This page covers ways of raising finance whatever the size of the business you are advising, growth strategies and support for our BAS firms.
Access to finance
Free Access to Finance events for your clients
- Promotional material
- 21 Sep 2023
The British Business Bank will be hosting Business Finance Week between 6-10 November 2023. Through a series of 27 in-person events, webinars and more across the UK’s nations and regions, the British Business Bank is helping smaller businesses learn all about the different finance options available to support them in growing their business.
Business grants: how helping your client helps you as an adviser
- Promotional material
- 29 Jun 2023
Business grants are a popular form of funding for companies. In this article, Swoop explain how, as an adviser, you can help your client succeed - and benefit.
The Business Finance Guide
- Helpsheets and support
- 24 Mar 2021
This independent guide draws on the expertise of partners from across the finance industry and business community to provide information on the financing options that may be available to entrepreneurs, startups and businesses at every stage of development.
Emoney and what you need to know
- Helpsheets and support
- 09 Dec 2020
ICAEW has created an e-money helpsheet to help businesses and their advisers understand whether such accounts are appropriate for their needs.
How to finance your business
- Article
- 28 Dec 2023
Whether your client is just starting out in their business venture, looking to reboot their existing business or planning to diversify, it’s likely they will need to raise funds. This short guide will help you introduce them to some of the options available.
Finance and support for business
- Website
- 28 Mar 2019
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy list of publicly-backed finance or business support schemes.
Alternative Business Funding
- Website
- 28 Mar 2019
A government approved matchmaking service for small businesses and alternative finance providers.
Better Business Finance
- Website
- 28 Mar 2019
Developed by the British Bankers' Association, the Better Business Finance website brings into one place a wide range of finance providers across Britain.
Business support
Free, independent advice for small business employers
- Article
- 28 Dec 2023
ACAS has launched a new helpline to provide employers and small businesses with free independent advice on workplace issues.
Cyber-Security
Is your business cyber secure?
- Article
- 24 Feb 2023
A guide to protecting your accountancy business from cyber-attacks.
Cyber security awareness
- Hub page
- 22 Aug 2024
Each year ICAEW marks global Cyber Security Awareness month with dedicated resources addressing the latest issues and how to protect your business.
Economic pressures
Forecast to beat the cost of living crisis
- Promotional material
- 02 Feb 2023
Your clients need your help. Energy, materials, production… the cost of everything is up. Silver lining? You can forecast inflation and recessions to help mitigate the effects of rainy days. Be the best in forecasting for your clients. Futrli explain how.
Late or unfair payments: Helping clients avoid poor payment practices by their bigger customers
- Article
- 28 Dec 2023
Some small businesses are ‘bullied’ by bigger customers and feel they have no choice but to accept poor payment and other unfair contractual terms. In this article, Liz Barclay, Small Business Commissioner, talks about how accountants can help smaller clients get it right.
How businesses can cope with rising inflation
- Article
- 03 Jan 2024
In this article, ICAEW PBA Advisory Board member Paul Layte aims to unpack a few thought- provoking options to advise businesses struggling to cope with rising inflation.
Which button to press: liquidation or turnaround?
- Article
- 03 Jan 2024
The overarching goal of every business adviser is to achieve a full recovery for their client’s business and secure for them a sustainable and profitable future. While navigating the tricky precipice that is ongoing solvency, how does the adviser know whether to ‘press the button’ on liquidation or turnaround and what measures can be taken before arriving at the correct decision?
Growing a business
Business Growth Fund
- Website
- 28 Mar 2019
The Business Growth Fund was established in 2011 to provide investment for Britain’s growing SMEs.
Growth Business
- Website
- 28 Mar 2019
Practical tips and articles for established businesses undergoing rapid expansion.
Net Zero
ESG in valuations: the future is here with ValutECO
- Promotional material
- 02 Jun 2023
As companies face increasing scrutiny for their ESG practices, investors and stakeholders are placing more emphasis on how companies address these issues. This might have significant implications for business valuations. Valutico explains how it works.
Advising on Net Zero will be key to accessing finance
- Article
- 28 Dec 2023
Julia Groves, Director of Sustainability at the British Business Bank spoke to us on how net zero would be key to accessing finance in the future.
Starting a new business
Go start-ups! Get new businesses off the ground
- Article
- 04 Nov 2021
Following on from the recent ICAEW webinar, Richard Bearman, CEO at the Start-Up Loans Company, part of the British Business Bank, talks to us about start-up loans.
Choosing the right business structure
- Article
- 28 Dec 2023
When setting up a new business, choosing the most suitable company structure is an important undertaking. Each different format has implications for tax, ownership and responsibility. This brief guide will help you work with your clients to decide which route is best for them.
Apply for a start-up loan for your business
- Website
- 28 Mar 2019
A government funded scheme to provide loans and mentors for entrepreneurs. As well as start-up finance, the scheme offers free support and guidance to help prepare a business plan and up to 12 months of free mentoring for successful applicants.
Tax
Payment of blocked dividends - a Bloomsbury case study
- Article
- 10 May 2023
Mark McLaughlin, Bloomsbury Accounting and Tax Service, looks at the payment of dividends in owner-managed companies and highlights a recent case on restricted or ‘blocked’ dividends.
Time limit for negligence payments
- Article
- 21 Apr 2023
Mark McLaughlin, Bloomsbury Professional author, looks at the time limit for damages claims in respect of negligent tax advice and warns that it could be much longer than many practitioners might assume.
Income tax basis periods - all change from 2023
- Article
- 19 Apr 2023
April 2023 will bring a major shake-up of the rules dictating when trading profits of unincorporated businesses are subject to income tax. Emma Rawson, ATT Technical Officer at Bloomsbury Professional Online, explores the changes and explains what steps can be taken now.
Setting salaries for a company owner or managers
- Article
- 28 Dec 2023
Individuals who control their own companies can choose how and when to extract profits using a strategy involving various elements. This article considers the salary element.
Crypto clients? How to get started and calculate their taxes with ease
- Promotional material
- 28 Dec 2023
Whether you are a sole practitioner or a larger firm, the rise in cryptocurrency trading provides a potential opportunity to boost your revenue. Koinly, a crypto tax platform provider, explains how to easily calculate crypto clients' taxes.
Cryptocurrency and taxation
- Article
- 28 Dec 2023
The increased interest in Cryptocurrency raises many interesting tax issues for professional and amateur investors investing in cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency entrepreneurs creating new crypto businesses. This article outlines the significant tax issues a tax professional may encounter in relation to cryptocurrency.
Pre year-end tax planning - how to do advisory
- Video
- 03 Jan 2024
The end of the tax year provides a simple opportunity to deliver valuable advice to clients and start developing advisory services as a regular feature in your practice. Hear from business advisers on how they approach this time of year.
Repay SEISS when turnover is up?
- Article
- 28 Dec 2023
Increased turnover is a red flag that SEISS grants may need to be repaid, but it isn’t conclusive. A much more granular approach is needed, for example to establish whether a new contract arose providing a late boost to profits unforeseen at the time a claim was made.
Guides for business advisers
Download one of our guides for business advisers to use with their clients.
Find out more 
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