Joe Phelan

Joe Phelan

Business finance editor

About the Author

Joe is an experienced writer, journalist and editor with bylines in the BBC, National Geographic, The Guardian, Monocle, Scientific American, VICE and the Big Issue.

At money.co.uk, Joe helps small business owners navigate business finance, specialising in making complex topics clear and actionable. He covers areas including business funding, cash flow and tax, and writes a weekly insight article, published every Tuesday, and a weekly business case study, published every Thursday.

Beyond business finance, Joe is a Tottenham and Chicago Bears fan and is tolerated by his cat, Harris. He was also a finalist for the 2026 Orwell Prize for Reporting Homelessness, SWITCH Journalism Award and Inspire Global Media Awards.

Expertise

SMEs
Sustainability
Business finance

Education

NCTJ Diploma In Journalism, Highbury College
BA Hons Journalism, University of Chester

Featured in News

Meet Huib: the founder creating energy drinks inspired by the Sherpas of Everest

Huib van Bockel created Tenzing after discovering Himalayan teas used by Sherpas to fuel high-altitude climbs, seeing a natural alternative to conventional energy drinks.

Could simpler reporting give small businesses more time to grow?

From cutting paperwork to making digital reporting the default, the Government wants to make corporate reporting simpler. Here’s what it could mean for SMEs.

Meet Chester: the founder turning his mum’s homemade granola into a national snack brand

Starting out in his mum’s living room, Chester Robinson has built RAISE to prove that healthy food doesn’t have to compromise on taste.

Six in 10 UK businesses investing in ways to cope with extreme heat

Rising temperatures are creating new operational challenges for UK firms, impacting everything from workplace comfort to profitability.

Meet Jaye: the co-founder and CTO rethinking identity verification

Jaye Hackett co-founded Vouchsafe to help people prove who they are, even if they don’t have a passport or driving licence.

Small businesses are still being left behind by the skills system

A new report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has highlighted some of the barriers small firms face when recruiting and developing young talent.

Meet Nisha: the eco-conscious entrepreneur bringing the greengrocer to your doorstep

Nisha Ravat founded Green Tomato to make sustainable shopping more convenient, using a vintage electric milk float to deliver package-free fruit and vegetables.

When intentions and actions don’t align: the impact on business leaders

Being a business owner can mean making decisions that don’t always match your original plans. And research suggests this can have an emotional impact.

Meet Sam: the co-founder who turned kitchen experiments into a UK popcorn sensation

Sam and cousin Laura have turned a love of luxury popcorn into a UK brand known for flavour, fun, and creativity.

One in five UK SMEs aspire to make a positive social impact

Research suggests more than a million UK SMEs could transition to social enterprise. But what does that mean for the way a business operates?

Meet Ella: the founder turning dark chocolate into a flavour-packed, ethical indulgence

Ella McKay co-founded FATSO during lockdown to shake up the dark chocolate category with bold flavours and uncompromising ethics.

The rise of shadow AI in small businesses

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday work. For many SMEs, a crucial challenge is keeping up with how employees are using it.

Meet Kat: the photographer turning dark skies into global adventures

After moving to Snowdonia, Kat Jones transformed her passion for night photography into Adventure Nightscapes, running international workshops that help others capture the beauty of the night sky.

The government’s business agenda: what comes next?

During the early days of his premiership, Andy Burnham has highlighted the role of small businesses in the government’s economic plans.

Meet Segun: the entrepreneur reshaping the ready meal aisle for health-conscious individuals

After struggling to find convenient, high-protein meals that actually tasted good, Segun Akinwoleola built The Gym Kitchen, creating healthy meals that balance nutrition, taste and affordability.

What Andy Burnham’s “local first” premiership could mean for small businesses

Burnham’s transition to Prime Minister signals a shift away from Westminster-centric economic policy. Here’s what that could mean for SMEs.

Meet Nishi: the founder who knows borrowing from both sides

When Nishi Patel launched N-Accounting in 2014, he used borrowing to get started. 12 years on, his own experience of business loans helps inform the advice he gives to SMEs.

What the government's latest lending reforms mean for small businesses

Thousands more UK businesses could soon find it easier to access finance after the government announced a landmark package of small business lending reforms.

Meet Dan: the founder turning hydration science into a fast-growing wellness brand

Dan Cray co-founded Phizz after realising dehydration was a hidden cause of travel fatigue, and that medical-style hydration could help solve it.

Why small firms can’t afford another year of ‘wait and see’

Small businesses have weathered years of disruption, but rising costs and ongoing uncertainty are making it harder for them to plan ahead.

Meet Ed: the founder of a football-inspired dog brand born from personal loss

After losing his beloved cocker spaniel Monty, Ed Woolcott turned grief into creativity, launching a business combining retro football kits with high-quality dog accessories.

The big impact of small funding: how far could £1,000, £5,000 or £10,000 take your business?

For many aspiring entrepreneurs, a relatively small loan of between £100 and £5,000 could be enough to turn an idea into a working business. But getting hold of that money isn’t always easy.

Meet Sara: the founder who championed plus-size representation in activewear before the industry caught up

Sara Hanna founded TLC Sport after struggling to find comfortable, confidence-boosting workout wear. Now, alongside daughter Charlotte Ayoub, she runs an ethical, size-inclusive label trusted by women across generations.

Latest Point-of-Sale Statistics Report 2026

Explore recent point-of-sale statistics for 2026 | Exclusive data from Money.co.uk, such as the most common POS systems, various POS market stats, and more.

The missing entrepreneurs: why thousands of would-be business owners never take the leap

A new Government-backed report says many aspiring founders are being held back by a lack of savings, limited access to finance and low financial confidence.

Meet Simi: the next-generation voice behind the UK’s largest West African food chain

From a single outlet in Woolwich to 25 locations nationwide, Simi Olaleye and his family have grown their business by prioritising quality, championing community, and adapting to change.

UK SMEs are seeing growth, but late payments are still holding them back

Despite recording their strongest profit growth in four years, data shows nearly half of all invoices to UK SMEs are paid late, highlighting how cash flow delays continue to curb ambition.

Meet Caitlin: the growth-focused leader of a Scottish success story

Caitlin Barrett joined Scottish home-and-garden retailer Marco Paul in 2022, and helped to stabilise the business after a lockdown-era sales boom.

What rising demand for debt advice tells us about the pressures facing SMEs

The government is putting £4 million into expanding business debt advice services. Here’s what the growing demand for that support tells us about the pressures facing small businesses today.

World Cup sector scorecard: How will the 2026 FIFA World Cup impact the UK economy?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to deliver a major boost to parts of the UK economy, with businesses in hospitality, accommodation and sport forecast to see billions of pounds in additional revenue during the tournament.

Meet Gaya: the self-taught baker who turned a side hustle into a Putney patisserie

From bespoke cakes made after work to a neighbourhood shop built on flavour, design and loyal customers, Gaya Vara has grown her creative outlet into a full-time hospitality business.

How UK small businesses are balancing caution, confidence and growth in 2026

Research by Barclays has found that confidence among UK small businesses is holding firm despite geopolitical shocks, rising costs and shifting trading conditions.

Meet Kathryn: the founder turning cookie dough into a global better-for-you indulgence

From a Fulham kitchen to 50+ team members across the UK and US, Kathryn Bricken has built Doughlicious into a $10M+ frozen dessert brand.

Four in five UK small business owners say they’re happy (despite ongoing economic pressures)

Despite rising costs, tight margins and limited government support, the UK’s small business owners are reporting high levels of contentment.

Meet Gavin: the entrepreneur who blends flavour and nutrition to make women’s wellness simple

With a focus on flavour, nutrition, and women’s wellbeing, Gavin Cox has grown Benefit Juice into a brand that delivers both taste and essential health benefits in every sip.

Meet Andy and Vicky: the couple turning their love for Shropshire into a thriving holiday lettings business

After leaving secure roles in the motor industry, Andy Morton and Vicky Brown launched a holiday lettings business in the county they call home. Four years on, they now oversee more than 60 properties.

Remote workers are struggling to switch off, and managers may hold the key

A new study has highlighted how home distractions can affect remote workers’ wellbeing and productivity, and suggests clearer boundaries and managerial support are key to making flexible work effective.

Meet Karen: the mum-turned-founder behind a family-friendly food revolution

After spotting a lack of healthy, organic options for children, Karen O’Flaherty co-founded Pip Organic with her husband Patrick, growing a market stall into a nationwide brand stocked in major retailers.

Cash flow is taking a toll on SME leaders’ focus and decision-making

Research has found that the constant juggle of liquidity and working capital is costing business owners more than a month of productivity every year, forcing many to pause growth in order to focus on survival.

Meet Giuseppe: the restaurateur bringing a taste of home to London

From a single neighbourhood trattoria to two thriving locations, Giuseppe Miggiano has grown Casa Tua through consistency, community and careful financial planning, proving that slow, sustainable growth can outlast trends.

Strength in numbers: how local collaboration is helping UK high streets

Shoppers desire community, not just convenience. From shared loyalty cards to joint events, the UK’s small businesses are working together to turn local errands into high-value experiences.

Meet Keren: the student entrepreneur bringing inclusivity and dignity to campus vending

Keren Isaiah has balanced her university studies with building Kairos Unlimited, transforming one vending machine into a rapidly expanding business that meets real needs.

Why late payments are becoming more than just a ‘bad client’ problem

Payment delays are no longer confined to a few unreliable customers. As costs rise and cash flows tighten, late payments are becoming a more widespread pressure across SME supply chains.

Meet Ally and Gemma: the duo turning repair into a nationwide movement

After witnessing high-quality items being thrown away, Ally Booker and Gemma Broad founded We Are Repairs to shift the UK away from a throwaway culture.

2 in 5 SMEs unprepared for Making Tax Digital as first filing deadline approaches

Xero research suggests many SMEs are still unclear on key requirements, but the right mix of accounting software and business banking tools could ease the transition.

Meet Gareth: the founder who turned a childhood love of nature into the UK’s first living gift company

From one tree for his parents to half a million gifts later, Gareth Mitchell has spent 23 years proving that sustainable, thoughtful gifting can flourish.

How rising costs are reshaping hospitality, and what small businesses can learn

As costs climb, the UK’s hospitality businesses are taking steps to protect existing operations, offering insights into how small firms can manage uncertainty while keeping growth options open.

Meet Luke: the TikTok superstar turning viral fame into a cleaning revolution

From TikTok Shop success to founder of Yass Clean, Luke Arnel-Cameron has proven that purpose, community insight and careful planning can turn a viral moment into a £10m business in under a year.

Meet Ken: the founder making 3D printing more accessible for businesses and makers

What began as a lockdown project in a garden shed has grown into an award-winning 3D printing business, helping organisations turn ideas into practical, production-ready parts.

Is this the end of the late payment norm?

The government has announced sweeping new powers to tackle late payments, from enforced fines to a 60-day cap on payment terms. Here's what's changing, and what it means for small businesses.

Meet Yula: the founder bringing joy, community and song to choirs across Suffolk

From a single maternity leave project to seven thriving choirs, Yula Andrews has spent 15 years proving that music can unite, uplift and sustain a business.

81% of SMEs missed growth opportunities last year. Here’s what’s driving the funding gap

The majority of UK small businesses ended 2025 having missed at least one significant growth opportunity. And the reasons are more nuanced than rising costs alone.

Meet Roy: the founder reinventing workspaces for the next generation of entrepreneurs

Roy Shaby founded Tradestars after struggling to find workspaces that suited modern operators. Today, his company provides studios, support and community-focused spaces for hundreds of growing brands.

What the latest lending data reveals about small business strategy

New data shows small business borrowing is up more than 25% in a year. Here’s what the numbers reveal about how SMEs are funding growth and planning strategically.

Meet Matt: the restaurateur who is reinventing the pickle

Matt Harris launched Pickle Project to create the UK’s first ultrasonic pickles after struggling to find any good enough for his fried chicken restaurants.

VAT loans: the overlooked finance option helping SMEs manage cash flow

A large VAT bill can disrupt cash flow, particularly for small businesses with uneven income. VAT loans allow you to spread the cost, but how do they work, and when do they make sense?

Meet Jon and Adam: the friends behind the lighting brand trusted by Cristiano Ronaldo

Lighting Legends started as a lockdown project and quickly grew into a nationally recognised supplier for the National Trust, Tower of London and Windsor Castle.

SMEs urged to ‘lock the door’ on cyber criminals. Here’s how to do it

Cyber crime costs UK businesses £14.7 billion a year, with half of all SMEs targeted in the last 12 months. The government’s new “lock the door” campaign has been designed to help small firms shut out attackers.

Meet Scott: the creative custodian of a 50-year-old Norwich photography studio

Scott McKay took the reins of Focal Point in 2024, aiming to preserve and grow the Norwich-based creative studio founded 50 years ago.

The business savings audit: is your cash working as hard as it could be?

Many SME owners keep business savings in the same place as their current account for one reason: it’s easier. But as the gap between entry-level business rates and specialist savings products widens, this approach could be impacting margins.

Meet Tanyka and Olivia: the sisters who took their parenting startup to Dragons’ Den

When Olivia Davson faced rising costs during her maternity leave, she and her sister Tanyka created a discount platform that now helps tens of thousands of UK families.

SME pressures now rival Covid-era levels, says parliamentary report

UK SMEs are under pandemic-level pressures. A new parliamentary report report has called for coordinated action to support small businesses.

Meet Michelle: the Apprentice star who’s empowering women to succeed in business

After building a multi‑million‑pound property portfolio and launching IMS Property Group, Michelle Niziol now focuses on mentoring ambitious women.

From AI to red tape: What the UK’s 2026 business priorities mean for SMEs

MPs have identified seven priorities that could affect everything from hiring and regulation to funding and technology adoption. Here’s what small business owners need to know.

Meet Mark: the founder behind a family-run collectibles business

After more than a decade selling model cars and collectibles, Mcslots turned a period of slowing sales into a new growth chapter, all while staying true to its family roots.

Think you’re insured? Why many SMEs only find out they’re not when it’s too late

Insurance shouldn’t be a set-and-forget task. Many small businesses face financial risk because policies are outdated or incomplete. Fortunately, a few practical steps can help ensure protection matches evolving business needs.

Meet Maggie: the founder redefining productivity by syncing work with biology

Maggie McDaris and her co-founder Georgie Powell launched Phase to help women align their work with their menstrual cycles.

Tax is no longer a once-a-year job, and SMEs are spending £4.8bn on software to stay compliant

Making Tax Digital is changing how small businesses manage tax. Many are investing in digital tools to meet the new quarterly reporting requirements, and the shift is altering how finances are tracked and managed throughout the year.

Meet Mark: the former postman transforming leaflet distribution with precision mapping and custom-built software

The Private Postman is reimagining how leaflets reach the right doors, combining deep industry experience with bespoke technology to deliver unmatched accuracy.

Want to be crowned the UK’s first Town of Culture? Look to your small businesses

Small businesses are at the heart of what makes a town feel alive. Their everyday work shapes communities, connects people, and builds the pride that the new UK Town of Culture competition aims to recognise.

Meet Georgia: the talent agency founder redefining representation for creators

Founded to put creators first, FARQ has grown into a global agency securing over $6.5 million in brand deals, while building a community-driven, creator-focused approach to talent management.

Why small business owners are eternal optimists (even in tough economic times)

Optimism remains a defining trait of UK entrepreneurs. Data shows SME owners are entering 2026 with growth on the agenda – but access to finance remains a stumbling block for some.

Meet Vicky: the founder turning everyday gardening essentials into a booming online business

Vicky Hemdev started Divchi to fill gaps in the gardening market, giving green-fingered people across the UK access to the tools they actually need.

Meet Natalie and Matthew: the eyewear entrepreneurs championing British creativity through handcrafted spectacles

The House of Spectacles is redefining how people feel in their glasses, combining design, craft, and a made-in-London ethos to deliver the perfect fit.

Why getting tough on late payments matters for every small business

When invoices go unpaid, it’s small businesses that feel the pain first. With late payments shutting down 38 UK firms every day, tougher enforcement can’t come soon enough.

The seasonal reset: How to turn slower trading weeks into a strategic advantage

For some sectors, the start of the year is breathless; for others, the phones stop ringing. Here is how to use a seasonal lull — whenever it lands — to prepare for a stronger year ahead.

Metrics that matter (but don’t show up in your accounts)

As 2026 looms, it’s worth taking stock of the progress that can’t be captured in a spreadsheet.

The ghost of January future: How to survive the post-Christmas cash flow crash

For many small businesses, festive trading brings a welcome boost, followed by a familiar early-year slowdown.

The hidden cost of entrepreneurship: Why small business owners need support this Christmas

Festive cheer can sometimes feel out of reach for small business owners. New research reveals the hidden emotional toll of running a business.

The trust economy: Why consumers are choosing small businesses (even in a cost-of-living-crisis)

When budgets tighten, loyalty becomes selective. Small businesses are coming out on top not by undercutting prices, but by offering something money can’t buy.

Meet Matt: the founder using AI to revolutionise how we choose wine

Matt Ovenden launched The Wine Engine to give wine lovers more choice and control, combining technology and taste to deliver a tailored wine experience.

Meet Kate: the co-founder making food growing accessible, colourful, and sustainable

Kate Cotterill launched She Grows Veg to inspire people to grow their own food, combining sustainability, wellbeing, and fun into every seed packet.

How small businesses can turn festive support into year-round success

The festive season can bring a surge in sales and community backing, but how can small businesses turn that seasonal goodwill into lasting success?

Beyond the high street: Why Small Business Saturday matters more than ever

Small Business Saturday is more than a shopping opportunity – it’s a chance to vote with our wallets for the kind of communities we want to live in.

Small exporters are being left behind, and it's putting growth at risk

New data reveals a growing divide in UK exports. While large firms are seeing growth, micro-businesses are being left behind.

Relief at last? How business rate reform could help small businesses thrive

The government’s upcoming Budget promises changes aimed at easing costs, supporting growth, and giving high streets a chance to thrive.

The SME blind spot: Why it pays to know your business credit score

Many small business owners overlook their business credit score, even though it can affect access to financing, supplier terms, and growth opportunities.

Meet Jessica: the founder bringing cheese and wine pairings to life

From Instagram passion project to a physical shop in Pinner, Jessica has turned her love of food, wine, and storytelling into a growing business.

Meet Amrit: the entrepreneur revolutionising home care franchising with tech and perseverance

Walfinch is reshaping the way home care is delivered in the UK, combining cutting-edge technology with a positive vision of ageing to support clients.

Why the best USP isn’t a clever tagline

Forget the race to sound unique. The businesses that really stand out aren’t the loudest – they’re the ones that quietly deliver, day after day.

Why only 15% of UK small businesses achieve sustained growth – and how yours could be one of them

Behind every growth statistic is a story of resilience, risk, and resourcefulness. Here’s what the UK’s most consistent small businesses are doing differently, and how you can follow suit.

From stress to stability: A guide for the 1 in 3 UK entrepreneurs losing sleep

Long hours and rising costs don’t have to define entrepreneurial life. With the right tools and strategies, business owners can cut stress

Pride in Place: What the government’s new £5bn programme means for small businesses

With local communities set to take the lead on regeneration, small businesses across the UK have the chance to shape projects, form partnerships, and future-proof their operations.

Meet Emmanuel: the founder making pet wellness simple and effective

Emmanuel Ayeni launched Pambros to create naturally formulated, trustworthy supplements for pets, helping animals thrive and their owners feel confident in their care.

Meet Zac: the founder giving vintage fashion a new lease of life

While at university, Zac Hembry spotted an opportunity to combine sustainability with vintage fashion. That vision has now become a thriving business.

Why SMEs are ready to embrace Digital Company IDs

Research shows 85% of UK small businesses would pay for a Digital Company ID to slash their admin burden and reduce fraud risk.

How Britain’s high streets are making a comeback – and who’s driving it

Britain’s high streets are bouncing back, driven not by nostalgia, but by a new generation of shoppers who value community, connection, and unique local businesses.

The UK side hustle boom (and why tax planning matters)

Over a third of UK businesses now start as side hustles, turning weekend hobbies into income-generating projects.

Latest UK small business statistics 2026

Explore the latest small business statistics for 2026, such as the number of SMEs in the UK, SME turnover stats, average profit margins, and more.

Sustainability in business: SME insights | money.co.uk

Explore UK business sustainability statistics, barriers and examples of sustainable business practices – plus guidance on funding and government support.