Art4 Publishing House, an art and printing company based in Deal, Kent, has secured a five-figure funding package from HSBC UK through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to expand its facilities and support the business throughout the coronavirus crisis.
The company specialises in creating high quality prints of artists’ work to be sold to art galleries as well as the public. However, as COVID-19 caused galleries to close, the lockdown meant business owner Malcolm Hide was unable to take on new projects and the company’s workload and income streams significantly decreased.
HSBC UK, which has been supporting Art4 since the business began trading 14 years ago, provided the five-figure CBILS loan to help Malcolm cover business costs and continue trading throughout the pandemic.
A large sum of the funding is being used to purchase a new hot press machine. This new machinery has the ability to create larger prints in box picture frames without mounts, allowing Art4 to expand its services and take on new artists who work in different mediums. This expansion will provide vital support to the company over the coming months, allowing it to continue generating new business despite the lockdown and secure long-term growth.
Malcolm Hide, Founder and Owner of Art4, said:
“As a sole trader, the support HSBC UK has provided me through the CBILS loan will be instrumental in helping me cover business costs. It even allows me to bring the company’s growth plans into fruition, despite the challenges we’re facing. This new service will support Art4’s income stream beyond the pandemic and secure a strong future for the businesses that I have been building for over 14 years.”
Sarah Milligan, Area Director for Business Banking in Kent, HSBC UK, commented:
“Mr Hide has shown ambitious growth plans for his business during our long relationship with him. We’re committed to supporting our customers throughout this time, but we’re even more pleased to allow Art4 the chance to expand its services through this loan and look forward to seeing the business win additional clients as a result.”
Art4 Printing Company was established in 2004 and is based on the high street in Deal, Kent. The business uses professional media from Epson & Hahnemuhle to create high-quality replicas of artists’ work for a number of prestige clients including English Heritage and Amy Winehouse Trust, as well as independent artists including Joanna Harmer, Nicki Vowls and James Hunt.
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is available for existing customers with a group turnover of up to £45 million. The Government guarantee will secure bank loans to viable businesses with a sound borrowing proposal.
Benefits include:
- No loan arrangement fee or loan prepayment fee, should the company wish to repay early
- An interest free period of 12 months
- No repayment of capital required during the period of 12 months from drawdown*1
- For incorporated entities, sole traders and partnerships: Available for sums of £10,000 to £5,000,000*2
- The loan can be repaid over any period up to 6 years
- Variable interest rate with option to fix after the initial interest free period
HSBC UK is working closely with the Government and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and businesses have the advice and support they need. For tips and advice for businesses around planning for any possible disruption, visit www.business.hsbc.com/novel-coronavirus.
The new measures build upon the package of support that HSBC UK has already announced for business customers:
- Launched BBLS, CBILS, CLBILS and CCFF
- Allocated £5bn to help businesses that need support
- Removed the £100 Small Business Loan fee to relieve the pressure faced by SMEs across the country
- Removed informal overdraft fees – As of 1st April we will no longer apply any Informal Overdraft fees
- Offering repayment holidays to free up cash within businesses
- Stopped all unauthorised overdraft charges
- Reviewing overdrafts or trade loans to allow stock to be held for longer
- Offering companies involved in the supply and manufacture of ventilators preferential pricing, extended repayment terms on loans and fast track approval times to support the unprecedented demand on UK hospitals.
- We have also extended that support to customers that can give immediate help to essential public services and vulnerable people. We are contacting clients involved in the manufacture and supply of Personal Protective Equipment to offer preferential finance and, where possible, the direct purchase of supplies and equipment for essential public services.
- We will also offer similar terms to clients involved in the wholesale of food.
- Our relationship managers have been proactively contacting customers to see what help their businesses need.
- We’ve launched a coronavirus helpline to support any customer queries and a dedicated coronavirus hub on our website.
- For businesses trading internationally:
- £3bn to importers and exporters that need additional support
- pre-approved 60-day extensions on trade loans for customers with a sound trade loan/financing record
- a one-hour turnaround on the issuance of Shipping Guarantees, enabling customers to transfer or receive goods from their counterparty faster
- A dedicated helpline that connects directly with trade finance specialists (0800 783 1300, open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday), in addition to the support being offered by relationship managers