Business banking figures suggest better times ahead for small businesses
New figures released by the banking industry show that the number of new business bank accounts opened in March and April were significantly higher than in 2008, pointing towards more evidence that an economic recovery could be underway. [June 18, 2009] [In Finance News]

Trade credit insurance scheme flawed according to experts
The Government's much-heralded trade credit insurance scheme for small companies falls short of the mark, according to financial services experts, as it is only expected to run until December 2009, and doesn't cover debt issues at the smaller end of the spectrum. [June 8, 2009] [In Finance News]

Small businesses urged to credit check customers
New research suggests that the vast majority of small companies don't credit check new clients and customers, at a time when cashflow management couldn't be more important. [June 1, 2009] [In Finance News]

Small business funding - what are the main sources of finance?
Most small businesses will, at some stage, seek funding or investment - for growth, starting up, or to see them through a transitional period (or a downturn). In this high level article, we look at the main sources of funding that are available. [May 28, 2009] [In Raising Money]

Business angels - what are they, and how they can help your business
A guide to business angels - what they are, what they can provide, and how to work out if an outside investor is the right person to seek for your small business. [May 26, 2009] [In Raising Money]

Business angels profit from investing in startups
New research shows that business angels stand to make a significant profit by investing in start-up companies, with an average rate of return of 22% over four years. [May 26, 2009] [In Finance News]

Late payment costing small firms thousands in bank charges
As late payment problems worsen as the recession continues, a survey has found that 35% of businesses estimate that late payments cost them over £10k per year in bank charges and administration costs. [May 26, 2009] [In Finance News]

New code of conduct launched to ease late payment problems
Business leaders have been urged to sign up to the Government's 'Prompt Payment Code' to help ease late payment problems for small companies. Includes overview of how businesses can comply with the Code. [May 19, 2009] [In Finance News]

Invoice finance and factoring - the pros and cons
Factoring, or invoice financing, enables small businesses to borrow money secured against invoices they have issued. We look at the pros and cons of a business model that has been round since Roman times! [May 13, 2009] [In Cash Flow]

Top 10 tips to improve your small business cash flow
Small business owners need to focus on freeing up cash flow, as access to the debt and equity markets has become increasingly difficult, says the business advisory firm - Deloitte. [May 8, 2009] [In Cash Flow]

Angel investment - how to secure business funding
Businesses left struggling to find working capital or replacement to bank debt can instead turn to the rising prominence of angel investment as a viable alternative. Here are some top tips to help steer them through this sector: [May 6, 2009] [In Raising Money]

Free guide to help small businesses secure investor funding
A leading business investment agency has launched a free guide to enable small companies to secure funding in a difficult economic environment. [May 5, 2009] [In Finance News]

What are venture capitalists, and how do I attract their interest?
VCs invest money into businesses they believe have potential for significant growth. They get their returns by taking their share of the profits each year, or by getting a significant return on their investment when the business is sold. [April 16, 2009] [In Raising Money]

Calls to increase tax relief on European Investment Scheme funding
An alternative investment company is calling for an increase in the amount of tax relief available for investors in Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) to help start-up companies secure finance during tough economic times. [April 9, 2009] [In Finance News]

Late payments to small businesses soar as recession bites
Ongoing research by Bacs shows that the UK's small companies are now owed nearly £26 billion in late payments, a rise of nearly 40% from the same time in 2008. Businesses are urged to take responsibility and try to confront the problem. [March 16, 2009] [In Finance News]

Cash flow tips to help tackle late payment problem
Nearly one third of SMEs reported cash flow problems during the second half of 2008, with the majority citing the late payment of invoices as the leading cause. Here are some top tips to preserve your cash flow. [March 5, 2009] [In Cash Flow]

Tips for avoiding late payment problems during the downturn
As the economic downturn deepens and late payment becomes a growing problem for small businesses, there are many steps you can take to improve your chances of getting paid on time. Here are five essential tips, with links to a wealth of credit control advice elsewhere on the site. [March 4, 2009] [In Cash Flow]

Mandelson forced to defend Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme
Lord Mandelson has been forced on the defensive following recent criticism of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme. Not only has bank lending continued to fall rapidly since the scheme was launched, but it has been revealed that there is also a 'cap' on the amount of EFG scheme lending due to EU restrictions. [February 24, 2009] [In Finance News]

Businesses urged to consider invoice finance as credit harder to find
New research suggests that over 500,000 small business owners are asking friends and family for finance rather than the banks. As late payment continues to be rife, small companies are urged to consider invoice financing to help maintain a healthy cash flow to see out the downturn. [February 23, 2009] [In Cash Flow]

Invoice finance - SMEs might benefit from 'alternative finance' during downturn
A leading invoice financing company has urged SMEs to consider using alternative finance options before considering insolvency. Whereas access to traditional forms of credit may have dried up, invoice finance lending has actually increased in recent months. [February 17, 2009] [In Finance News]

How factoring can free up your business cashflow
With even profitable businesses going under due to poor cash flow during the economic downturn, factoring could provide a good solution for companies needing to free up their cashflow. Factoring companies will advance you cash based on the value of the invoices you have issued. [January 30, 2009] [In Cash Flow]

Tips for choosing an invoice finance provider
Invoice finance allows businesses to ease their cashflow by unlocking value in unpaid invoices. This type of finance can be vital, particularly at a time when cashflow concerns are becoming ever more widespread. It is important that you choose the right invoice finance provider from the outset. [January 19, 2009] [In Cash Flow]

The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) Scheme
The government has announced the launch of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme (EFG). It aims to help businesses with a turnover of up to £25 million to secure bank loans of up to £1 million. [January 14, 2009] [In Raising Money]

Small companies could save on employee benefits costs
As more small company owners are faced with the possibility of making staff members redundant, many businesses could make savings by reviewing the cost of the benefits - such as group pension, life and healthcare policies - they provide to employees. [January 13, 2009] [In Finance News]