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.
My bank is forcing me to restructure my overdraft into a loan. It will be more expensive and in 4-6 months time I may not even need an overdraft. Through circumstance I have never signed a directors' guarantor for the overdraft. Can they still force me into this position?
Small Business Banking
Government Grants
Liz Mowatt secured a government grant for business coaching for her company A Giving Tribute, which offers tribute cards for funerals.
Accounting
As a small company in construction we are VAT-registered. Our quantity surveyor has recently become VAT-registered and therefore his invoices have increased owing to the VAT element. Can we reclaim this VAT as he is a service provider?
Financing
A lack of understanding of alternative forms of borrowing such as asset-based finance could be hampering UK business growth, a study suggests.
Alternative finance
Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores how small businesses should approach venture capital.
Alternative finance
New website www.pitchfor.it will offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to attract potential investors by uploading video pitches. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to founder Peter Hart.
Accounting
I am registered for VAT and run a shop in a partnership with my wife. We are thinking of importing goods to sell online from Germany. Can we put the online business in my wife's name so we don't have to worry about VAT until turnover exceeds £77,000?
Accounting
My former accountant advised me over a period of five years that I was VAT-exempt. He was incorrect with his professional advice. My VAT bill was £53,000. Is there anything I can do about it?
Accounting
I am registered for VAT and run a shop in a partnership with my wife. We are thinking of importing goods to sell online from Germany. Can we put the online business in my wife's name so we don't have to worry about VAT until turnover exceeds £77,000?
Accounting
My former accountant advised me over a period of five years that I was VAT-exempt. He was incorrect with his professional advice. My VAT bill was £53,000. Is there anything I can do about it?
Accounting
Having healthy cash flow will be crucial to the success of your business.
Accounting
UK business owners are calling on the government to reduce the tax burden in a bid to stimulate growth, research finds.
Business Loans
Finance provider SwiftMoney.com outlines the benefits of short-term loans.
Accounting
I am self-employed and have not taken a wage yet. I don’t know how to pay myself, do you have any advice?
Business Technology
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
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
Business Technology
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
Many factors can affect products’ journeys from A to B. Here are some tips for best practice for successful shipping in the modern world