Cruive Estate Agents

Business Overview

Cruive Estate Agent Ltd is a small estate agency founded by Judith McGill and her business partner, David Forsyth. Judith takes the lead as the managing director, fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning her own estate agency. With David’s support, they brought this dream to fruition in February 2024.

Judith is a highly motivated and organised individual, driven by her ambition to start her own business. Having previously worked as an estate agent in the Strathaven area, she possesses an intimate knowledge of the local area. This familiarity proved invaluable, as she achieved her first house sale within the first week of opening. Judith is thrilled by the initial success of the business.

Business Requirement

After starting operations, the business needed to refurbish its office space thoroughly. This renovation included several aspects such as decorating, laying new flooring, installing signs for the shopfront and window displays, purchasing office furniture and IT equipment. Additionally, they included branding activities in the renovation plan to strengthen Cruive’s identity and visibility in the market. They made sure to use consistent branding elements like logo placement, signage design, and promotional materials throughout the office to improve brand recognition and create a unified brand experience for clients.

Funding Source

To help with the refurbishment, Judith approached DSL Business Finance for  a £25,000 loan. Cruive’s strong business plan and cash flow forecasts were crucial in persuading DSL that the project was feasible and manageable. Additionally, Judith and David’s relevant experience, thorough planning, extensive research, and enthusiasm for their business played a big part in successfully securing the funding from the Start Up Loan Company.

Success Factors

Several factors underpinned Judith’s success in obtaining funding:

• Clear Business Plan: Judith presented a well-thought-out business plan and cash flow projections, showing that the venture was feasible.
• Passionate Leadership: Judith’s enthusiasm and experience in the estate agency sector played a crucial role in presenting the business positively.
• Effective Networking: Judith’s established connections in the sector added credibility and potential growth opportunities for the business.
• Realistic Forecasts: The company’s forecasts were realistic, predicting profitability within the first year of trading