographs by Jai Shah

Mid-September we had the pleasure to teaming up with Club member and brand expert Aarti Parmar to host a masterclass on "Effective Networking Strategies to Maximise Personal Brand and Business Growth."

Delivering an engaging session, Aarti shared practical strategies aimed at refining our members' networking skills and personal branding.

 

The session covered:

 

BOOSTED NETWORKING SKILLS:
Aarti shared valuable tips on how to confidently start, nurture, and strengthen business relationships through genuine, conscious conversations. This resonated strongly with our members, who left with actionable insights to enhance their interactions.

 

 

REFINED PERSONAL BRAND:
The importance of effectively communicating a personal brand was a key highlight. Aarti’s approach helped members understand how to differentiate themselves in the market and attract the right opportunities.

 

 

ENHANCED ONLINE PRESENCE:
Aarti provided practical advice on leveraging social media to grow networks and increase visibility, motivating attendees to amplify their digital presence with authenticity.

 

 

NEW GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
The masterclass wrapped up with guidance on identifying and pursuing business opportunities within existing networks, sparking fresh ideas for collaborations and partnerships.

 

 

Co-founder of the club Kalpesh Patel explained “When it comes to branding and brand positioning, it’s not a topic that everyone fully gets on day one, which is why it’s super important to have someone like Aarti come in, strip back details and help our members fully get a grasp on what branding is and why it’s so important. Aarti doesn’t just speak and present with conviction, she embodies her craft and helps her audience understand, relate and connect with their business, their brand and their outcome. As a membership club, our objective is to get world class speakers and educators in a room to add value to our members and this why we chose Aarti Parmar”

 

Credit images to: Sheena Sabharwal