When the taxable turnover of a business reaches, or is likely to reach, the threshold of £82,000 over a period of 12 months, the company has to register for VAT with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). If during the coming 30 days a company is likely to reach the threshold for registration of VAT, it must register immediately. Many business owners may Read more
Monthly Archives: May 2015
Why do you need a business plan?
One of the most common mistakes made by a first time business owner is not planning ahead. To be successful, you need to know what your goals are, both long term and for the immediate future. You also need to Read more
Staying on top of profit and loss
Managing profit and loss is a crucial element of a solvent and financially healthy business. Profit and loss statements need to be produced on a regular basis, so that you can see where you are making a profit, or where losses are occurring. To minimise the Read more
An overview of the main financial statements
Financial statements are utilised to keep tabs on the monetary health of a business. You can obtain information about the financial position of a company, how it is performing and any changes that have been or need to Read more
Six ways an accountant can help your business: Part six
When you start a new company, you aren’t usually considering an exit strategy at the same time. However, the business structure you decide on could affect your Read more
Six steps to managing cash flow: Maintain good terms with suppliers
Suppliers are an important part of your business. In addition to providing services and goods for your company, they also offer information and credit when required. Without a Read more
Six ways an accountant can help your business: Part five
Forecasts are essential for your business, both for growth and survival. Planning is a crucial part of running a company but so are all the other duties, which is why business owners sometimes fail to produce forecasts. By outsourcing finance and Read more
Six steps to managing cash flow: Managing stock inventory
Stock management is a complex task. You must have the correct amount of the right lines available to be able to meet demand, but buy in too much and you are tying up money that could be used in Read more
Six ways an accountant can help your business: Part four
If you are a business owner, the likelihood is that you have to pay tax, including corporation tax, income tax, capital gains tax and others. Although most business owners are happy to pay the Read more
Ways that poor cash flow impacts on a business
Cash flow issues can have a negative effect on a company, even if the profits are reasonably healthy. Your firm may be affected in ways other than financial, which can be just as devastating. If you have more money leaving the business than coming in, you may struggle to pay your own bills and will be unable to invest in future of your enterprise.
Borrowing more money
Although a short-term overdraft or a small loan may be the solution to a temporary problem with cash flow, in many cases it will just lead to more debt, higher interest charges and an extension of your credit. Borrowing more money won’t fix the problems, but it could certainly add to them. A healthy cash flow will reduce the likelihood of borrowing, so you pay less interest. In an ideal situation, all your clients will pay promptly so that you can settle your bills in a timely manner.
Problems with suppliers
If you have issues paying suppliers due to a poor cash flow, you may find that relationships with them decline. If you have problems with clients paying you, this could mean that you have to miss a payment, which in turn will affect your entitlement to credit.
Morale of workforce
If you are experiencing difficulties with cash flow, you are likely to be stressed. Your workforce will notice this and could also become tense. If there are concerns about you being able to pay your suppliers, which could have an adverse effect on your business, employees may start to wonder about their own job security. This can affect staff retention and absence rates, ultimately affecting productivity.
Losing customers
When staff are feeling the pressure of problems at work, they may not be as responsive to customers. Bright and cheery staff who are helpful to clients will generate a positive feeling, encouraging customers to make purchases. If employees are feeling low due to concerns over the future of the company, they are likely to be less helpful and pleasant to customers. This could result in lost custom, which will have a huge impact on an already struggling cash flow.
Controlling cash flow is crucial for a successful company. Management outsourcing is just one way to ensure your cash flow is free of problems, making it possible to build the company and reap the rewards of a thriving commercial venture . For more advice, please call us today.