Category

Financing

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.

Small business credit cards explained

Business credit cards provide a simple and efficient means to pay for business goods, services and expenses using a credit facility. SmallBusiness.co.uk and Simply Business explain some of the key features.

Small Business Banking

Accounting

Making directors liable

Most directors believe that a limited company does what it says on the tin: in other words, they do not expect to be held personally liable for the company's misdemeanours. That could be a false assumption, writes Kelly Tinkler of solicitors Rooks Rider.

Accounting

Proof of earnings

What documentation can be requested from a self-employed individual as accurate proof of gross or net monthly/annual earnings?

Accounting

Paying directors with dividends

I am soon to open my company and keep hearing people refer to dividends as a method of payment for directors, whilst paying them around £5,000 per annum as a wage. Is this legal and if so, can you explain how this works please?

Accounting

Clever cash flow management

Keeping a strong and steady flow of cash running through a business is critical to a company's long-term success, enabling it to pay its staff on time, fulfil new orders and purchase raw material and even new equipment. Here are a few simple steps to help you avoid the stress of cash drying up.

Tax

Turnover limit for VAT registration

What was the limit for business turnover for 05/06 when you can become VAT registered?

Government Grants

Government grants

How and where can I get information on government grants?

Government Grants

Info on government grants

Where can I get information on government grants to help me and my small business?

Government Grants

Government grants

How and where can I get information on government grants?

Government Grants

Info on government grants

Where can I get information on government grants to help me and my small business?

Accounting

Keep your business on track

More and more people are escaping the daily nine to five grind and starting up their own business. Yet business owners should not become complacent once they have overcome the initial start up hurdles but should keep track of company performance. Here's how.

Tax

The tax return clinic

SmallBusiness.co.uk and Andy Hardy from TaxCalc.com demystify the tax returns process and offer top tips on how you can ensure that you don't get caught out by the taxman or pay unnecessary fines.

Accounting

Starting a bookkeeping business

I am an accountancy student (AAT qualified) and I wish to start my own bookkeeping business for sole traders and partnerships. What should my first steps be and are there any rules/laws that may restrict the work I take on? Also, how do I calculate how much to charge?

Small Business Banking

Why should I use a business bank account?

My wife and I want to start a boarding kennels business. There are a wide range of business bank accounts available but why use one when all it seems to do is cost money. Why won't an ordinary account do?

Business Technology

Why you should upgrade your tech now rather than later

To run an optimal business, you must have optimal tech. We explain why you must upgrade your business technology on a regular basis

Investing in a franchise

Should I buy a franchise or go solo?

Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.

Partner content

16 ways to improve your business cash flow

Read here for 16 tried and tested tips and tricks to improve potential cash flow problems

Business management

How to create good cashflow habits

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