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.

EU grants

Are there any EU grants available for starting a business?

Government Grants

Government Grants

Grants: your questions answered

Getting your hands on free funding can be a tricky business. Here we answer your most frequently asked questions about accessing grants.

Government Grants

Small business grants and loans

If getting business funding though your bank is starting to feel like banging your head against a brick wall, don't despair. Here we look at some less painful ways to secure finance.

Accounting

Chasing debt

I invoiced a client three months ago and have been chasing payment since. I'm not getting anywhere, so what should I do?

Accounting

Tax and NI for a hairdressing business

I am working full-time until my mobile hairdressing business establishes itself. What tax and national insurance should I be saving?

Small Business Banking

Refinance your business 

Refinancing, if successful, can transform a company, not only by providing the funds it needs on terms which are not going to choke it, but also by opening a relationship with sources of support, expertise and useful contacts.

Accounting

How to reduce your tax bill

Death and taxes may be the only certain things in life – but there are ways of minimising the impact of the latter.

Small Business Banking

Bank loans for small businesses

Banks are beginning to post healthy profits again, but SMEs say they are still being hit hard by lending terms. Here we speak to entrepreneurs, analysts and bankers to find out the reality of credit conditions.

Accounting

How to reduce your tax bill

Death and taxes may be the only certain things in life – but there are ways of minimising the impact of the latter.

Small Business Banking

Bank loans for small businesses

Banks are beginning to post healthy profits again, but SMEs say they are still being hit hard by lending terms. Here we speak to entrepreneurs, analysts and bankers to find out the reality of credit conditions.

Accounting

Six ways to keep HMRC happy

Tax is a headache at the best of times, let alone during a recession. Express Tax Solutions’ Parvinder Kaur offers six tips to avoid getting into hot water with HMRC.

Alternative finance

How to raise angel finance

Business angels are those lucky types with enough cash to consider investing in early-stage businesses. SmallBusiness.co.uk speaks to owner-managers who never would have got their business off the ground without angel finance.

Alternative finance

Finding alternative funding for your industry

Until the economy returns to a position of normality and bank lending picks up again, SMEs are seeking alternative sources of finance.

Small Business Banking

Bad credit rating

I have been refused a business bank account due to bad credit history. At present I do not have debt other than my mortgage. What should I do?

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