10% of SMEs now use invoice finance to actively manage cash flow
New research shows that the UK's small companies are being hit by the double threat of suppliers billing quicker and clients paying late. It is a good time for businesses to review the way they operate to ensure success during an economic slowdown.
Research reveals 58% of SMEs affected by economic downturn
More than half (58%) of all SMEs in Great Britain say their business has already been affected by the much publicised economic downturn. This is according to new research by Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs), confirming recent reports on the state of the UK economy.
Late payments on the up
UK businesses now settle bills nearly four weeks beyond agreed terms, Experian advises businesses on the steps to avoid becoming a late payment casualtyOne year on from the start of the credit crunch, new analysis released by Experian®, the global information services company, shows that UK businesses are now settling their bills almost four weeks after their agreed payment dates. With businesses already using extended payment terms as a form of short-term funding, this trend means that some smaller businesses could be waiting as long as five months for payment from the point of invoice for goods and services supplied months earlier.
Do they really think the earth is flat?
In the 21st Century, the term "flat-earther" is used to describe someone who is spectacularly - and seemingly wilfully - ignorant. But there is a group of people who claim they believe the planet really is flat. Are they really out there or is it all an elaborate prank?
Matt White changes colour to Red of Heliium Finance
Matt White has joined Heliium Finance as Associate Director, responsible for the development of the Company in London and the South West. Heliium provides a free specialist brokerage service to financial intermediaries, predominantly Accountants, looking to place their clients with asset based lending providers.
SMEs turn to accountants as financial guiding light
As a SME you are more likely to turn to your accountant for advice if your traditional banking service can't help. Here, Roopi Makkar talks to Peter Whalley, a chartered accountant and director of Buchanans, about the guidance and support they can offer.
Business failures fall but tougher times are still predicted
The overall number of corporate failures in the UK continues to decline, but banking and financial service sectors face tough times, according to information provider Experian.
Consumers it would appear are clueless about ID fraud protection
Figures show that 93 per cent of customers do not know how to protect themselves against ID fraud, despite 80 per cent claiming to be concerned about becoming a victim.
Dutch deny 'war on white socks'
Dutch Finance Ministry officials have denied world media reports that they have declared war on white socks.
Business Money Article
Heliium feature in the September 2007 issue of 'Business Money'. Download the full article in PDF format.
Late payment to SMEs worsens in 2006
A study by Siemens Financial Services has found that late payment to UK smaller firms has worsened across 2004, 2005 and 2006, whereas medium-sized and large companies have kept their invoice payment timings under control.
Finance options for your business
Business finance can certainly be confusing. Let's face it, the fear of making the wrong decision when it comes to your company's finances is the main reason people head straight to their bank for advice and guidance.
Payroll Finance for SMEs with Smartflow
Heliium is delighted to announce the arrival of a new and relatively unique funding facility for SMEs from Smartflow Finance.
Commercial Property Finance Opportunities
We're increasingly aware that a growing number of our clients and professional partners are looking to invest in their own commercial premises.
How to get debts paid
Every business we meet these days has experienced a bad debt at some point. New customers can sometimes bring issues, causing cash flow problems, sometimes major ones, for many SMEs.
Small firms claim late payment legislation is unusable
More than 90 per cent of small firms are failing to use their legal right to charge interest on late payments for fear of damaging relationships with customers.
I love my accountant
Ten questions to help find your perfect partner
Money Matters
So inspiration has struck, and you've got a business idea. With a bit of luck, it's a unique one and will make you some money. You'll probably want to structure your business to keep hold of as much money as possible - that's not always easy.
Marketing Methods
Enter Business gets easier when you have a recognisable brand. Think about BP or Vodafone, for example. All you need do is mention the names and millions of people throughout the world have an immediate perception and expectation of what that company stands for. There's an emotional connection between the customer and the company name.
The dangers of sending invoices by email
Large and small businesses alike are making the same incorrect assumption that sending invoices by insecure email attachment is safe and legally sound. It's not.
Construction firms suffering from late payment crisis
Euler Hermes UK, an Allianz group company, has released its Quarterly Cash Flow and Profit Report (Q1 2006) to reveal more misery for the UK Construction sector.
FDA 10 - CEO Kate Sharp on the 10th anniversary of the association
The Factors & Discounters Association (FDA) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, following the merger in 1996 of the Association of British Factors and Discounters, with the Association of Invoice Finance and the European Chapter of the Commercial Finance Association (CFA).
Heliium Rising
Dave Richards and Mark Wignall, cofounders of Independent Growth Finance, along with Richard Keenan and Mike Bailey, former IGF sales directors, are back and looking to produce another performing investment.