Accounting

Many small businesses operate on a very tight budget. Figures published by the Insolvency Service show that up to 13,000 companies go into liquidation and 11,000 self-employed people are declared bankrupt annually. The need for debt advice for small businesses has never before been in such demand.

Government Grants

How could I get a grant for my new business, I've heard about start-up grants but I've never received one? Where could I get info on this?

Accounting

My boyfriend and I are planning on starting a part-time business making and selling canvas prints of art work, personal photos and other images - on top of us both working full-time. We will not be making a massive amount of money, it will just be turning a hobby into profit, so will we have to pay tax or any other charges on whatever we earn? I have been told you can earn up to £4,999 without having to pay tax. Do I need to declare the money being earned even if it's less than this amount?

Accounting

I am about to replace my car and have been told by my accountant that 25 per cent relief is allowed on cars and 40% relief is allowed on vans. Which vehicles are considered as 'vans' for the purposes of tax? I have quite a lot of equipment to carry around (ladders etc) and so maybe a van would been of greater benefit than a large estate car. I hope that you can advise. Thank you!

Alternative finance

Waiting for invoices to be paid before investing the proceeds in your business can seriously impede growth. SmallBusiness.co.uk examines how factoring and invoice discounting can speed up expansion.

Small Business Banking

When it comes to the cost of borrowing, burgeoning UK ventures have rarely had it so good. Base interest rates are at historically low levels, having been on a downward trend since the late 1980s. But this could be about to change.