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Business insolvency figures can provide a valuable clue as to the state of the economy, but the picture isn’t always straightforward. Over the past few years, in particular, figures have sometimes been skewed by the effects of the pandemic. Many failing businesses were artificially propped up by government support, pushing the figures up when they finally entered insolvency. The figures for July 2024 have been

The private rental sector has been volatile for some time, with changing regulations, fast-rising rents and difficulties for landlords, and that doesn’t look like ending any time soon. What with a reduction in the buy-to-let market, further increases in the cost for tenants and uncertainty over what measures the new government might bring in, the whole sector is holding its breath. A Fall in the Buy-to-Let Mark

The last quarter of 2023 saw the UK going formally into recession, and that’s bound to affect the mood among small businesses. It’s not a coincidence that a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found that businesses felt more pessimistic during Q4 than Q3. Lower Levels of Optimism Among Small Businesses The FSB’s Small Business Index for the final quarter of 2023 found a reduction in s

Business owners generally focus most on the sales that bring in the income, rather than on their suppliers. That’s understandable, but it can also be short sighted. Recent research by retail bank Aldermore has found that well over half of SMEs have suffered supply-chain problems in the past year — and this has cost a total of £1.9 billion. Why Are There Supply Chain Delays? Disruptions to supply chains have been goin

With many businesses devastated by the Covid pandemic, government measures like furlough and bounce-back loans were often lifesavers. However, when the time came to start paying back, not everyone repaying as easy as borrowing. Sometimes this was due to ongoing challenges, but some cases were self-inflicted. Bounce-Back Loan Fraud — Convictions Begin Because of the urgency of the situation, bounce-back loans were oft

When you’re selecting a letting agent to manage your rental properties, it’s vital to pick the right one. There are plenty of good agencies around, but unfortunately not every agency meets the minimum standards. Picking the wrong one could leave you in financial trouble. No doubt you have a list of questions for any prospective letting agency, but does this include whether they’re a member of a client money protectio

Most people would agree that the financial sector has been in dire need of more targeted regulation — and, on the whole, those companies that have always operated ethically would also agree. In a sector tarnished by everything from the LIBOR scandal to consumer scams, tougher regulations should allow firms already meeting or exceeding those standards to get a head-start. What’s the Background to the Strategy? S

You have a lot on your plate as a business owner, and keeping your accounts up to date might seem like something that can be put off till you have more time. This is unwise, even if nothing goes wrong, but there are circumstances when getting caught with your accounts undone could lead to disqualification as a Director. The Case of Mitchell Smith The government has recently announced the disqualification of Mitchell

If you’re offering services to clients, you have the choice of whether to request payment up front, allow them to pay after delivery or set up a payment plan. Many business owners shy away from asking for up-front payment, fearing it will make them less attractive to prospects. However, this can lead to situations of having to pursue the client through the courts for unpaid invoices — or even having to write th

Bounce Back Loans were a key plank in the government’s strategy for supporting SMEs through the Covid lockdown. Payment was deferred for a year, which for many seemed too far ahead to worry about — but we’re now into the second repayment month. So how is it going? What Were the Bounce Back Loans? So much has happened since last spring, when the scheme began, that even if you have a loan your memory of its