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Deciding on your financing needs

Last month, we looked at whether the banks really were...
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Guides & Tips

Credit Cards Loans - Should you steer clear of store cards?

This article looks at the pros and cons of credit card loans and store cards.

How to get funding: The Prince’s Trust

If you’ve got a great business idea but are finding out the hard way that it can be a royal pain to get funding, The Prince’s Trust could be the answer.

If you’re looking to fund rapid growth, your bank will probably be the first port of call. SmallBusiness.co.uk finds out what traditional lenders can offer, and how to make sure you’re getting the best deal

Debt versus equity

Choosing between debt or equity finance, or a mixture of the two, could be the most important business decision you ever make. SmallBusiness.co.uk speaks to entrepreneurs, financiers and advisers about the pros and cons of each.

Small Firms' Loan Guarantee Scheme

Companies without assets to offer as security for conventional bank funding will be heartened to know that there’s still another means of raising cash without giving away too much equity - the SFLG.

Maximising business banking

A little relationship building can go a long way when it comes to you and your chosen bank. SmallBusiness.co.uk finds out how.

Don't Miss

Making sound investments in volatile times

After the recent global economic problems, it’s never been more important to choose your offshore investments carefully.

Tax dilemmas

Every small business should make their business tax as efficient as possible, this guide will help ensure you’re not paying HMRC too much.

Emergency Budget Breakdown

It's generally agreed that SMEs emerged largely unscathed from the Emergency Budget. Here SmallBusiness.co.uk picks out the main points for owner-managers.

Small Business Finance News

Businesses struggle to recruit skilled finance and accounting staff

Top finance and accounting staff hard to come by

Businesses are struggling to recruit skilled finance and accounting employees despite an anticipated growth in headcount, research finds.

Top finance and accounting staff hard to come by

Businesses are struggling to recruit skilled finance and accounting employees despite an anticipated growth in headcount, research finds.

Smaller enterprises suffering more than large ones

More small and medium-sized enterprises have seen a quarterly reduction in sales volumes than large companies, research finds.

Small-caps on the up

Fund manager David Clark is upbeat about the prospects for smaller quoted companies.

Forum shuns insolvency U-turn

The Forum of Private Business has condemned a government announcement that legislation to improve the so-called ‘pre-pack insolvency’ sales process will now not go ahead.

Charting a course

Daniel Bastide, a partner at law firm Thomas Eggar, talks to James Harris about new finance structures and a ship called the Hebridean Princess.

Cash flow pressures ease for small businesses

Late payment improved in the final quarter of 2011 with the biggest difference coming from the largest firms, research finds.

SMEs warned of tax return deadline

UK small business owners could lose £45 million on 1 February by failing to complete their tax returns by the 31st January deadline.

Car tax hike could hit SME owners

A new emissions scale for company car tax could mean hefty increase in charges for many, warns an accountant.

Credit unions now able to lend to SMEs

Small businesses struggling to access funding have been given an alternative option with the introduction of legislation allowing credit unions to lend to them.

Businesses call for VAT reduction

A year after the contentious rise in VAT from 17.5 to 20 per cent, businesses are calling for the rate to be reduced to help their company move forward in 2012.

Events Calendar

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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.

Regular Small Business newsletters
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Business loans Questions & Answers

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Tax and Finance

Chas Roy-Chowdhury, ACCA

Tax and VAT expert

Clive Lewis, ICAEW

Business funding advice

Mark Endersby, Funding Solutions

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Latest questions answered

Q: Experiencing financial problems Q: Sources of funding to open a restaurant Q: Acquiring a small business loan Q: Securing a business loan whilst managing debt Q: Business angels

FREE Legal, Financial, Accountancy & HR Help

Aska Professional understands the challenges faced by small businesses. That’s why we provide instant access to professional advice and legal templates. FREE access to Solicitors, Accountants, Financial Advisors & HR Specialists. Ask our experts a question and get a personal response within 60 minutes. Sign up now to ask a question - FREE.

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.

Natwest fixed rate business loan for small businesses

At NatWest, we’re committed to backing British business. That’s why we’re giving small businesses the opportunity to borrow from £25,001 up to £250,000 fee-free, until 5 February 2012. Find out what our Fixed Rate Business Loan gives you today.

Blogs

Winners and losers

Ben Lobel 24/01/2012

It seems that despite the government’s assurance that the Olympics will provide a long-lasting economic legacy for the UK, businesses remain unconvinced. Have your say »

Deciding on your financing needs

Small Business Finance 06/12/2011

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, looks at the ramifications of getting a bank loan to fund growth opportunities. Have your say »

Winning new business in 2012

Guest Blogger 02/02/2012

Shaun Thompson, CEO of Sandler Training, explains how growth is possible in frugal times. Have your say »

Business loans Resource Centre

Funding a start-up business from a limited company

Q: How can I use surplus cash in my existing limited company to fund my new start-up business?

Business loans and mortgages from evo finance

Evo finance offer business loans or commercial mortgages for a wide range of small, medium and startup business needs.

Inter-company business loans

Q: We are directors and sole shareholders for two closed companies. We would like one company to make a business loan to the other. Must we charge interest on the loan? Are there any tax implications for either company?

Get a small business loan to kick start your small business

Visit Teneric to see their guide to your small business loan, written by business planning professionals.

Business Loans for starting a business abroad

Q: Can anyone provide some information on getting a loan in the UK for a business abroad, in particular South Africa. How do you go about it and which companies / banks provide these loans?

Fund your business' growth with factoring

Balance your cash flow with factoring and use the funds to help grow your business. The funding grows with your sales: the more you invoice the more you can borrow. Use the reliable funds to purchase machinery or to pay your staff.

The Small Firms Loan Guarantee scheme

The Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG) provides lenders with a government guarantee against default on loan repayments in certain circumstances.

More Business loans Resources

Other Small Business Finance Resources

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Video

Selling on eBay

Ebay trader Chris Dawson gives his tips to selling through the trading website.

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.

QuickBooks. It’s about time.

Whether you are self-employed, a sole trader or run a small business, Intuit QuickBooks helps you do the expenses faster with no financial experience required. Our easy-to-use accounting software will keep you on top of the books, freeing up more time for you to spend elsewhere. Start your free online trial today.

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.