As the financial year comes to an end, and business starts to pick up, it may be tempting to look to the year ahead, but for SMEs, the weeks before year end can make a significant difference to your tax bill, cash flow and overall financial health.
As the financial year comes to an end, and business starts to pick up, it may be tempting to look to the year ahead, but for SMEs, the weeks before year end can make a significant difference to your tax bill, cash flow and overall financial health.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created significant disruption in global energy markets. Sharp increases in oil and gas prices have already started to affect the UK economy. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this could translate into higher energy bills, increased fuel costs, and tightening margins across many sectors.
The UK lending landscape is shifting; and for many small businesses and borrowers, the timing couldn’t be more critical. Recent developments from a major high-street bank highlight a growing challenge: access to funding for SMEs is tightening while demand for flexible, fast capital continues to rise.
April 2026 brings major SME changes; wage increases, expanded employee rights, tax reforms, and new reporting rules, requiring businesses to plan cashflow carefully, ensure compliance, and meet key deadlines.
As the financial year comes to an end, and business starts to pick up, it may be tempting to look to the year ahead, but for SMEs, the weeks before year end can make a significant difference to your tax bill, cash flow and overall financial health.
The 2026 Spring Statement provided an economic update rather than introducing major tax changes for SMEs, with the government emphasising stability and revised forecasts instead of new policies. With many SMEs already experiencing rising expenses, the focus remains on careful cash flow management, cost control and forward planning.
The World Cup isn’t just a sporting event for UK hospitality businesses – it’s one of the biggest trading opportunities of the decade. Home-team matches consistently drive packed venues, longer dwell times, and higher spend per head. But success isn’t automatic. Here’s your guide to key matches to help you prepare and turn footfall into profit.
Summer 2026 offers UK pubs, bars and venues a major opportunity as the FIFA World Cup drives evening crowds and longer trading hours. The right screens, sound and licences can transform matchdays into lasting revenue.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 could be a money-spinner for UK pubs, hotels and bars. Gone are the afternoon kick-offs clashing with work, as North American time zones push games into more pub-friendly late-evening and early-hours slots. Here’s what landlords need to know about licensing to show the late games.
Summer 2026 offers a major boost for UK hospitality, driven by the FIFA World Cup and a packed sporting calendar. Late kick-offs and extended trading hours create strong revenue potential. Businesses that prepare early and deliver great matchday experiences can turn short-term demand into long-term customer loyalty and growth.
Don’t let a “no” from the bank stall your growth. Learn why even profitable SMEs face cash flow gaps, how to bridge the divide between profit and liquidity, and how to unlock the working capital you need to scale without traditional bank finance.
Don’t let tax arrears stall your funding. Learn how to manage HMRC debt, restore lender confidence, and protect your business’s reputation and cash flow.
Don’t let compliance costs stall your momentum. As SMEs scale, one-off regulatory fees can squeeze even the healthiest cash flow. Learn how to forecast these growth triggers and manage the timing of professional fees to keep your business resilient.
This article looks at the type of data SMEs might look at to help improve its cash flow visibility and performance. Some of these processes can be automated through BI tools and software which is now more accessible and affordable for SMEs.
Master your VAT: 6 tips for SMEs to manage cash flow, use digital tools, and bridge timing gaps with strategic finance. Read more to stay in control.
Don’t let compliance costs stall your momentum. As SMEs scale, one-off regulatory fees can squeeze even the healthiest cash flow. Learn how to forecast these growth triggers and manage the timing of professional fees to keep your business resilient.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ second Budget delivers critical updates for UK SMEs. Key changes include a 2% increase in dividend tax rates from April 2026 and an extended freeze on income tax thresholds until 2031. We’ve cut through the noise to identify the five biggest announcements impacting your business planning and cash flow.
A growing number of business owners are being kept awake at night by worries over cash flow. In Capify’s Q1 2022 Confidence Survey, 37% of respondents cited cash flow as a major concern (up 14pp from 23% in Q4 2021). Whilst a further 13% were concerned specifically about non-payment of invoices.
Strong cash flow is important for any business, but for SMEs it’s the lifeblood of their operations. Cash flow is all about the amount of money coming in and out of your business, and for small business owners, a positive cash flow provides opportunities to invest and grow.
Cash flow management can affect every aspect of a business’ growth, from its ability to hire new staff to servicing more customers and clients.
Cash is key for small businesses. It helps you pay your employees and suppliers when profits are slow or keeps things on track when clients are slow in paying you.
Steady cash flow is not only crucial when times are tough, however. It can also be used to help your business grow and develop, acting as a vital cash injection to push your SME into the next stage of growth.
For the 5.7 million SMEs in the UK, cash flow is a constant focus. It’s the money coming in and out of businesses, and without proper management, it can lead to big issues.
Accessing more funds for your business can be a great way to grow and thrive. It provides you with the opportunity to achieve any plans that you have, whether that’s; launching a new product, increasing the marketing budget or refurbishing your premises.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, time has become one of the most valuable resources for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Capify appoints Sam Colclough as Head of Technology to drive growth in the UK and Australia. With over 20 years of IT leadership, Sam will lead tech innovation, enhancing Capify’s services for SMEs. Discover how this strategic move supports Capify’s ambitious growth plans.
Discover the Evolution of Small Business Finance: Unveiling Trends and Insights from Leading UK Financial Institutions. Explore how the finance landscape has transformed, the rise of new lenders, and the challenges facing specific sectors. Stay ahead with key findings from UK Finance, the British Business Bank, and the NACFB. Dive into the Future of Finance!
This summer is shaping up to be a massive money-making opportunity for bars, pubs, and restaurants across the UK. With huge sporting events like Euro 2024, Wimbledon, the Olympics, and more, fans will be flocking to venues to catch all the action. Read here on what businesses will be doing to capitalise.
Leading online SME lender Capify has today secured a £100 million credit facility from Pollen Street Capital (“Pollen Street”), an alternative asset manager dedicated to investing within financial and business services.
Unlock the Power of Your IP: Discover How Valuing and Protecting Your Intellectual Property Can Drive SME Growth and Secure Financing. Click to learn the essential steps for maximizing the value of your business’s intangible assets.
Capify is thrilled to welcome Mike Morris as the new lead of its UK broker team, bringing a wealth of experience from Funding Circle and Close Brothers. With a vision to enhance Capify’s introducer relationships and marketplace offerings, Mike aims to bolster the SME lending landscape. Learn how his expertise will drive forward Capify’s mission.
Explore the transformative potential of the Spring Budget 2024 for SMEs: from lifted VAT thresholds to vital freezes in alcohol and fuel duties. Delve into the optimistic economic forecasts ahead of the election, and how they spell good news for UK businesses. Discover an in-depth look at the strategic changes poised to benefit the economy and businesses alike.
UK SMEs, take note: The upcoming Spring Budget on March 6th is pivotal. With a focus likely shifting towards individual benefits in an election year, businesses still have much to gain. From potential tax cuts boosting consumer spending to labour shortage solutions and key incentives for growth and sustainability, here’s a concise preview of five areas that could impact your business in 2024.
Explore how networking and the collaborative economy can revolutionize your business strategy. From leveraging technology to unlock innovative partnerships to sharing resources for mutual benefit, this guide reveals how to transcend traditional boundaries and foster growth. Dive into practical examples and tips for integrating collaborative practices into your operations.
Unlock your business’s potential during National Apprenticeship Week by investing in apprenticeships. Discover how this strategic move can enhance your product or service quality, as affirmed by 74% of employers, and address staffing needs cost-effectively.
Explore the Midlands’ economic transformation in 2024, where innovation meets heritage. Discover Birmingham’s leap towards a digital future, the manufacturing sector’s optimistic outlook, and SMEs’ ambitious expansion plans despite challenges. Dive into Capify’s insights on leveraging growth opportunities in this pivotal UK region. Click for the full article on the Midlands’ vibrant economy.
The UK hospitality sector is poised for a rebound in 2024, navigating through staffing, cost, and demand challenges with innovation and optimism. This article explores strategies for dealing with inflation, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes, emphasizing the importance of adaptation to new consumer preferences for success.
Discover Resilience Amidst Challenges: Capify’s Latest SME Survey Unveils a Glimmer of Hope for 2024! Dive into our comprehensive analysis revealing the current struggles yet emerging optimism among UK SMEs. Despite ongoing difficulties, a brighter future beckons with growing resilience and hopeful business projections.
Discover the Key Business Trends for 2024: Opportunities Amidst Uncertainty for SMEs – Despite a challenging 2023, SMEs may find growth in 2024. Economic forecasts show modest UK GDP growth, with inflation expected to fall. Interest rates could soften, yet energy prices and consumer confidence remain concerns. Read the full analysis and get ahead in 2024!
In this insightful article, explore the crucial aspects of talent acquisition and retention highlighted in Capify’s latest SME Business Confidence Survey. We delve into practical steps for attracting top talent, from efficient recruitment strategies to leveraging networks and enhancing your company’s reputation.
Cyber crime costs UK businesses over £20bn annually and the threat is growing. Don’t let your business be vulnerable. Our latest article outlines ten essential steps to shield your operations from cyber threats. From cultivating awareness and basic security measures to advanced strategies like encryption and recovery planning, these tips are crucial for any business.
Is your business truly safe from cyber threats? In a rapidly digitalising world, cyber security is not just a big corporation’s concern – it’s crucial for SMEs too. Discover why effective cyber security is the backbone of your business’s safety. Our comprehensive article dives into the real risks SMEs face, from malware to phishing attacks, and the catastrophic impacts of cyber crimes.
Delve into the Autumn Statement, a transformative blueprint for small businesses. Featuring permanent ‘full expensing’, a £50m apprenticeship fund, and extended tax reliefs. For a comprehensive analysis and to discover how Capify’s finance solutions align with these new opportunities, read the full article.
Let us guide you through the principles of creating a business plan that reflects the unique essence of your brand, a plan that not only serves as a reminder of your foundational passion but also as a proven catalyst for accelerated growth. Click here to find out more.
Are you among the 76% of SME owners concerned about your cash reserves? Struggling to secure funding from traditional banks? Look no further. Capify, the UK Credit Awards’ SME Lender of the Year, unveils a groundbreaking £45m SME Loan Fund. Don’t miss out—this fund is available only until December 31st.
Capify’s latest quarterly survey SME business confidence fell further in Q3 2023, with two thirds of owner now worried about cash in bank as inflationary impact bites
Discover the Five Pivotal Trends Reshaping the UK Agricultural Sector and How Capify Can Help You Navigate Them. From volatile input costs to a seismic shift in consumer habits, uncover the challenges and opportunities awaiting SMEs in agriculture. Learn more now!
Unlock the untapped potential of sustainability for your business. Learn how going green isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a game-changer for attracting top talent, winning customers, and securing investment. Even small steps can yield big rewards for SMEs. Read now to transform your business strategy.
Discover why the UK’s rapidly ageing population is putting unprecedented pressure on the care home sector. Learn about the looming challenges of staffing shortages and escalating costs that could reshape the industry.
Buying better is a delicate balance of art and science. So how can SMEs make the most of procurement processes and practices to maximise the impact to the business?
Heartland of the Industrial Revolution and home to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, the North West of England is a varied regional area.
Sales are the lifeblood of any business and devising a sales strategy is essential to ensuring you are selling to the right people at the right price and in the right way. Our 10 step guide will help SMEs ensure their sales strategy is optimised to realise the business’ growth objectives.
SME business confidence in the UK fell slightly in Q2 2023, while concerns over cash reserves and rising costs persist, according to our Business Confidence Survey. The survey revealed that although turnover and profits improved for some SMEs, many were behind their annual targets. Click here to learn more.
Struggling in a challenging business climate? Discover the secret to boosting growth for business and professional services (BAPS) firms. Explore the advantages of strategic acquisitions and learn how to make a successful purchase. Recent research reveals surprising statistics that could reshape your business outlook.
Capify named SME Lender of the Year at Credit Awards 2023 – Find out how this Manchester-based finance provider achieved record-breaking growth and emerged victorious in a highly competitive industry. Read more!
The hospitality industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, but opportunities lie ahead. Discover the five key trends that will shape the sector in the coming year.
Learn how changing customer demands are reshaping billing structures in the business and professional services sector. Read our latest article to learn how legal firms, accountants, architects, and more are transitioning to alternative billing models for enhanced competitiveness. Don’t miss out on this industry revolution!
Discover how SMEs can tap into global talent trends by embracing remote workers and freelancers. Learn about the advantages, challenges, and potential cost savings that come with hiring talent from different regions, and find innovative solutions to address staffing shortfalls in your business.
Explore how innovative solutions are bridging the gap and empowering women entrepreneurs to access the funding they need for their small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Click here to read the full article and discover how these innovative financing options are leveling the playing field for women-owned businesses.
Discover how securing external funding can drive innovation and growth for your small business. Our recent report highlights the benefits of seeking external finance, as most businesses lack the necessary funds to fuel their growth initiatives. Learn why accessing external finance is essential for small businesses and explore the ways it can support your innovative ventures.
Is your SME struggling with a ‘cash crisis’? Our latest quarterly survey reveals that while business confidence has improved in Q1 2023, reduced cash balances and ongoing cash flow concerns are still affecting many small businesses. Click to read more about our findings and learn how to navigate these challenges.
A recent report found businesses that secure external funding are more likely to innovate in their markets. There are several reasons why small businesses should consider seeking external finance, including the fact that most businesses don’t have the spare income to fund all of their growth initiatives. Read more about how external finance can help your small business grow and innovate.
Running a small business can put tremendous strain on your ability to achieve a healthy work-life balance. The demands of business ownership often result in longer, sometimes anti-social, hours and it can be harder to switch off. But carving out time for non-work activities is essential for your wellbeing, and that of your friends and family. It will also be better for the business.
SMEs face a lot of challenges in the current market and it takes much determination and patience to ensure that they succeed. Below we address three of the biggest challenges you might come across.
Despite the continuing headwinds facing the wider UK economy, there remains a considerable appetite from many SMEs to become more sustainable. But what are the opportunities for ESG-focused smaller businesses, and what are the barriers they need to overcome?
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has raised concerns over contagion in the banking system and fears of another banking crisis. Thankfully, a lot has changed since the great banking collapse of 2008, including innovations in lending that SMEs rely on to support their operations
ESG ignorance is costly. 56% of small business owners are unfamiliar with ESG, which is understandable as it has primarily been a concern for large corporations. However, with increasing support and interest in COP26, times are changing. ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, but how will it affect your business?
During the course of running your business, there may be times when you need an injection of external finance to help meet day-to-day challenges or realise strategic opportunities. The process and conditions of securing that loan vary by each lender, but there are some things you can prepare to help make the process smoother.
Learn how effective inventory management can boost cash flow for small businesses in this blog post. Discover how understanding inventory turnover ratio and using strategies such as increasing sales, improving forecasting, identifying best sellers, selling off older stock, and reducing the cost of goods sold can help improve your inventory turnover ratio.
On March 15th Jeremy Hunt will make his second budget announcement as Chancellor of the Exchequer. What he unveils on the day can have a huge impact on the operations and finances of SMEs across all sectors.
This article discusses how a small business loan could help capitalise on exciting new opportunities during a period of market movement when competitors are struggling and buying habits are changing. It highlights events like a new store location becoming available or the opportunity to pivot operations to meet a new market segment as good reasons to seek an injection of cash.
The latest quarterly survey has painted a worrying picture for small businesses with cash balances dropping and cash flow presenting major problems. These difficult circumstances have led to a decrease in SME confidence and have left many businesses struggling. In this article we look at the cause for SME concerns.
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any SME, and a cash flow forecast will highlight what your cash position is likely to be over a defined period of time.
Time is running out to take advantage of super-deduction
Expense management is key to business success. It will place financial strain on your business and impact profitability if allowed to go unchecked. We offer up some tips and advice on how to improve, manage and stay on top of your company spending.
After a difficult 2022, trading conditions for UK businesses are set to be even more challenging in 2023. Official forecasts indicate that the economy will remain in recession for much if not all the year. We collate the insights from a range of experts on what businesses can expect in the year ahead.
Our latest quarterly survey finds a small improvement in SME business confidence despite gathering economic headwinds. But the survey also points to operating challenges amidst falling profitability and concerns over rising costs
Whilst 2022 might see festive spend decline due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, consumer data company Statista predict that retail sales over Christmas could still reach £82.2 billion British pounds. Whilst that’s down on last year, it’s an increase from 2016, 17, 18 and 20!
Political and fiscal turbulence has created record-breaking falls in the value of the Pound. This causes problems for any business reliant on overseas imports but could be a boost for UK exporters
Attracting and retaining the right talent is a vital part of any business strategy. But for SMEs, skills shortages can have a significant impact on operations and growth. What can smaller businesses do to find and fund the right talent for their business plans?
Latest research from Capify finds that green investments are slipping down the priority list for UK SMEs. But when the economy recovers, those companies with sustainable credentials will be well-placed to accelerate their growth.
Latest research by alternative lender Capify finds SME owners are looking to the new Truss government to assist with a plethora of business challenges ranging from soaring inflation, weakening demand and rising interest rates.
Find out the results of Capify’s Q2 Business Confidence Survey.
You’ll also be able to see how the findings differ from previous surveys we’ve conducted.
UK inflation is at a 40-year high, and many businesses are changing their prices in response. But have they got the right pricing strategy?
As the UK battles record temperatures, many climatologists believe extreme weather will become the future norm. The foodservice and hospitality sector is one industry which is directly impacted by conditions outside. So how will businesses need to evolve to meet changing demand as the mercury rises and falls?
For many small businesses, even profitable ones, the level of cash in the bank can be the difference between success and failure. Ensuring you know what you need in reserve – to meet your growth objectives or navigate bumps in the road – should be an integral part of SME business planning.
London Fashion Week (LFW) is one of the biggest dates in the global fashion calendar, bringing together 250 designers and orders worth £100 million in February and September every year.
The number of women in C-level, executive jobs is still relatively low in the UK. Just 6 of the FTSE 100 chief executives are women (8 are called Dave), and those male chief executives “earn on average 77% more” than the women on the same board.
Smart financial decisions make your small business go round. The cash entering and leaving your business is vital for its growth and survival, so it’s important to be informed, prepared, and flexible.
The recession is officially over, but the climate is still tough for small businesses and SMEs.
For that reason, many are looking to alternative finance options to expand and grow, rather than traditional routes. If you’re hesitating, here’s why your business will struggle to grow without an injection of funds.
Business owners in the United Kingdom are facing the highest rate of inflation for a decade, as Covid-19’s fallout drives up the cost of raw materials. Towards the end of 2021, significant supply chain disruptions were happening across the country and the rise in inflation is likely to see this continue well into 2022.
But other than a general 8% increase in price tags, how has the supply chain crisis affected the various sectors of industry so far, and what has it meant to business owners?
Recently there was an analysis performed on 150,000 businesses in the UK to see how various locations stacked up in terms of business growth.
Working capital is at the heart of every successful company, no matter the size, but for small businesses, it’s even more important that cash in the bank is monitored and managed carefully.
In the wake of COP26 and the strive to create a greener economy, many small business owners have been asking themselves how they can factor in greener initiatives into their business models.
If you’re considering changing your business to a limited company, here’s how to get started.
Since the 2008 financial crisis, consumer trust in banks has declined and despite efforts to support customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of trust in traditional banks remains low.
What does the ever-rising energy prices mean for the UK SME?
The prospect of high inflation, how to address the UK’s eye-wetting levels of national debt and increases to the National Living Wage will only add to some of the longer-term problems businesses have faced of late. But setting aside the headwinds, how can businesses find their feet in what Chancellor Rishi Sunak has modestly described as a challenging environment?
The second batch of findings from our latest survey of UK small businesses found that 35% of SMEs plan to grow their workforce by more than 10% over the next year.
London Fashion Week (LFW) is one of the biggest dates in the global fashion calendar, bringing together 250 designers and orders worth £100 million in February and September every year.
Owning a business is arguably one of the most demanding jobs that there is and in order to continuously improve, owners are required to work hard every single day. Whether you’re thinking about setting up your own company or are already established in your market, here’s some mistakes that you should avoid making.
