bizbritain guides
The guide library
Every article we’ve published, newest first. Filter by topic or search for the question in front of you. Cited, dated, and quietly updated when policy or rates change.
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Business Asset Disposal Relief is changing in April 2027: what it means for buyers
Business Asset Disposal Relief is capped at £500,000 of gains from 6 April 2027. If your seller wants to finish first, plan the timetable without rushing the deal.
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Should you refinance a business loan? Do the sum before you switch
Refinance a business loan only when the saving beats the cost of switching. How to do the sum, and what changes now Bank Rate is 4%.
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Invoice finance for contractors: funding applications for payment and retentions
Invoice finance for contractors can fund some construction payments, but not all. Here is what lenders fund, what they leave out and what they check.
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When business acquisition loan rates rise: fixed, variable and the lender's test
Business acquisition loan rates can rise with Bank Rate. Check if your rate is fixed, run the lender's test again and know how to rescue a tight deal.
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Management buyout or employee ownership trust: what the team taking over should know
Management buyout or employee ownership trust? One makes the managers owners. The other puts the shares in a trust for all staff. Here is how each works.
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How long does a business loan take to get approved? Days for some finance, months for others
How long does a business loan take to get approved? From hours to a couple of months, depending on the type of finance. Here is what slows it down.
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How long does it take to buy a business? A realistic timeline from offer to completion
How long does it take to buy a business? Usually two to six months from agreed terms. Here is where the time goes, and what to start before you make an offer.
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Business premises funding as lenders tighten: should you buy the unit you rent?
Business premises funding usually means a commercial mortgage, with a deposit and monthly repayments. Here is when buying beats renting, and what lenders check.
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Franchise fees explained: what you pay up front and every month
Franchise fees include a one-off initial fee and monthly fees, often a share of sales. Here is what each covers and how to compare fee models.
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Vendor finance: how to ask the seller to lend you part of the price
Vendor finance lets the seller take part of the price after completion. Here is how your lender treats a vendor loan, and how to ask the seller.
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Can you get a Start Up Loan as a student? Yes, if your plan shows you can repay it
There is no separate Start Up Loan for students, but you can apply while you study. Who qualifies, what your plan must show, and the new Budget allowance.
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Acquisition loan declined by the bank? Your routes to buying without bank finance
A business acquisition without bank finance is often still possible after a decline. Why banks say no, what to ask and how to restructure the deal.
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