Finance

From tips on handling cashflow to obtaining government grants and setting up a credit control system; our finance section contains everything you need to know about raising investment and managing your small business money.

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5 Ways Your Business Will Never Run Out of Cash

5 Ways Your Business Will Never Run Out of Cash

Chirag Shah June 28, 2016 Finance

Access to finance is an ongoing challenge for many small businesses. Traditional routes for raising capital are often less flexible and some finance options, such as overdraft facilities, are dwindling in their availability. To ensure their own survival and growth, small businesses need to put in place processes that manage their cashflows better than ever before. Credit control - seeing red Outstanding customer invoices, if allowed to accumulate, can ruin a small company that relies on regular income to cover operating costs. A robust credit management system that monitors overdue payments and follows proper processes to recover the debt, can mitigate this risk and is simple to implement. Outbound credit communications, for example a standard monthly statement and letter, can help y... »

A Guide to Car Finance for Business Owners

A Guide to Car Finance for Business Owners

Ryan Platt April 14, 2016 Finance

Generally, it’s not difficult for you to obtain finance when looking to acquire cars for your business – a cash deposit and reasonable credit score should be enough to satisfy most dealers. However, the number of options available can be overwhelming and choosing the type that best suits your business is vital. Mistakes could mean years of headaches and mounting bills. This article covers: How to find the right car finance for you How to navigate the dealership process What kinds of finance are available How do I work out what car finance I want? Your first step should be working out what kind of finance you need. Being clear about the kind of car you need and its purpose will be a major factor in how good the eventual deal is. When considering what kind of car you want, primarily your con... »

Financing New Equipment: What You Need to Know

Financing New Equipment: What You Need to Know

Ryan Platt April 2, 2016 Finance

The capital outlay required to purchase new equipment can be intimidating – especially for a new business. Equipment finance allows you to spread the burden out over a period of weeks, months or years, gaining access to the equipment in the meantime instead of paying upfront. Technically, this can work out as the more expensive option but as long as you choose the right deal it could benefit your business in the long run. However, the wrong agreement could see you burdened with a long-term contract that makes little financial sense. This article includes: How to find the right financing deal for your business The benefits of equipment finance The different forms of arrangement available Where to get further help and advice What are the benefits of equipment finance? There are many benefits... »

How to Manage Subsidised Loans as a Small Business

How to Manage Subsidised Loans as a Small Business

Ryan Platt March 31, 2016 Finance

Obtaining a loan as a small business is notoriously tricky as many don’t have the valuable assets needed to provide security for a bank. Subsidised loan schemes like the government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme could provide just the lifeline you need to obtain finance when it is difficult to come by elsewhere. This guide includes: A guide to the subsidised and guaranteed loan schemes available in the UK Information about the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme How you can find a local or bank-supported loan guarantee scheme elsewhere Tips on how to boost your eligibility for a subsidised loan Where to go for further help and advice What is the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme and does my business qualify? The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme is delivered by the B... »

Managing Your Money and Your Business: A Guide

Managing Your Money and Your Business: A Guide

Rory Platt March 30, 2016 Finance

For anyone striking out as an entrepreneur for the first time, the stakes are often high. Owning and managing a small/medium sized business means that your own personal financial affairs are likely to be tied up in those of the business. It’s crucial that you always consider how your business is affecting your financial situation – whether you have been running it for two weeks or 20 years. This guide aims to help you control the flow of personal finances into and out of your business – how to manage the investments you put into the company and the income/profits it provides you with in return. Furthermore, it will help you choose the business structure that benefits you most financially, learn about tax advantages, how to withdraw profits and make investments, how to manage an exit, and m... »

How to Manage Import Finance

How to Manage Import Finance

Ryan Platt March 16, 2016 Finance

Importing goods from another country typically exposes you to more risk and financial commitment than purchasing from a UK supplier, so it is especially important that you know what you are doing. In this guide you will learn about: Negotiating a deal with a supplier What payment methods exist The costs involved How to arrange short-term finance What factors do I need to consider when negotiating with my supplier Both parties will want to obtain different terms but should strive to reach a balanced and mutually beneficial outcome. The method of payment you choose will, in large part, determine what level of risk you’re exposed too (see below for more on this). You will want to reduce the risk of paying for goods that don’t arrive, or arrive late or damaged and the supplier will want to be ... »

How to Complete an Income Tax Self-Assessment

How to Complete an Income Tax Self-Assessment

Rory Platt March 10, 2016 Finance

Completing a self-assessment can be a daunting prospect for many, especially if you lack a natural aptitude for numbers. Unfortunately, for the majority of people working in business, it is a prospect you are likely to face. However, provided you keep comprehensive and relevant records, and meet your deadlines, it doesn’t have to be something to fear. This guide will help you both recognise your obligations as a small business as well as teach you how to keep detailed records to ensure you submit your return without any problems. Am I affected by self-assessment? You are responsible for performing your own self-assessment if: You are a sole trader You are in partnership You are a company director who receives benefits or remunerations You are a higher rate tax payer with a higher-rate taxa... »

How to Manage Business Overdrafts and Bank Loans

How to Manage Business Overdrafts and Bank Loans

Ryan Platt March 9, 2016 Finance

Overdrafts and bank loans are the most common way for businesses to obtain external finance – but they have to be used properly. While carefully managed debt finance offers a flexible and cost-effective way of investing in your business and keeping on top of cashflow, poor debt finance decisions can cause major problems and eventually failure. How do I decide what kind of finance I need? First of all, you need to work out what ‘gearing’ you want your business to have, meaning the proportion of your finance you have in the form of debt as opposed to investment. To establish this you should consider your cashflow, less available cash might mean you struggle with repayment, as well as your risk profile – more risk isn’t always bad. If your investors are prepared to accept higher risk in the e... »

Choosing and Using an Accountant for Your Small Business

Choosing and Using an Accountant for Your Small Business

Ryan Platt March 8, 2016 Finance

When running a business for the first time, it can be tempting to think you can go it alone – as an enthusiastic advocate of lean techniques, you may have taken the view that an accountant represents an unnecessary expense. But the opposite is almost always the case; a small outlay on an accountant can save your business untold costs in the long run. In this article, you will find an introduction to accountants from the point of view of a small business. We cover what services they can provide, where to find one, and how to save on accountancy fees. What services can an accountant offer my small business? Accountancy is a broad term, and different accountants will offer different kinds of service. There are a number of such services. Helping you file annual accounts. Whether you are a sole... »

Business Angels: How to Find Them, Pitch and Secure Investment

Business Angels: How to Find Them, Pitch and Secure Investment

Ryan Platt March 2, 2016 Finance

If you’re looking to secure investment above £25,000 and below £750,000, then a business angel could be the way to go. A business angel is any individual prepared to provide you with capital at their own personal risk. The personal nature of their investment means an experienced angel can also offer hands on knowledge and expertise than can help grow your business. This guide will give you advice on finding a business angel that suits your needs, how to pitch to them successfully and how to secure their investment. When should I consider using a business angel? An angel should only really be considered if you are able to fulfil the following conditions. You must be: Trying to raise £25,000-£750,000 Equity finance over £250,000 is generally the preserve of syndicates – angels investing toge... »

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