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.

Applying for a small business grant – everything you need to know

We'll take you through what type of small business grant you should apply for, how to prepare and how to increase your chance of success.

Government Grants

Small Business Banking

How to assess your bank

Here, we explore the questions that you as a business should be asking in order to assess your bank

Business Loans

How to get funding for your business with The Prince’s Trust

The Prince's Trust could give you with a useful mix of funding and mentoring as well as getting to grips with cashflow forecasting.

Alternative finance

Is your business a good candidate for a merchant cash advance?

Merchant cash advance is the fastest-growing area of business funding, enabling businesses to raise working capital against till sales. It’s a new way of funding driven by technology.

Accounting

Hiring an accountant: a small business guide

Julie Corkish, ICAEW’s head of practice, explains what small business owners should consider when hiring an accountant.

Business Loans

Personal guarantees for loans stifling growth, say business owners

Small business lobbyist calls out banks’ use of harsh personal guarantees, which can force small business owners to put their homes on the line

Business Loans

How to get a business loan in 5 steps

Follow this 5-step plan if you want to secure a loan for your small business. There is a wealth of high-street banks and alternative SME lenders to choose from.

Accounting

How to manage your accounts and bookkeeping as a sole trader

Business Loans

How to get a business loan in 5 steps

Follow this 5-step plan if you want to secure a loan for your small business. There is a wealth of high-street banks and alternative SME lenders to choose from.

Accounting

How to manage your accounts and bookkeeping as a sole trader

Accounting

Self-employed allowable expenses you can claim

Accounting

Is it worth hiring an accountant as a small business?

Accounting

What is payment on account and how do I pay it?

Accounting

How to spend less time on accounting and payroll

Business Technology

Future-proof your business communications set-up

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

Business Loans

A guide to getting a small business loan

Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.

Business Technology

Friendly guide – top tips for small businesses switching to VoIP

With the landline shutdown coming fast, there’s never been a better time to switch to VoIP. Don’t let your small business be left behind!

Export & Import

Avoid delays with exports and imports

Many factors can affect products’ journeys from A to B. Here are some tips for best practice for successful shipping in the modern world