Cash set aside for tax, resilience or future investment may earn interest in a business savings account. The starting point is when that money will be needed, not simply the highest advertised rate. How it works Easy-access, notice and fixed-term accounts offer different withdrawal arrangements. Rates can be fixed or variable and terms may include…
A business bank account should make it easy to manage money, maintain records and stay in control. The best fit depends on how you receive payments, pay suppliers and work with your accounts. How it works Banks and payment providers offer different features, charges and protections. A limited company’s finances should be kept separate from…
A personal Self Assessment bill can put pressure on household cash, particularly where payments on account are also due. Start with the correct liability and a realistic personal budget before considering borrowing. How it works Self Assessment is the individual’s tax position, separate from a limited company’s Corporation Tax. Any finance needs to match the…
A VAT bill can coincide with stock purchases, wages or delayed customer payments. VAT funding may spread the payment cost, but it should be considered alongside cash collection and the next VAT period. How it works A finance provider assesses the business and the liability before offering a facility. Depending on the agreement, the lender…
A Corporation Tax loan spreads the cash cost of a tax bill through repayments to a lender. It does not reduce the tax due, and the business must be able to meet the new debt alongside future liabilities. How it works A lender assesses the business and the confirmed tax requirement. Funds may be paid…
Borrowing against an expected R&D tax credit can bring cash forward, but the anticipated payment is not guaranteed. The loan and the underlying tax claim must be assessed separately. How it works A lender reviews the claim, supporting evidence and business finances before advancing part of the expected receipt. The facility is intended to be…
Research and development tax relief may support qualifying work seeking an advance in science or technology. Developing a new product for your own business is not, by itself, enough to qualify. How it works The relevant scheme depends on the accounting period and circumstances. For periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, the merged…
Innovate UK innovation loans support eligible research and development projects with a credible route towards commercial success. They are competitive funding opportunities, not general-purpose business loans. How it works Businesses apply against a specific competition brief. Assessment covers the project, innovation, commercial opportunity and ability to repay. UKRI’s eligibility guidance distinguishes these loans from earlier-stage…
A local grant may help fund a specific investment such as equipment, skills, digital adoption or energy efficiency. Opportunities depend on location, project and available budgets, and they change regularly. How it works A funder assesses the project against its criteria. Grants may cover only part of the cost and can be paid after expenditure…
The Growth Guarantee Scheme can support access to finance for eligible UK businesses through accredited lenders. The government guarantee supports the lender; it does not remove the borrower’s obligation to repay. How it works The scheme can support several types of facility, including loans, overdrafts, asset finance and invoice finance. The lender decides whether the…
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