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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

How to sell your business

Executing a slick full exit takes preparation, thick skin and bags of raw cunning. SmallBusiness.co.uk finds out how to avoid the pitfalls and get the best price.

Valuing your business for sale

Pricing companies is a dark art. Your valuation and that of potential buyers are unlikely to tally, yet value it you must before you can begin any sort of sale negotiations.

Get your business ready to sell

As an entrepreneur, you start your company because of your passion for what you are doing. Yet, no matter how much you love your business, you will eventually need to sell it. This guide from SmallBusiness.co.uk offers three great ways to ensure you get the most money possible for it.

The seven deadly sins of exits

Greed, pride, and an array of other human weaknesses can get in the way of a good exit. SmallBusiness.co.uk speaks to entrepreneurs about their triumphs and regrets in selling their businesses.

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.

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Selling your business Questions & Answers

Register or login to ask a question to our panel of experts...

Tax and Finance

Chas Roy-Chowdhury, ACCA

Tax and VAT expert

Clive Lewis, ICAEW

Business funding advice

Mark Endersby, Funding Solutions

9 posts

Latest questions answered

Q: Need to sell my business Q: Tax liabilities when selling a business Q: Should I give away equity to staff for no investment?
Q: How do I go about valuing my company?
Q: Regulations when selling a business Q: Tax implications when selling a business Q: Selling a small company

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.

Tailored Quotes for your Business Insurance

Simply Business cover a wide variety of trades and provide tailored insurance quotes. Compare quotes or call 0845 072 3340 for Public Liability and Employers Liability Insurance, and take out optional extras such as tool and plant cover.

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 »

Selling your business Resource Centre

Looking to exit your business?

Under standing an exit strategy. Read these quick guides from Growth Business and understand how to value your business.

Find a business broker

Want to sell your business? Visit this comprehensive directory of business advisers.

Capital gains tax advice

CGT is a tax on capital 'gains'. If when you sell or give away an asset it has increased in value, you may be taxable on the profit. Read more about when you have to pay Capital Gains Tax?

Guide to selling a business

Selling a business is not that dissimilar from selling your home. Good planning is key to a successful outcome. Read this guide to selling a business from Daltons Business.

More Selling your business 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.

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.

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.

Compare business insurance quotes

Tailor your policy, compare quotes and buyin minutes! Up to 50% No Claims Discount. Public and Employer's liability, Professional Indemnity, Business premises (also for home based workers) and more! Compare quotes now or call 0845-0723340 today.

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.

Barclays Business Start Up Account

Free weekly advice on small business finance

Help with getting loans, accessing government grants and calculating your tax and VAT. Find out more or sign up today.

Professional Indemnity

Professional Indemnity insurance covers your business from claims against it by clients who have suffered financial loss as a result of using your services. Simply Business offers tailored quotes to suit your professional needs from a range of leading insurers.