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.
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.
Small Business Banking
Accounting
When it comes to relocating and setting up a business overseas, there are a multitude of issues that have to be considered. Getting your tax position in order pre-departure should be high on your list of priorities.
Accounting
When starting up for the first time, many people opt to retain their full-time job and set up their own business part-time. But what does this mean for their tax situation? Will the tax be deducted from the day job wage? Or is it only taken from what is earned from the business? Are they separate?
Small Business Banking
I have opened a retail shop in a busy area, I am seeking a business bank account to enable credit/debit card payments. I currently have a very poor credit history but until 5 months ago it was very good. I have a partner with a good credit rating. Will she be able to apply if I make her a shareholder as I have chosen to make the company limited?
Accounting
I'm just starting a party plan business for women's clothing, lingerie and adult products. I've just graduated from university and know nothing about the legal side of businesses. What are the most important legal details I need and where can I get detailed advice on VAT and record keeping? I have already registered as a limited company, what next?
Accounting
When starting a business, there are a myriad of VAT, National Insurance, income tax and cash flow issues to consider. Clive Lewis of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales offers this introduction to what to expect.
Accounting
When starting a business accountants can provide a wide range of services. You can talk over the records that you need to keep for the business and whether you need to register for VAT.
Business Loans
I am 25 and I have some debt from University, which is a £6,000 loan, £3,000 credit card and a student loan which is paid through my employer. Would this type of debt stop me starting up my own business and getting the finance for it?
Accounting
When starting a business accountants can provide a wide range of services. You can talk over the records that you need to keep for the business and whether you need to register for VAT.
Business Loans
I am 25 and I have some debt from University, which is a £6,000 loan, £3,000 credit card and a student loan which is paid through my employer. Would this type of debt stop me starting up my own business and getting the finance for it?
Alternative finance
Invoice finance and factoring are becoming mainstream alternatives to overdrafts, term loans, letters of credit and even private equity.
Small Business Banking
Charges and services vary a great deal from bank to bank so it pays to do your homework and find out what suits you and your business.
Small Business Banking
Without wanting to overstate the obvious, cash is the lifeblood of your business. Running out of it could finish you off. Cash flow is the balance of all the money flowing in and out of your business and forecasting it will make you better prepared for peaks and troughs throughout the year.
Accounting
When you run a business, you are legally required to keep certain financial records, like tax returns and VAT details. You might decide to do some of this yourself, but you need to weigh up the cost of a professional accountant against the time and potential headaches it could cause you.
Business Loans
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
Business Technology
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
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.