Financial Guides and Articles
Plain-English guides on business banking, insurance and more.
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What Is Invoice Finance?
Invoice finance lets you release cash tied up in unpaid invoices without waiting for customers to pay. It comes in two main forms, factoring and discounting, each suited to different business types and situations. Here is how to work out which one fits yours.
Why Timing Isn't the Whole Story for Startup Finance
James Robson argues the SME finance industry has spent a decade chasing the wrong problem: it's timing, not access. He's right, for established businesses. But for startups and first-year companies with no trading history to time, access is still very much the real issue.
The Comparison Site Now Competing With the Products It Compares
MoneySupermarket has launched its own business bank account. Not a comparison of other banks' accounts. Their own. This is a significant moment for the comparison market, and it raises a question every small business owner should ask before using any comparison site to find a bank account.
Unsecured vs Secured Business Loans
The choice between a secured and unsecured business loan comes down to how much you need, what assets your business holds, and how much risk you are comfortable taking on. This guide explains how each works and which is likely to suit your situation.
Business Loans for Sole Traders
Getting a business loan as a sole trader is possible, but the market works differently to how it does for limited companies. This guide covers your options, what lenders look for, and the government-backed scheme worth knowing about.
Business Loans for Bad Credit
A weak credit history does not automatically close the door on business borrowing. The options available to you are different, and the cost is higher, but there is usually a route forward. This guide explains what that route looks like and what to expect along the way.
Business Credit Cards for Startups
Getting a business credit card as a startup is harder than most people expect. Most card issuers want at least a year of trading history, and some want more. This guide explains what options are available at each stage and what to look for when your business is ready to apply.
Business Charge Cards vs Credit Cards
Business charge cards and credit cards look alike but work differently. The key difference is how you repay. This article explains what each product does and which one is likely to suit your business.
How to Build Business Credit
Business credit does not build itself. Many business owners discover this later than they would like. This guide explains what business credit is, how it works, and the practical steps that make a real difference over time.
How to Choose a Business Credit Card
Business credit cards come in four types and each suits a different spending profile. Choosing the right one is less complicated than most guides make it, but it does require knowing which type fits how your business actually spends. This guide covers what to look for and how to decide.
How to Open a Business Bank Account
Opening a business bank account is quicker than most business owners expect, provided you have the right documents ready before you start. Here is what sole traders and limited companies each need, how long approval takes, and whether a free account is good enough.
Business Bank Account for Startups
A dedicated business bank account is one of the most useful early steps for any startup. Here is what to look for, what you need to open one, and how to choose between digital and high street options.
Van Insurance Guide
Van insurance works differently from car insurance, and the type of cover you need depends on how you use your van. This guide covers the three levels of cover available, what affects the cost, and what to watch out for when buying or renewing a policy.
Should You Be a Sole Trader or a Limited Company?
Choosing between sole trader and limited company status is one of the first big decisions when you start a business, and the right answer depends on more than just tax. This guide covers the key differences in liability, tax, cost, and credibility so you can make the choice that fits your situation.
How to Register a Business in the UK
Registering your business is simpler than it looks, but the process differs depending on whether you are setting up as a sole trader or a limited company. This guide covers both step by step and explains what you need to put in place once you are registered.