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Advantages and disadvantages of bank loans
What loans are, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to know when they are suitable for your business' needs.
Where to look for a bank loan
Potential lenders for a business bank loan and how to secure a loan and get the best deal.
Apply for bank finance: step-by-step
Before applying for bank finance, take a step-by-step approach so that you have the best chance of success.
Is your business ready for bank financing?
Even before seeking finance, you need to be clear in your own mind about why you need it, and how much.
Get proof of origin for your goods
Prove the origin of your goods if you’re trading with a country that has a trade agreement with the UK, or is covered by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
Advantages and disadvantages of overdrafts
The flexibility, advantages, drawbacks and costs of using an overdraft facility.
Providing a guarantee for your loan
How loan guarantees can help you secure funding, and details of personal and limited liability.
Check your goods meet the rules of origin
Rules to establish the country of origin of imported and exported goods and to help identify those which qualify for lower or nil Customs Duty.
Prepare to raise finance
What you can do to prepare your business to raise finance
Trading under WTO rules
How to trade with other countries if there is no UK trade agreement.
UK trade agreements with non-EU countries
Trade agreements with non-EU countries.
Check if you can claim a preferential rate of duty
If you import or export using a preference agreement or the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, you may be able to reduce the duties on your goods.
Tariffs on goods imported into the UK
How to check the tariff rates that apply to goods you import.
Rules of origin
Guidance on how to check your goods meet the rules of origin
Apply to become a registered exporter if you're established in Northern Ireland
Apply to HMRC to become a registered exporter on the Registered Exporter (REX) system.
What is a balance sheet and why is it used?
Limited companies and limited liability partnerships must produce a balance sheet as part of their annual accounts.
How to avoid overtrading: example
A case study of how to avoid a situation of overtrading and the potential disaster it causes.
Balance sheets
Balance sheets show a business' assets and liabilities and can help you assess a business' financial health.
Insure against common business risks
Risks most businesses need to consider insuring against - from fire, theft and equipment failure to unpaid bills and cyber attacks.
Protect your staff with insurance
Insurance to protect you and your staff - key person, critical illness, income protection, private health cover.