Business finance guides
Clear, practical explanations of how UK business finance works, written and reviewed by specialists.
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- Explainer
Business loan interest rates: how UK lenders price a loan
How UK lenders set business loan interest rates, what drives the rate your company is offered, APR vs flat and factor rates, and how to compare the total cost.
11 October 2026
- Comparison
Hire purchase vs leasing: which suits your company?
Hire purchase vs leasing for UK companies: who owns the asset, how VAT is charged, balance sheet and tax treatment, and what happens at the end of the term.
11 October 2026
- Guide
How to build a cash flow forecast for a business loan application
How to build a 12-month cash flow forecast for a business loan: the layout, the assumptions to write down, and what lenders look for when they read it.
11 October 2026
- Comparison
HMRC Time to Pay vs a tax or VAT loan: which is right for your company?
An honest comparison of an HMRC Time to Pay arrangement and a tax or VAT loan: how each works, what HMRC expects, interest and costs, and when each may suit.
11 October 2026
- Guide
How to choose a business finance broker: the questions worth asking
A balanced guide to choosing a business finance broker: how brokers are paid, panel size, regulation status, who you deal with and how your data is used.
11 October 2026
- Guide
How to get a business loan: a step-by-step guide for UK companies
How to get a business loan for a UK limited company: the steps from working out what you need to funds in the bank, the documents, credit and affordability checks, and timelines.
11 October 2026
- Explainer
Invoice finance costs: what you pay and how to compare quotes
Invoice finance costs explained: the service fee, the discount charge, other fees to look for, a worked illustrative example and how to compare quotes fairly.
11 October 2026
- Explainer
What is working capital? A plain-English guide for UK companies
What working capital is, how to calculate it, how the working capital cycle ties up cash, practical ways to improve it and the finance options that can support it.
11 October 2026
- Explainer
Merchant cash advance factor rates: what they mean and how to work out the cost
A plain-English guide to merchant cash advance factor rates: how to turn a factor rate into a cost in pounds, and why comparing it with a loan APR is tricky.
11 October 2026