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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A 13-week cash flow forecast: spotting the gap before you need to borrow
A 13-week cash flow forecast shows your money week by week, so you can spot your lowest week early. What to include, and when to talk to a lender.
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Growth Guarantee Scheme lenders: what to do when your bank says no
Your bank said no? Other Growth Guarantee Scheme lenders decide for themselves. How to find one, what changes when you switch, and how to stay safe.
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How lenders decide how much your business can borrow
How much can my business borrow? It depends on what you can repay from profit. What lenders check, how the term changes the cost, and the typical £50,000 ask.
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Invoice finance or a business loan? How to fund customers who pay slowly
Invoice finance or a business loan? If big customers pay in 60 or 90 days, here is how to choose, what lenders check, and what a 60-day cap may change.
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How much does it cost to employ someone? The full figure and how to fund it
How much does it cost to employ someone? Salary, 15% employer National Insurance and pension, then the months before the hire pays back. How to fund that gap.
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Business equipment finance: hire purchase, leasing or a loan?
Business equipment finance compared: when hire purchase, leasing, a loan or your own cash fits new machinery or kit, and what a lender will check.
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When your bank cuts your overdraft: a 30-day plan to replace the headroom
What to do when your bank cuts your overdraft: work out the cash gap, talk to the bank, and four ways to replace the headroom within 30 days.
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Can't pay your VAT bill? Time to Pay or a business loan, and how to choose
Can't pay your VAT bill by Wednesday? Ask HMRC for Time to Pay early, then check whether a business loan would cost less. Here is how to choose.
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Business debt consolidation: when one loan beats three
Business debt consolidation can cut your monthly payment and still raise the total cost. How to list what you owe, compare both numbers and see what a lender checks.
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Diesel at a record: should you finance an electric van now?
Electric van finance after the diesel record: the grant the dealer takes off the price, hire purchase or lease, charging at your depot, and when to wait.
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Merchant cash advance: how it works, what it costs and when a loan is cheaper
A merchant cash advance is repaid from your card takings plus a fixed fee. How the factor rate works, and when a term loan or overdraft costs less.
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Seasonal stock: use a term loan for the order and an overdraft for the gap
Term loan or overdraft for seasonal stock? Usually both. How to split one Christmas stock bill between them, and what lenders ask now costs are rising.
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