Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
The financing channel looks at the different small business funding options available to start-up companies and established SME businesses looking to grow. Read a wealth of guides and tips to help manage your accounts and cash flow better, views on the future of business banking and where to source alternative finance.
The British Business Bank is regulator of a scheme that ensures small businesses are referred to relevant alternative finance providers in the event of being turned down for bank funding. But Paul Mildenstein asks: What's taking so long?
Alternative finance
Accounting
Nearly a quarter of all small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK are facing a potential financial crisis due to late payment of invoices, new research finds.
Alternative finance
Today, there is a wealth of alternative finance options that threaten to eclipse the offering of banks in terms of attractiveness to small companies. Here, Sharon Argov looks at some of the benefits of the modern way to finance.
Accounting
In the wake of government plans for a small business commissioner to help companies tackle the issue of late payment, Emily Coltman gives some tips on getting the money in on time.
Government Grants
Chiara Stone, founder of jewellery company Hoobynoo World, talks about a cash injection she received from SUCCESS, a grant provider backed by the government's Regional Growth Fund.
Alternative finance
Here are some methods of funding to consider, many of which haven't arisen until recent years.
Alternative finance
As the economy slowly recovers and we prepare for another five years of a Conservative government what is the outlook for small businesses in the UK? More positive than ever, says Paul Mildenstein.
Accounting
Accountancy and book keeping packages are now available online. And businesses stand to gain much by using them, says Mark Davies, of e-conomic.
Alternative finance
As the economy slowly recovers and we prepare for another five years of a Conservative government what is the outlook for small businesses in the UK? More positive than ever, says Paul Mildenstein.
Accounting
Accountancy and book keeping packages are now available online. And businesses stand to gain much by using them, says Mark Davies, of e-conomic.
Alternative finance
Conrad Ford gives advice on choosing the right funding options before taking the plunge into your business.
Payroll
More than a third (35 per cent) of employees say they would look for a new job if their employer paid them incorrectly just once, research finds.
Alternative finance
Richard Prime discusses the lessons he learned during the funding mission for his company Sonovate, which provides finance to the contract recruitment industry.
Financing
Nigel Breddy speaks to three businesses about the early-stage financial difficulties they experienced and the lessons they learned.
Employing & managing staff
In Aviva’s latest SME research*, 57 per cent of employers surveyed agreed that nowadays employees expect benefits to protect against loss of income or earnings. What do you offer your people?
Partner content
Business broadband offers a host of advantages over standard domestic connections, here’s why you should be considering an upgrade
Partner content
As with any supplier, it’s important to do your research and ask important questions before you select a broadband provider for your business. But what are the must-have things you should take into consideration?
Business Technology
Landlines as we know them will be scrapped in 2027 – along with a raft of upcoming business changes. Here's how to ensure your communications set-up is fit for whatever the future brings