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.
Is it better to buy or lease IT equipment?
There comes a point in the entrepreneurial journey where your workload necessitates that you hire some in house staff. While remote working is becoming more popular and stands to grow in popularity even after lockdown is lifted, for many small businesses, having the core of your team working together in an office still has far more benefits than disadvantages
26 May 2020
How can small businesses help the UK economy?
Small businesses are the lifeblood of the UK’s economy. You only have to peek at the figures to see why. There were 5.9 million SMEs (businesses with less than 250 employees) in the UK in 2019, accounting for more than 99% of all businesses. What’s more, SMEs make up three-fifths of the employment and around half of the turnover in the UK private sector, according to the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.
5 May 2020
It’s called Open Banking, but don’t underestimate its security...
Rewind just a few short months ago and it would have been inconceivable that this mysterious coronavirus would impact the world so drastically. But here I am, working from my home office rather than at Funding Options’ London HQ. UK plc is experiencing an unprecedented time that will unquestionably go down in history. Companies, large and small, are navigating the choppiest of waters at present as a result of Covid-19.
29 Apr 2020
A guide to bridging loans and bridging finance
A bridging loan is a type of short term business loan designed to ‘bridge a gap’ in a business’ finance. In other words, it helps you get from one point to the next until you can either secure longer term finance or clear the loan in full.
28 Apr 2020
Key tax dates and deadlines 2020
There are several key tax deadlines throughout the year to be aware of. In order to keep on top of your accounting duties and avoid any pesky penalties, be sure to put the following key dates in your diary. IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to coronavirus, you may be able to delay (defer) some tax payments without paying a penalty. For the latest information on this, visit gov.co.uk. (If in doubt, always ask a qualified accountant.)
14 Apr 2020
Bolster your business through asset refinance, invoice finance and unsecured loans
With coronavirus causing disruption across a multitude of industries, businesses are looking for alternative ways to improve their cash flow. Innovative funding solutions like asset refinance, invoice finance and unsecured loans can provide small to medium-sized businesses with speedy financial support, including those who find it difficult to access more traditional finance types like bank loans. If you needed finance for your business in the past your options were fairly limited. You’d have to apply for funding from a traditional source, typically in the form of a secured loan from your local bank. Nowadays there are a number of flexible options and a variety of lenders, making it easier for you to find a finance option that’s right for you.
9 Apr 2020
Compare UK business credit cards 2020
Having a business credit card can help you manage expenses and cash flow in a convenient and flexible way. It can be used by both you and your employees to make company purchases and can help you build up your business’ credit rating. Much like a personal credit card, you can choose to pay the balance in full or meet the minimum payment requirements. Your business is responsible for making the payments. Credit cards are a type of unsecured lending and the and limits can be quite strict. Of course, have to meet the lender’s criteria - they’ll want to look into your credit history, trading history, turnover and profit. Your credit limit - usually anywhere between £1,000 and £10,000 - will very much depend on your credit rating, as will your interest rate, interest-free period and rewards.
24 Mar 2020
How to register a limited company - checklist
There are numerous benefits associated with registering your business as a limited company. For instance, incorporating can help you build brand credibility and protect your personal assets. The process isn’t as long as it used to be and can take just a few hours. When you’re ready to register your business as a limited company, you’ll have to submit an application form to Companies House via the HMRC website. You can also download the form in PDF format and submit it manually. Some people decide to use a third party (such as their accountant) to process the application. Either way is fine! The following checklist will help you prepare the information you need to complete the application process smoothly.
17 Mar 2020
Deeds not words: why we’ve signed the Women in Finance Charter
“Inclusivity” is a buzzword — one that means very little without action. That’s why we’ve chosen to make our commitment to achieving gender equality in our organisation public by signing the Women in Finance Charter. We’re part of a growing movement of forward thinking companies on a mission to create a more inclusive environment. Not just within our own company, but the sector as a whole.
9 Mar 2020
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