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Guides & Tips

Savings accounts and building a future together

Putting money into a joint or personal savings account might help you and your partner plan for your future together.

Opening a business bank account

It is not a legal requirement that you open business account – but there are several reasons why it is a good idea.

Small business credit cards explained

Business credit cards provide a simple and efficient means to pay for business goods, services and expenses using a credit facility. SmallBusiness.co.uk and Simply Business explain some of the key features.

Use credit cards safely

Business owners are increasingly using personal credit cards to fund their businesses, particularly when it comes to major purchases such as vehicles and equipment.

How to open a foreign currency account

If your business has a strong hold in the overseas market, or you regularly receive and make payments in a foreign currency, then you may benefit from opening a foreign currency account.

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Choosing the right financial investments

Get investing

When cash savings rates are low, some people start thinking about putting their money into investments and there are plenty to choose from.

Loans scheme for start-ups falls flat

Last month the government launched a finance package to help struggling small businesses access bank loans, but SMEs say they aren’t seeing the benefits.

Your first business loan

If your business plan and financial forecasts are sound, you may be feeling brave enough to approach a bank for funding.

Business Banking News

Venture funds to assist in credit easing support?

Fund managers should be given a role to play alongside the high street banks in delivering the government’s £40 billion credit easing scheme support, says venture capital firm EV.

Venture funds to assist in credit easing support?

Fund managers should be given a role to play alongside the high street banks in delivering the government’s £40 billion credit easing scheme support, says venture capital firm EV.

FSB calls for increased competition in banking

The Federation of Small Businesses is urging the government to consider competition in the banking sector in its response to the ICB's final report next week.

RBS in bid to boost lending

The Royal Bank of Scotland has said it will aim to boost small business lending by at least 15 percent in three months as part of a drive to get behind the economic recovery.

FPB: Business Finance Taskforce not there yet

The Business Finance Taskforce has not yet achieved its aim of repairing the relationship between banks and small businesses, says the Forum of Private Business.

SMEs increasingly shun bank lending margins

Three quarters of small businesses think that bank lending margins on loans are too high, up from 73 per cent last year, research finds.

FSB welcomes banking reform

The Federation of Small Businesses has welcomed the recommendations set out by the Independent Commission on Banking on reform of the banking sector.

FSB: Government must not 'water down' banking reforms

The national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses has written an open letter to the prime minister urging him not to ‘water down' proposals on banking reform.

Free loans offered to riot-hit businesses

A major bank is set to help out businesses hit by rioting by offering fee-free loans.

BoE: Project Merlin on track

More than £20 billion was lent to small businesses by the nation’s leading banks over the past quarter, figures from the Bank of England show.

Project Merlin banks 'on track' for lending targets

The five banks involved in the government-backed Project Merlin initiative say that they are ‘on track’ to meet business lending commitments.

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FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

What Investment

What Investment is the leading and longest-established investment magazine in the UK.

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Opening a bank account Questions & Answers

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Business funding advice

Mark Endersby, Funding Solutions

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Latest questions answered

Q: Credit check for business account Q: Why use business banking? Q: Opening a business bank account with bad credit Q: Opening up a US dollar bank account Q: Bad credit rating Q: Seeking finance Q: Can I open a business bank account after bankruptcy?

Barclays Business Start Up Account

Get everything you'd expect from a Barclays Business account…Free business banking for up to 2 years (Ts&Cs apply). Free day-to-day support from our Barclays Business Team by phone 24/7 and Mobile Banking, manage your account quickly and easily from a web-enabled phone. Apply online.

A business credit card with 0% interest on purchases for 3 months*

That’s on top of up to 56 days of interest-free credit**. When it comes to supporting your cashflow, it all adds up to a lot of extra breathing space. Also, by separating your business and personal spend it helps you keep track of your costs and identify areas where you can save money. Find out more today. *From date of account opening. **When you pay off your balance in full and on time each month.

If you’ve decided to go it alone, we can help you get started.

18 months free* day-to-day business banking
Free Sage Planning for Business software

We can also introduce you to a local business manager who can provide insight and guidance to help you get your business started and find the right finance options to suit your needs. Find out more.

Blogs

Apprenticeship dreams

Ben Lobel 07/02/2012

So, another government incentive has been dangled in front of small businesses in the form of a fresh £6 million fund for hiring apprentices. Have your say »