If you’re failing to meet your cash commitments each month and eating away at your capital reserves, then it’s time to make some serious decisions in your business. A business can survive for a short time with low sales or profits, but not without a positive cash balance. It’s cash which pays the bills and allows trading to continue, and if you are growing and extending credit to more customers,… Read more
Investing in new fixed assets such as machinery, vehicles, technical equipment, or property can be a critical step in growing your business. You’ll generally need to choose between using cash reserves or seeking finance. While using cash avoids interest costs, financing allows you to spread the cost over time, keeping your cash available for other business needs. Using cash reserves or finance If you have surplus cash that isn’t earmarked… Read more
Safeguarding your business against fraud is important, particularly if your business accepts credit cards. While credit card fraud may always be a concern, it is something you can protect yourself against to reduce your risk of losses. Preventing the cause of fraud If you can and it’s appropriate, avoid the chance of any credit card fraud by offering alternative payment options for customers. Ensure your bank facility is approved to… Read more
Many businesses need to raise extra capital or funding at some stage in their growth. The first task is figuring out how much you need, and what it’s for. For example, you could be aiming to increase capacity by investing in new equipment or expanding your facilities. Or you might be planning to buy a competitor. Whatever the reason, the first part of your business case is to clearly define… Read more
Running a small business comes with constant uncertainty, from market fluctuations and rising costs to natural disasters and changing regulations. For business owners, even a single unforeseen event can disrupt operations, affect cash flow, or threaten long-term survival. That’s why proactively reducing risk is essential: it protects your income, safeguards your reputation, and means your business can keep operating even when challenges arise. Strengthen the foundations A strong business will… Read more
Running your own business means juggling a lot, sales, staff, operations, marketing, and more. But while you’re busy growing the business, it’s easy to overlook some of the financial traps that could put your personal assets or future at risk. Many business owners don’t know they’re vulnerable until something goes wrong, a tax issue, a client dispute, or a cash flow crisis. Mixing business and personal finances Blurring the line… Read more
If you want to increase sales as quickly as you can, you’re going to need an efficient marketing plan and a highly targeted sales strategy. Step 1. Sell more to your existing customers If you have existing customers that would buy again from you or inactive customers waiting to be contacted again, then you may be able to increase sales by simply focusing on what is right in front of… Read more