How to Approach Your Bank for a Business Loan

Asking your bank for a business loan can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation, you can give yourself the best possible chance of getting a positive outcome.
Start with
How Small Businesses Can Survive a Recession

Recessions can be tough on small businesses, but they do not have to spell disaster. With some smart thinking and a bit of planning, many firms can keep going and even emerge stronger once the economy
Claiming professional fees and subscriptions

Did you know you may be eligible for tax relief on professional fees and subscriptions? If your membership is required for your job and the organisation is HMRC-approved, you could claim back tax for
Rental business mortgage relief

Since April 2020, landlords can no longer deduct mortgage interest as an expense. Instead, tax relief is capped at 20%. This change affects UK and non-UK resident landlords, trustees, and partnerships
VAT if you sell your business

When selling a business, the Transfer of a Business as a Going Concern (TOGC) rules can allow the transaction to be VAT-free if key conditions are met. This prevents unnecessary VAT charges and
Records you must keep if self-employed

If you are self-employed as a sole trader or a partner in a business partnership, you are required to maintain suitable business records as well as separate personal income records for tax
Tax liability if you sell a business asset

When selling assets on which capital allowances were claimed, you may need to adjust your taxable profits with a balancing charge or allowance. Understanding these rules ensures you don’t face
Requesting evidence of earnings

If you’re self-employed, lenders may require an SA302 and tax year overview as proof of earnings for mortgages or loans. These documents verify income declared on your self-assessment tax return and
Why Adequate Business Insurance is Essential for Small Businesses

For small business owners, especially those operating as sole traders or in partnerships without limited liability, having adequate business insurance is not just a safeguard—it’s a necessity.
Business Advice: An Investment, Not a Cost

Flexible planning is essential for adapting to uncertainty, responding to challenges, and seizing new opportunities. The world is unpredictable, and rigid plans can quickly become outdated. Whether in