Funding Options Blog
Home of our blog articles on topics that will inform and educate entrepreneurs on topics such as lending, green finance, tax and financial matters.
Six ideas to drum up business and cut costs at the start of the year
Once the Christmas and New Year rush is over, many businesses enter a lean period that can last until Spring. Lots of us overspend at the end of the year, so it’s not surprising that customers wait until their finances are back on track and under control before spending on non-essentials or luxuries. It’s not just retail businesses that can suffer in this lean time; service industries also experience a lack of orders, particularly B2C service businesses who rely on consumers digging into their pockets to pay for installations or perhaps building work on a house. But here’s the good news, you don’t have to sit there and wait for the customers to come through the front door, to call or fill in your online enquiry forms. With a bit of imagination, some basic techniques and graft, you can quickly get proactive and drum up business. So, let’s get creative and look at your options.
11 Feb 2022
What are limited company mortgages?
Limited company mortgages are a popular method for companies to raise capital from the assets that belong to the limited company. If your company has commercial or residential property in its portfolio and equity available to use as collateral, raising money can be a relatively straightforward matter. Similarly, if you’re looking to buy a new property for the company, a limited company mortgage might be the perfect solution.
9 Feb 2022
14 last-minute Valentine’s Day marketing ideas for retail and high street businesses
Valentine’s Day can be the first burst of profitable activity high-street businesses experience after the Xmas and New Year activity fades. For some, the increased activity and sales are more achievable. You’d expect gift shops, card shops, chocolatiers, florists and restaurants to be busy on the days leading to February 14. Salons and barbers also enjoy more sales as we get groomed for the night out. Here we’re going to suggest 14 quick, cheap promotional and marketing ideas you can put into practice over the next few days with little effort. The suggestions will be generic, so you’ll have to select which ideas fit your business.
8 Feb 2022
February 5th is World Nutella Day, what can we learn from one of Italy’s most successful brands?
As you stock up on a jar to open on February 5th, World Nutella Day, it’s worth considering the impact the hazelnut and cocoa spread has had on our eating habits and how it’s become one of the most successful business stories ever. Ferrero, which owns the Nutella brand, has a fascinating history. How it’s grown and managed should be considered an object lesson in sound management and growth for many business students.
4 Feb 2022
10 monthly tasks for business owners
In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “it takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan”. Running a successful business is as much about being organised as having dreams and ambitions. How many of these 10 monthly tasks are you prioritising right now?
1 Feb 2022
5 myths about asset based lending debunked
Asset finance comes in many different forms. Some people use it to purchase equipment for their business, but it has lots of other uses too. In our latest mythbuster instalment we’re taking a closer look at the most common asset-based lending misconceptions.
27 Jan 2022
Setting up a business bank account
Setting up a business bank account isn’t a complicated process. Some banks might still insist that you present the necessary documents face-to-face before opening an account. However, opening a business account nowadays can generally be completed online. Over recent years, many new niche banks have arrived in the business banking space, and they exist to serve business only; they offer no personal banking services. Most of these modern fintech business banks can approve your account in minutes if you supply all the relevant documentation and further details. Once your business account gets approved, you can set up direct debits, standing orders, and apply for loans, business credit cards, and overdrafts or alternatives. You can apply for extra debit cards for your staff and manage all your business account affairs online.
26 Jan 2022
Key tax dates and deadlines for 2022
For many, the beginning of a new year is a time for setting goals and getting organised. To help, we’ve put together a list of important tax-related dates to keep in mind throughout the year. Be sure to prepare for them in advance to avoid any unnecessary penalties.
18 Jan 2022
How to raise funds to start a restaurant
Starting a restaurant business isn’t for the faint-hearted or uncommitted. On paper, it looks easy - find the premises, give the place a fresh lick of paint (you can roll your sleeves up too) and get new flooring. Then buy a new cooking range, plates, pots, pans, utensils, cutlery and uniforms. Hire a mix of permanent and part-time staff, place a few local ads, create a buzz on social media, and voila! You’re good to go. If only it were that easy.
20 Jan 2022
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