bizbritain guides
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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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How to write a franchise business plan for a finance application
Your franchise business plan should explain how your location will work. Adapt the franchisor's figures, test the cash flow and prepare for a finance application.
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Buying an existing franchise: what to check before arranging finance
Buying an existing franchise means checking the price, the trading figures and the transfer terms. See what to prepare before arranging finance for a resale.
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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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How to finance a franchise with a Start Up Loan, and what the franchisor will ask
How to finance a franchise: add up the full cost, check what a Start Up Loan can cover, and know what the franchisor and lender will ask.
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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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Starting a business while employed: Start Up Loans, HMRC and when to go full time
Starting a business while employed? Tell HMRC by 5 October if you need to, and know that a job does not stop you applying for a Start Up Loan.
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Transfer of a going concern: when buying a business comes with no VAT bill
A transfer of a going concern carries no VAT if HMRC's conditions are met. What they are, when a deal falls outside them, and what it means for your funding.
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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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Assignment of lease when you buy a business: the landlord's consent and your completion date
An assignment of lease moves rented premises to you when you buy a business. What the landlord must do, what it may ask for, and how to protect your completion date.
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Buying a business with staff: what TUPE means for the price and your loan
TUPE when buying a business: which staff contracts, holiday and claims move across to you, and how to reflect them in the price and your loan.
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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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Can a limited company get a Start Up Loan? No, but its founders can
A Start Up Loan for a limited company is a personal loan to each founder. How the money gets into your company, and the Companies House step to take first.
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