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.
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?
Small Business Banking
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?
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.
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.
Accounting
Red tape is a necessary evil in all businesses, so you need to make sure you're on top of it.
Accounting
If operating as a sole trader, profits (or losses) will be taxed under Income Tax rules and you can continue working in employment under PAYE (Pay As You Earn).
Small Business Banking
Business banking is a fiercely competitive market and high street banks now offer added-value services to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Business Loans
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
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?