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.
-
What JLR's £1.7bn cost cut means for the suppliers around it
Jaguar Land Rover is taking £1.7bn out of its cost base over two years. If one buyer is a large share of your sales, these are the checks to run this week.
-
Six businesses to build around the UK electric car boom
Battery-electric cars were 29.8% of the UK new car market in August. That creates work for installers, garages and specialists, and here is how owners fund the kit.
-
Funding growth in 2026 when most firms are holding back
Only 17% of UK firms plan to raise investment this year, the lowest share since the pandemic. Here is how to weigh funding a move while your competitors wait.
-
UK minimum wage 2026: the 5-point payroll audit after the Fair Work Agency crackdown
The Fair Work Agency named 658 employers for minimum wage underpayment on 2 September. Here are the five checks to run on your own payroll, and how to fund the fix if back pay is owed.
-
Business loan broker fees: the hidden cost of ‘free’
Business loan broker fees look like the expensive option. But a ‘free’ broker paid by lender commission can cost you more over the life of the loan.
-
Working capital for small manufacturers in 2026
UK factory orders are rising again, but the gains are going to bigger firms. Here is how a small manufacturer funds a jump in orders without straining cash.
-
Working capital finance options: match the fix to the gap
Working capital finance options only make sense once you know where the gap comes from. Find your gap first, then match the facility to it.
-
UK shop prices hit a two-year high: the Q4 margin plan for small businesses
Shop price inflation reached 1.5% in August, its highest in over two years. Here is what the figures mean for your margin, and what to do before the Q4 season.
-
Secured vs unsecured business loans: which one fits?
Secured vs unsecured business loans trade speed against price. Security usually buys a lower rate and a bigger facility, but adds weeks. How to choose.
-
Business loan broker vs direct lender: the honest answer
A broker earns their fee on complex, large or declined cases. Going direct is better when the loan is small and simple. Here is the honest split.
-
Hire purchase vs leasing: choosing asset finance in 2026
Hire purchase vs leasing decides who owns the kit, who gets the tax relief and when the VAT falls due. The 2026 rule changes moved the goalposts.
-
Invoice finance vs factoring: which one fits your business?
Invoice finance vs factoring comes down to who chases your invoices and who knows about it. Five differences decide which one fits your business.
Read the guides · ready to apply?
Got a question the guide didn’t answer? Talk to an advisor.
We’ve backed thousands of British founders. If you’ve read the guide and you’re ready to find out what a Start Up Loan could do for your business, our advisors are on the phone now.