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Small and Micro Business Community

Resources and practical support

Resources and support for community members.
Contents
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The Business Finance Guide

Managing your cash flow

Economic uncertainty impacts cash flow. Read more about how to manage cash flow effectively in your business.
managing your cashflow
Business owner

Business life cycle

Business start-up Are you thinking of starting out on your own? Use our selection of books, articles and guides to find more information on all aspects of starting a business.
First steps in business
  • Report
  • PDF (309kb)
Information on the things you should consider before taking the plunge into business.
Why write a business plan?
  • Report
  • PDF (469kb)
A business plan is essentially the route map that helps you establish a viable new business. It will also be essential if you need to raise finance for your business.
Succession planning Advice on exit strategies and preparing your business for long-term success.
caba resources on supporting your employees
  • Website
Advice and support from caba for business owners on creating productive working environments, including webinars and personal and professional development courses.
Planning Clarify and understand your objectives. Use our selection of articles, books and links to find more information on all aspects of business planning.

Law and regulation

Exclusive Balance sheet statements for small companies and LLPs
  • Helpsheets and support
Technical helpsheet to help ICAEW members to understand the balance sheet statements required where small companies and LLPs take advantage of the small companies or LLPs regime in the preparation of their accounts and when taking advantage of audit exemption.
Exclusive Small and micro company size calculator
  • Helpsheets and support
Technical helpsheet to assist ICAEW members in determining whether a company meets the small or micro entity thresholds under the Companies Act 2006.
Exclusive Is a company micro?
  • Helpsheets and support
  • PDF (132kb)
Technical helpsheet to help members understand when a company qualifies as a micro entity under the Companies Act 2006.
caba legal advice
  • Website
ICAEW members based in England and Wales have access to a free legal helpline, provided by caba.
Exclusive Fraud Issues for members in business
  • Helpsheets and support
Technical helpsheet issued to help ICAEW business members to navigate some of the issues that may arise if they discover fraud within their organisation.

Brand and marketing

Marketing and brand building Articles and guidance on marketing techniques, digital marketing, social media and the power of brand building, whether for your business or yourself.
Social media marketing Find out how to use social media tools for marketing and publicity.
Practice news Read about the latest news and events relating to Practice.
Five social media mistakes your business should avoid
  • Article
8 January 2020: social media can be a phenomenal marketing tool for your organisation. But getting it wrong could mean a waste of time, or worse. Accountant and social media adviser Mark Lee highlights five common blunders your business should be avoiding, and what to do instead.
Social media and your brand
  • Article
How ICAEW can help you develop your non-technical skills

Human resources

Human resources and employment law
  • Hub page
Access articles, books and online resources on human resources and employment law.
Hybrid working and the future of work
  • Hub page
What opportunities and challenges will come with moving to a more digital workplace?
Taking remote working into account With remote working set to continue as the pandemic transforms traditional working life, ICAEW’s five-part series underlines first-hand experiences of this shift and how it affects chartered accountants and their businesses.
Businesses need meaningful benefits to battle mental health emergency
  • Article
11 February 2021: In 2019/20, stress, depression and anxiety accounted for 51% of work-related ill health cases, according to new HSE research. To tackle this rising tide, businesses are turning to wellbeing strategies and resources for help.
Exclusive Measuring employee productivity at home
  • Article
How do you keep an eye on employees when they are working at home?
Mental health and wellbeing
  • Hub page
There is now a far greater understanding that we should look after our mental health with the same care as our physical health. Discover ICAEW's and caba's resources for maintaining your mental health..
Redundancy The legislation dealing with redundancy can be complex. On this page you can find ICAEW insights alongside eBooks, articles and online resources providing practical guidance and best practice.
ACAS
  • Website
Advice from ACAS for employees and employers.
ICAEW Jobs

Find your next role or attract top finance talent into your small or growing business.

Economy and the business environment

Re-emergence guide
  • Website
The Re-emergence guide considers small business resilience and strategies for business recovery.
Small Business Commissioner
  • Website
The Small Business Commissioner (SBC) provides advice to small businesses in dealing with disputes around late or unfair payment issues.
ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor
  • Hub page
Quarterly reports on the economy which provide useful insight for finance professionals and their clients.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Access our archived hub on the coronavirus pandemic and its impact.

Technology

Twenty spreadsheet principles
  • Helpsheets and support
Twenty principles for good spreadsheet practice aims to reduce spreadsheet errors and wasted time.
Excel Tip of the Week Live: your questions answered (no 5)
  • Webinar
In the latest instalment of the “Tip of the Week Live” series, series author David Lyford-Smith tackles your Excel questions, quandaries, and more. 
Excel Tip of the Week Live: your questions answered (no 4)
  • Webinar
In the latest instalment of the “Tip of the Week Live” series, series author David Lyford-Smith tackles your Excel questions, quandaries, and more. 
Practical help for SMEs on cybersecurity
  • Article
While cybersecurity has been high on many organisations' agendas in recent years, the pandemic has heightened anxiety levels in SMEs, particularly around cyber-attacks.
Cyber security This resource centre provides a focal point for ICAEW members looking for support in managing cyber risks.
Six top tips for developing cyber resilience strategies
  • Article
The UK government has allocated £1.9bn to its National Cyber Security Strategy programme, but businesses still need to protect themselves from cyber risk, writes Joe McGrath.

General support

TAS helpsheets
  • Hub page
ICAEW’s Technical Advisory Services helpsheets reflect the practical guidance provided to our members every day on the helplines and highlight important issues for members. Access practical technical and ethical guidance, as well as frequently asked questions, to support you day to day, whether you are a member in practice or in business.
Support Members Scheme Our team of unpaid volunteer support members are always on hand to act as a listening ear and offer free non-judgmental assistance whenever you need it.
Contact us
  • Helpsheets and support
Contact one of our offices from around the world.
eBooks on SMEs
  • Listing
Browse eBook titles on SMEs.
Finding finance options
The Business Finance Guide
Business Finance Guide

This independent guide provides entrepreneurs, SMEs and growing businesses with information on the finance options that are available to them throughout their business finance journey.

Find out more Identify finance options
Trusted business advice
The words 'BAS - ICAEW Business Advice Service'
ICAEW Business Advice Service

The Business Advice Service connects owners of SMEs with ICAEW regulated firms who will provide a free initial consultation, without obligation.

Find a BAS firm or Chartered Accountant
Insights special
Insights special: access to finance
Access to finance: supporting small businesses

ICAEW Insights examines the finance options and support available to small and growing UK companies, and the entrepreneurs behind them.

Read more