Learn how ethical banking can benefit your small business. Discover responsible banking options, key considerations, and how to switch to an ethical bank. Where you choose to bank can have a bigger impact than you might think. Ethical banking ensures that your business finances align with your values, supporting sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency. For small businesses, ethical banking is about more than just avoiding harmful investments - it’s about activ

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’

I don’t know about you, but running a business with deliveries, talking to brides, updating the website, keeping on top of what is happening on socials, email marketing, bookkeeping and accounts, and managing the team, all while keeping myself (relatively) healthy and sane, is almost impossible and definitely more than a full-time job. Wine helps. Research on government grants was so far down my list, I couldn't even see it. So, when I started thinking about this month’s blog

New Lloyds research reveals how rising expectations around speed, convenience and flexibility are reshaping retail and why payments now matter well beyond the checkout. New research from Lloyds reveals that 91% of UK retail business owners and decision-makers say adapting to changing customer behaviour is now a top business priority, as retailers face growing pressure to deliver faster, easier and more flexible experiences, both in-store and behind the scenes. The new report,

Discover the green business grants available to UK small businesses in 2026, from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to Innovate UK funding, and learn how to apply successfully. Making your business more sustainable is one of the most important investments you can make right now. Energy costs are up, customers increasingly expect green credentials, and the UK government has committed to reaching net zero by 2050. The problem is that doing it properly costs money that many small busine

As a smaller business, every penny counts. Here, AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) explain how you can create a budget and get a clearer idea of your expected income and expenses. Budgeting is so important for making sure you keep track of your spending and meet your business goals. A simple yet thorough budget can be completed in an evening and can save your business time and money in the long term. Whether you’re a new or established business, understanding the ba

Many florists enter the industry because of a passion for flowers and design. However, creativity alone cannot sustain a business. Every bouquet sold must cover not only the cost of flowers but also labour, packaging, rent, utilities, delivery, and waste. When these elements are overlooked, florists may unknowingly underprice their work. A bouquet priced purely on instinct or competitor comparison can quickly erode profit margins. In contrast, florists who understand their tr

With rising awareness of climate responsibilities, shifting customer expectations and growing pressure to reduce emissions, choosing a renewable energy supplier has become both a strategic and ethical decision. Switching to a green tariff not only helps businesses reduce their environmental impact but it can also enhance brand reputation and provide long‑term cost stability. How Green Energy is Defined A mechanism called REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) is used to

Expert florist Viv Bradford shares her tips for getting the most from styled photoshoots.

Small businesses have a significant role to play in building a more sustainable future, and using energy wisely is one of the most obvious places to start. By making a few smart changes, whether that’s upgrading to efficient equipment, changing everyday habits, or exploring renewable options, businesses can cut costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a healthier planet. Sustainable energy use isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for business, too.

Break-even analysis helps you calculate how many units you need to sell to cover fixed and variable costs. Learn how it works and how to use it in your business planning. Every business, from start-up to established enterprise, needs to answer one essential question: when will we actually start making money? That’s where break-even analysis comes in. What is a break-even analysis? A break-even analysis is a financial planning tool that identifies the exact moment your total r

With more people than ever working under non-standard contracts, it can be hard getting payslips right. Croner are here to help.

Do you know what the term ‘pro rata’ means and how to work out pro-rata pay and holidays for your employees? Croner explain.

Don't miss a deadline! Stay on top of your annual payroll duties and prepare for the new tax year ahead with our handy checklist of seven payroll tasks for April. Running payroll every month, whether yourself or outsourced to payroll experts, is a weekly or monthly routine. But every April, when a fresh tax year begins, new employment law changes come into force and there are annual payroll duties to carry out. Payroll experts at the Federation of Small Businesses have put to

Find out the four steps your small business can take to comply with the tax legislation, and where you can find compatible software. The Making Tax Digital for VAT deadline has already passed. Since April 2022, VAT-registered businesses have been required by law to follow the new rules, including using compatible software to submit your VAT returns. You may face penalties from HMRC if you don’t meet MTD requirements. Don’t worry – at the Federation of Small Businesses, we'