Are you overtrading? Spot the warning signs early and learn how to fix cash flow strain before it damages your business growth. Learn how you can prevent the dangers of overtrading and the measures you can put in place to grow sustainably and protect your bottom line. Overtrading may seem like a good problem to have in business. After all, landing a big contract means more orders and more sales. However, the risks of overtrading shouldn’t be ignored. A sudden rise in demand c

Supplying regular flower and plant arrangements to local clients can be good business, as repeat orders mean regular income. These days, corporate work encompasses everything from products supplied to businesses for reception areas, to products purchased for employee gifts, customer gifts or those used to dress conference and exhibition venues, show homes and more. Competition to supply corporate flowers can be fierce. In tough times, many businesses choose to cut back on thi

Open Banking lets small businesses securely share financial data, simplifying access to finance, improving cash flow & accounting. It also enables easier, more secure, and cheaper customer payments, offering a competitive edge. It's a UK government-backed initiative for better business management. What is Open Banking? Open Banking is a way for you to safely and securely share your business’s financial data, such as your bank transactions or account details, with other truste

Accessing the right type of finance is essential for the growth and sustainability of any small business. From traditional bank loans and government grants to alternative options like angel investors and invoice financing, there are numerous ways to secure the funds you need. Each method comes with its own benefits, requirements, and risks, so understanding these options is key to choosing the best fit for your business goals. By exploring a mix of short-term and long-term fi

It’s been a long journey to today, with an extended BRC campaign that included extensive engagement with Ministers, MPs and wide-ranging media and broadcast coverage. While she namechecked the BRC in her speech, the Chancellor presented a Budget that was a mixed bag for retail. While some shops will receive new support, costs have been brought in for others. The announced permanent reduction in retail business rates is an important step to reduce the industry’s burden. Howeve

Finances are an area of difficulty for many people. And at Christmas, these concerns can become even more heightened.

Getting all the details in black and white is crucial. We share our top tips for writing your next freelance contract and explain why they’re so important.  Why are contracts so important as a freelancer? No matter what kind of freelance work you're doing, contracts are part of everyday life as a freelancer, but the devil is in the detail. A freelancing contract, commonly in the form of a contract for services or consultancy agreement, should include the details and expectat

Confused by IR35 rules? Our tax specialists from FSB Tax Investigation Protection explain what the new rules mean for freelancers working in the private sector. This content was last reviewed in August 2024. We’re here to help you understand the ins and outs of the off-payroll working changes introduced into the private sector in April 2021, so that you can stay compliant. What is IR35? IR35, also known as the off-payroll working rules or intermediaries legislation was origin

Your best employees work hard because they’re passionate about what they do. But even they still probably want more money....

Looking to improve your business credit score? Here are eight ways you can keep on top of your score and put yourself in the best position possible for business funding applications. Your business credit score is a measurement used to represent the status of your business’ financial health. Having a good business credit score will signify financial stability and creditworthiness to existing and potential customers, partners, suppliers and lenders. This means that whether you’

A chargeback is a reversal of a payment made on a credit or debit card when the payment could be incorrect or fraudulent. The chargeback...

I don’t know a single florist who doesn’t work incredibly hard, so it is really galling to fall victim to a scam of any kind.  I know because I was a victim myself a few years ago when someone phoned at Valentine’s Day for a bouquet of white roses, teddy bear and chocolates total cost £160.  Just before the 120-day limit expired, I received notice of a chargeback and even though I had all of the evidence of the order, signature for delivery etc the bank found in the (dodgy) c

To help you adapt to these changes the Floristry Trade Club have teamed up with Key Partner Croner to offer a free webinar, open to everyone.

New polling from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) shows significant concern among retail finance chiefs, who say government policy is driving up inflation and job losses. A survey of CFOs (Chief Financial Officers) and Finance Directors at retailers together representing over 9,000 stores comes as the Chancellor is preparing for the next Budget.  Given concerns about potential tax rises on the horizon, 56% of CFOs described their feelings about trading conditions over the

Our guide to HMRC enquiries takes you through the whole process, including how long they take, what you need to do and how you can protect your business. As a business owner, you might find your business finances and tax position under enquiry. An enquiry by HMRC can feel like a time-consuming process that keeps you away from the task of working on your business, so knowing what to expect can alleviate some of the initial panic. What triggers a tax enquiry?