Unexpected finance calls: verify before sharing documents
If someone contacts you about business finance, verify their identity before sharing accounts, bank information or identity documents. Familiar company names can be imitated.
Soft credit checks and business finance enquiries
Not every finance enquiry has the same effect on a credit file. Before proceeding, ask whether the provider will conduct a soft search, a…
Government-backed business lending: what the guarantee means
A government-backed lending scheme is not a grant or a promise of approval. The current Growth Guarantee Scheme supports eligible facilities through accredited lenders,…
Invoice factoring: funding and collections together
Factoring combines finance against eligible invoices with a collections service. It can help a business that wants support administering customer payments, but the practical…
A practical map of business funding options
Different finance products solve different problems. Start with what the business needs to pay for and when the resulting cash will be available.
B2B payment terms: balancing flexibility and risk
Allowing a business customer more time to pay can help win an order, but it also ties up cash and creates credit exposure. Finance…
Asset finance explained: access versus ownership
Asset finance helps a business obtain equipment or vehicles without paying the entire purchase price immediately. Different arrangements give different rights at the end…
Limited-company finance: understand who owes the debt
A limited company can borrow in its own name, but directors may still be asked for guarantees. It is important to distinguish the company’s…
How much can a business afford to borrow?
A sensible borrowing amount is based on repayment capacity and purpose, not just turnover. Two businesses with the same sales can have very different…
Agricultural machinery finance: allow for seasonality
Farm machinery can represent a major commitment while income arrives unevenly through the year. Finance should be considered alongside the agricultural cycle and the…