Running a small business often feels like walking a financial tightrope. Cash can be flowing in nicely one month, only to dry up the next. With interest rates higher than they were for years and lenders tightening their checks, access to money has

Many business owners see their bank overdraft as a flexible safety net. When cash runs short, the temptation is to ask the bank for a higher limit to keep things moving. While this can provide breathing space in the short term, relying on overdrafts

In every market, businesses face competition. Some competitors may be larger, others may have deeper pockets, but gaining a competitive advantage is not always about size or spending power. It is about finding ways to stand out, deliver value, and

Why cash flow matters Profit is important, but cash pays wages, suppliers and loan repayments. Even strong businesses can struggle if money arrives late. A few disciplined habits around invoicing and collections can shorten the time it takes to get

A management buyout keeps the business in familiar hands. The team that already understands customers, systems, and culture steps into ownership, which reduces disruption and protects service quality. For founders, a management buyout allows a

For small businesses and growing companies alike, one of the most reliable sources of funding is often the profits they generate. While it can be tempting to extract earnings in the form of dividends, bonuses, or reinvestment elsewhere, there is a

Many small business owners turn to family members when looking to fill roles in their team. It can seem like a natural choice, offering trust, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose. However, employing family in your business is not without its

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has issued updated advice to help business owners choose and monitor business rates agents more effectively. A key message is that the name listed in the Check and Challenge service must match the name on the signed

Communities and town centres across the UK are about to get a serious boost. The Government has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at slashing red tape so new cafés, bars, music venues and outdoor dining spaces can spring up in former shops and

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s export credit agency and government-backed financier. Its mission is to ensure that no viable UK export fails simply due to lack of funding or insurance. What UKEF offers Working capital support: Through