Smart business insights
10 ways to improve cash flow management
To keep your business in good financial health and ride out the turbulence of current global uncertainty, staying on top of your cash flow management is key. Apply these 10 techniques to get started: 1. Be selective Turning down new business is not easy and needs steely resolve, but doing your research and turning down […]
The ULTIMATE guide for startup success – Looking ahead
Looking ahead No one can stop you now. You’ve made it through launch week, and stuff’s just got serious. Here’s how to steer the train, ship, hyperloop pod, or other transport metaphor, in the right direction. Keep an eye on the pennies Most startup failures are due to lack of cash, so cash flow management […]
Startup launch checklist
Launch week You’ve done the reading. You’ve made some big decisions. Your website’s ready to roll. And you’ve finally made it to day one. Here’s what you should do before you get to day seven. Be organised You can’t run a business without being in control of your documents, contacts and schedule. Something like G […]
10 key tips to starting a business in the UK
10 things you need to know before starting a business in the UK Starting a business is no walk in the park. Even if with the best idea in the world, a venture will struggle to get off the ground without adequate preparation. Here are the steps you need to take to starting a business […]
5 reasons why self-employed shouldn’t use a personal account for their business
Time is precious, especially for people running a small business. To save time, many self-employed sole traders and landlords use their personal bank account for their business transactions. By doing this, they are creating problems down the line which costs them even more time. The main reason for using a personal account is that it […]
5 reasons why you need to separate business from personal expenses
Getting organised when it comes to your finances is an important part of running a successful business. However, many self-employed small business owners fall into the trap of using one current account, which means that their personal and business expenses are mixed in together. Although you are not legally required to open a separate business […]
Tips for choosing a company name
So you’re getting close to choosing a great name for your new company. Remember, this name could represent you and your work for years so it’s worth running it through some checks upfront. Keep it short and memorable The shorter the name the more easily it will be remembered: Don’t choose a name that wouldn’t […]
Top 5 free software for small business owners
There are two things that most small business owners will admit to lacking: time and money. So when it comes to brilliant software options that will make tedious business tasks a breeze, the natural reaction is to groan and ask, “Great, but how much will it cost?” But time-saving tech doesn’t have to be consigned […]
Hate the very thought of accounting?
Here’s a call out to those of you whose days are haunted by an overflowing box of receipts. Consider it a PSA for anyone who quakes when those pesky tax return forms hit the doormat. Some reassurance for the SME owner who puts off doing their books until the very last minute because it just […]
Sole Trader or Limited Company
This is potentially one of the trickiest decisions you’re going to have to make as you embark upon a career of self-employment. There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to either model and once you start researching you’ll soon find yourself lost down a rabbit hole of legislation and regulation. While it is an important decision […]
Do you really need a business account?
Mingling your business and personal finances: it’s a trap that many small business owners fall into, particularly when they’re just starting out. It can seem like such a hassle; searching the high street banks for the best option, the trials of actually opening the account, having to pay banking charges when you’re not even breaking […]
Overlooked essentials for starting a new business
Starting a new business is hard. Regardless of whether you have an innovative new idea or if you are looking to turn your hobby into a money maker, it can be difficult to start and grow your business. Every new venture differs from the next, and each startup has a unique set of challenges to […]