>
Guides>
Business

Business guides

Our business guides cover a wide selection of topics, ranging from insurance to getting the best business utility tariffs. Our guides can help you cut some of your company's everyday costs.

Woman looks at her laptop screen, a cup of coffee by her side.

How to write a business plan executive summary in 5 steps

Learn how to write an effective executive summary for your business plan that clearly communicates your key points in just 5 steps.

Troubled-looking man looks at his laptop while surrounded by paperwork.

How to create financial projections for a business plan in 6 steps

The financial forecast is a crucial part of every business plan. Learn how to create one and the key details you need to include.

"Cashflow projections" written on a piece of paper

What is a cash flow forecast and how can you create one?

Discover our 4-step plan for creating a cash flow projection for your business plan.

Shopkeeper behind his counter ponders his business opportunities.

What is cash flow and why is it important to a small business?

Find out how to stay on top of your cash flow and why it’s a crucial part of running a business.

How SMEs can tackle late invoices with the new Fair Payment Code

Unpaid invoices and the time it takes to chase late payments puts a heavy burden on small businesses - the new Fair Payment Code aims to help.

Man writes in a book. In front of him is an open laptop.

What is a business plan and why every entrepreneur needs one

Crafting a business plan boosts your chances of running a successful business and helps secure funding for your venture. Begin developing your plan today.

A smiling businessman leaning back in his seat with his hands behind his head.

9 key sections of an effective business plan explained

Create a successful business plan to turn your ‘eureka’ ideas into reality. This guide outlines all the essential elements you need to include.

Focus group sit in a semi-circle around a moderator.

How to do market research for a small business in 7 simple steps

Whether you’re a startup, launching a fresh product or just want to improve, market research connects you with your customers. Here’s how to do it.

A craftswoman looks out of the window of her workshop and thinks about the future.

How to write a business plan for a loan: a step-by-step guide

Many lenders require a strong business plan before approving a loan. Learn what to include to boost your chances of success.

A worried-looking woman looks at paperwork.

7 crucial mistakes to avoid when writing a business plan

A business plan can boost your firm’s chances of success, but get it wrong and you could damage your company. Here’s what to avoid when writing your plan.

Woman working on a laptop scrutinising paperwork.

How to define the target market in your business plan

All businesses need a target market. But how do you work out who your target market is? Find out with our comprehensive guide.

Two colleagues discuss their work while sitting on a sofa and looking at a shared laptop.

What is market research and why it matters for new businesses

Discover how market research can help you better understand your customers and competition and get to grips with the latest market trends.

How The Bank Of England Base Rate Could Impact Your Small Business

The base rate is set by the Bank of England and affects borrowing and interest rates. Here’s what you need to know about how it could impact your business.

Small business owner pondering a decision.

Pros and Cons of a Business Savings Account

Opening a business savings account can be hugely beneficial, but it also has its downsides. Find out if it’s right for you with this essential guide.

Benefits of a Business Bank Account

Discover why a dedicated business bank account is a smart move for sole traders, freelancers and startups as well as established businesses.

How To Set Up A Business Bank Account

Your business finances are important. Whether you’re a sole trader or running a limited company, setting up a business bank account is quick and easy.

How to Switch a Business Bank Account

Why stick with a business bank account that doesn’t work for you? There are plenty of alternatives that may suit you better, so why not switch? Here’s how.

Foreman explains project progress to his biss at a building site.

Public vs employers' liability insurance: key differences explained

Do you need both public liability and employers’ liability insurance? Find out how they differ and which your business needs in this no-nonsense guide.

A customer and a mechanic looking at a car's engine.

Public liability insurance for the self-employed: the essential guide

Public liability insurance protects your finances if the worst happens. Find out what it covers and why it’s so crucial for sole traders.

A professional training instructor leads a business seminar.

Public liability vs professional indemnity insurance: key differences

Public liability and professional indemnity insurance protect against different types of compensation claims. We explain how they differ and when you might need them.

What is business insurance and why is it so important?

Business insurance can protect your company from financial losses if something goes wrong. Here’s how it works.

Home office environment with young Asian woman working on laptop and taking notes.

How much business insurance costs and how to save money

Discover the main factors that determine how much your business insurance costs and how you can lower your premiums

Start-up team of entrepreneurs discussing a joint project.

Insurance for startups: a guide to protecting your business

All you need to know about buying the right type of business insurance for your startup.

Business craftsman in a joinery shop using a laptop while on the phone.

What type of business insurance do I need?

Understand the various types of business insurance and determine the cover your company needs to stay protected.

A young man in a cafe covers his mouth and looks in disgust at the food in front of him.

What is public liability insurance and what does it cover?

Public liability insurance protects your business if someone sues you due to an injury or damage to their property. Here’s how it works.

What is professional indemnity insurance and what does it cover?

Read our guide to professional indemnity insurance to find out what it covers, when you need it and how it can protect your business.

A woman in pain after falling down steps.

Public liability insurance for small businesses explained

Discover how public liability insurance can protect your business if it accidentally harms a member of the public or damages their property.

A worker closes their laptop as a clock displays 5pm

What Flexible Working Rules Mean For Your Small Business

Employee rights and business obligations change all the time. How do the flexible working rules affect your small business? What might change under Labour?

A businessman working on a laptop, considering what's on his screen.

Your Guide to Business Bank Account Charges

Understand the one-off fees due when opening a business bank account and how to minimise them to keep your costs low.

Shop assistants with laptop working in potted plant store

Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees for Your Business

Trading internationally? Learn how to reduce foreign transaction fees and save on overseas financial dealings with these essential strategies.

Colleagues gathered around a laptop in a modern office.

How to Manage a Business Bank Account With Multiple Directors

If your company has more than one director, you need to set up your banking so that the right people have access. Find out how in this complete guide.

A businessman on a laptop reviewing company finances.

How To Use a Business Savings Account Effectively

Find out how to use a business savings account to build a savings pot for your company with our five-minute guide.

A businessman puts coins into a piggy bank.

How To Save As a Business

Discover 10 money-saving tips that can boost the financial efficiency of your company.

Small business owner working with a laptop computer behind the counter of a cafe.

What Is a Business Savings Account?

Opening a business savings account allows you to earn interest on any spare cash your business has. Learn more about the different options available.

A business owner analysing financial data in a modern office.

How Much Should Your Business Have in Savings?

Business savings are a must. Without cash to draw on, your company may not survive unexpected challenges. Here’s how much your firm needs in reserve.

Carpenter using a laptop while working in a joinery

Setting Up a Standing Order for Your Business

Standing orders can streamline your business payments. Discover how to set them up to automate your company’s regular payments.

Business co-workers reviewing their bank statements.

Your Guide to Business Bank Account Monthly Fees

Opening a business bank account? Discover the ongoing fees you might face and how to limit what you pay.

A young woman takes a card payment in her florist

How A Card Machine Can Transform Your Side Hustle

A card machine might not be the first thing you think of when setting up your side hustle, but using one can transform your new business.

How to Find and Nurture Relationships With Angel Investors

Angel investors can provide crucial funding for small businesses. Here’s what you need to know to secure angel investor funding in the UK.

How to Protect Your Small Business From Cyber Attacks

Prepare your SME to fight back against the rising tide of phishing, ransomware and other forms of cybercrime.

Is SEIS and EIS Right for My Small Business?

Learn how the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) can help you secure funding to grow your small business.

How to Open an Online Shop

Find out everything you need to know about selling products online with your own web-based store.

Bootstrapping for Startups

Find out how bootstrapping could help get your new business off the ground.

Small Business Jargon Buster

Make sense of business jargon and corporate buzzwords with our down-to-earth A-Z guide.

Understanding Business Insurance for Plumbers

All plumbers can benefit from insurance. But what cover do you need, how much does it cost and is it tax deductible? Find out with this no-nonsense guide…

How to Make Social Media Work for Your Small Business

Discover how to use social media marketing to promote your business and help sell products and services to a wide audience.

Learn How to Open a New Shop or Retail Business

Discover how to launch a successful retail outlet. We show you how to create a business plan, research your market, secure the right finance and more…

What Financial Products Do I Need as a Plumber?

A successful plumbing firm is always looking for more business opportunities. The right financial products can help turn your plans into reality.

How to Save and Plan for Retirement as a Plumber

Discover the best way you can save for retirement as a plumber so you can enjoy a comfortable life once you stop working.

Investment Strategies for Plumbers

Growing your plumbing business is a noble ambition, but it takes time and planning. Here are some strategies to consider if you want to expand your operation.

How To Take Payments From Your Customers

Collecting payment by card, cash, or invoice doesn’t have to be difficult. Find out how to make it easy for your customers to pay.

How to Budget as a Plumber

Running a successful plumbing business requires sound financial planning. Find out more with our guide to budgeting for plumbers.

Online Business Ideas to Dominate the Digital World

From dropshipping to online coaching, discover over 30 successful internet business ideas to get your online venture off the ground.

Are Business Accounts Protected by the FSCS

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme protects you if a bank or financial institution goes bust. This guide explains whether your business banking is protected

Getting a Business Overdraft

Business overdrafts are useful if you face unexpected expenses or have a short-term cash flow crisis. Here’s how to get one.

Taking Cash From Your Business Bank Account

Sometimes you need to take cash from your business bank account, but you need to follow the rules if you want to avoid trouble.

Can You Use a Personal Account for Business?

You may be able to use a personal current account for business in some cases, but is it a good idea? This quick guide explains what you need to know…

Do You Need A Business Bank Account

Business bank accounts benefit freelancers, gig workers, and limited companies alike. Find out whether a business account could change your finances.

How To Manage Your Business Accounts

Having the right business bank account and managing your accounts properly can help your start-up or established SME thrive. Find out more with our short guide.

What To Do If You’ve Been Rejected For a Business Bank Account

Banks carry out various checks before offering you a business bank account. Here’s what to do if your business bank account application is rejected.

Pave The Way To A Career In Garden Landscaping

Landscaping involves hard graft and imagination in equal measure, making it the perfect job for anyone who relishes working in the great outdoors.

Learn How to Become a Private Tutor

Find out how to become a private tutor. Discover private tutor rates and get practical tips to help you start your own private tutoring business.

Calculating Your Move into Accounting

Interested in becoming an accountant? This five-minute guide shows you how to get started in accounting.

How to Become a Mechanic

Discover how to become a mechanic from acquiring essential skills and qualifications to launching your career as a self-employed or freelance mechanic.

How To Get Started In Web Development And Design

Ready to work with the web? Discover how to level up your web design skills, learn web development essentials and find out what you could earn building websites

How To Get Started As A Health Advisor

Want to help people? A career as a health advisor can help you gain qualifications and a strong pension, and you get to aid those in need. Find out more in our guide.

Manage Your Way To Social Media Success

Discover how to become a social media manager with our essential five-minute guide.

Getting Started in Copywriting

Find out how to become a copywriter. Discover freelance copywriter rates and get practical tips to help you start your own copywriting business.

Unblock Your Path To Becoming A Plumber

Plumbers are always in demand, making this a good job if you want variety and a regular income. All you need is enthusiasm and the right qualifications.

Helping You Get Started in IT Support

Find out what you need to know about working as an IT service technician and making a career in user support.

The Average Business Loan Interest Rates For 2024

Does a low interest rate always mean you’re getting the best deal on a business loan? Find out with our 2024 business loan interest rate guide.

10 Small Business Ideas

How Do Business Loans Work?

A business loan lets you borrow money to help grow or run your business. We look at how they work and the different types of business loans available.

10 Small Business Ideas

Small Business Marketing Ideas For Growth

Learn how to best promote your business with these 10 smart marketing ideas for small businesses.

Starting a Business from Scratch

Find out everything you need to know about starting a business from scratch, including tax, finances, insurance, market research and advertising.

How to Get Funding for a Business

There are plenty of options for small business funding, from bank loans and government grants to angel investors and crowdfunding. We explain the benefits and pitfalls of each approach.

Starting a Business With No Money

Starting a business doesn’t always require huge amounts of money. Here are the best ways to get your company up and running without cash.

Raising Money For a Business Without a Loan

If you’ve been rejected for a business loan, there are lots of finance options to consider. We run through the options from invoice finance and angel investors to bootstrapping and business grants.

How to Create a Memorable Brand for Your Business

Set your business up for success by following our tips on creating a memorable brand identity.

How To Access Emergency Business Funding

Many small businesses need an urgent cash injection at some point. Find out how to get emergency business funding with our five-minute guide.

10 Small Business Ideas

How to Get a Business Loan

Find out how to get a business loan to expand or operate your business, including the documents you need to apply and what to consider when choosing a loan.

10 Small Business Ideas

What Is Equity Finance For Businesses?

If you have a new business with little credit history, equity finance could help you get the funding you need. Our guide explains how it works.

Repaying Your Business Loan and Managing Debt

Defaulting on business loan repayments can have serious consequences for you and your company. Find out more with our quick guide to repaying your business loan.

10 Small Business Ideas

What Is A Business Line Of Credit, And What Can It Do For Your Business?

A business line of credit is a flexible form of borrowing. Find out if this alternative to business loans and credit cards is the right option for you.

Is It Worth Getting A Loan To Start Your Business?

Is a start-up loan the best way to fund a new business? What are the pros and cons? Find out what you need to know before taking out a business start-up loan.

How to Track and Keep on Top of Business Expenses

Take control of your business expenses to boost your profitability, reduce your tax bill and ensure your accounts remain accurate and up to date.

Strategies to Make Your Small Business More Efficient

Making your small business more efficient can save you money and time. Our short guide to improving business efficiency shows you how.

What to Do if Your Bank Has Closed Your Business Bank Account

Find out what to do if your business bank account has been closed and how to recognise and challenge your bank if it has acted unfairly.

How to Register a Trademark in the UK

Protect your business’s critical brand elements like slogans, logos and product names with this step-by-step process for registering your trademark.

How to Manage Business Debt as a Small Business

Follow these seven steps to help manage business debt and get your business finances back on track.

How To Protect Your Business from Payment Fraud

Payment fraud is an increasing issue for businesses. Protect your company with these payment fraud prevention tips.

The Best Sustainability Ideas For Businesses

Discover green business ideas for existing businesses and new startups, the benefits of running a sustainable business and how to implement green initiatives.

Managing Mental Health in the Workplace

Boost productivity and cut costs with these five strategies to improve mental health in the workplace.

How to Start a Side Hustle

The cost-of-living crisis has hit everyone hard. But there are a number of ways to make a little extra cash, if you can spare the time

Managing VAT for Small Businesses

Learn more about which businesses need to register for VAT, the pros and cons of doing so, and how to complete your VAT return.

How To Improve Cash Flow For Small Businesses

Find out how to improve your business cash flow and increase your chances of success.

What Business Tax Relief Are You Entitled to?

Find out how you can qualify for tax relief that could potentially reduce your small business' tax bill.

What can a Financial Adviser do for your Business?

The right financial adviser can help you grow your business and ensure it is profitable in the long term. Learn how to pick the right adviser for your company.

How to Create a Website For Your Business

Learn everything about creating a business website, from finding the best domain registrar and hosting provider to building a website people will revisit.

Finding a Personal Guarantee for Business Loans

A personal guarantee can help you get a business loan and grow your business, but you need to understand the risks involved before acting.

10 Small Business Ideas for 2024

Keen to set up a small business in 2024? Here’s our pick of the best businesses to start this year.

View All