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.

Need to know: Asset-based finance

Waiting for invoices to be paid before investing the proceeds in your business can seriously impede growth. SmallBusiness.co.uk examines how factoring and invoice discounting can speed up expansion.

Alternative finance

Small Business Banking

How interest rates affect your business

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.

Accounting

UK tax issues when setting up a business overseas

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

Tax for part-time businesses

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

Credit history issues: A way around?

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

Advice on tax and record keeping

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

Basic tax, VAT and cash flow for start-ups

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

Do you need an accountant?

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.

Accounting

Basic tax, VAT and cash flow for start-ups

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

Do you need an accountant?

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

Securing a business loan whilst managing debt

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

Factoring for fast cash solutions

Invoice finance and factoring are becoming mainstream alternatives to overdrafts, term loans, letters of credit and even private equity.

Small Business Banking

Business bank account checklist

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

Keep your cash flowing

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.

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