Revolutionise your bottom line: 5 key strategies to modernise your financial operations
In the rapidly evolving finance sector, technology stands as a fundamental pillar of innovation and operational efficiency. This blog explores how embracing advanced technological solutions is crucial for modernising financial operations, with a focus on raising finance, providing robust business loans, and enhancing business support and planning. Here are five transformative strategies: 1. Automation and Efficiency Automation revolutionises financial management by handling repetitive tasks such as data entry, transaction processing, and compliance checks with unprecedented speed and precision. This not only minimises the risk of human error but also liberates staff to concentrate on higher-value activities such as strategic planning and analysis, thereby boosting productivity and operational efficiency crucial for business support. 2. Enhanced Decision-Making with Big Data and Analytics The surge of big data equips financial institutions with critical insights, facilitating improved decision-making. By employing advanced analytics and machine learning, businesses can process extensive datasets to identify trends, forecast outcomes, and provide actionable recommendations. This capability enables quicker, informed decisions, helping firms adapt to customer demands and market shifts, an essential aspect of business planning. 3. Blockchain: Revolutionising Security and Transparency Blockchain technology is transforming the recording and verification of financial transactions by offering a decentralised, immutable ledger. This enhances the transparency and security of financial operations, making it a powerful tool for minimising fraud, optimising processes, and boosting confidence in transactions—key considerations in securing business loans and raising finance. 4. The Rise of Fintech and Digital Banking Fintech startups and digital banking platforms are reshaping how customers interact with financial services. These platforms provide easy access to a plethora of financial services, from business loans and online banking to investment management and digital wallets. This shift not only offers convenience but also propels the finance industry forward, compelling traditional institutions to innovate and adapt. 5. Future-Proofing with AI and Machine Learning AI and machine learning are spearheading the next wave of financial innovation, from algorithmic trading to personalised financial advice and risk management. These technologies enable more sophisticated financial operations, providing deep insights, anticipating client needs, and effectively responding to market dynamics. Conclusion Integrating technology into financial operations transcends the mere adoption of new tools; it involves rethinking the approach to finance in a digital age. As technological advancements continue, their impact on finance will expand, presenting both new opportunities and challenges. For businesses, keeping pace with these trends and leveraging innovation is essential for improving efficiency, making informed decisions, and achieving sustained growth in a dynamic financial landscape. In this digital era, the future of finance lies in effectively merging financial expertise with technological innovation, propelling operations toward heightened efficiency, transparency, and success. Grants and loans are both mechanisms to secure funding, but they differ significantly in terms of their structure, purpose, and obligations.
Here's a comparison: 1. Definition:
To learn more or if you are interested in a business loan or business grant, please contact RBSS Consulting Ltd on 033 33 55 1696 or email us on info@rbssconsulting.com. I am often assured that a professional business, such as a consulting firm has a business plan and when I ask to see it, it often isn’t a business plan. Instead, it’s an income and expense budget with a cashflow forecast. In other words, it is what banks ask for when considering a loan application, such as Start-up loans for access to finance and something small businesses ask their accountant to prepare, for no other reason than for a loan application. Often when I ask the business owner which actions are aligned with the business plan to achieve the forecast numbers, I usually get a shrug of the shoulders, a weak smile and a; “It’s just the arithmetic of the number of clients I think I’ll provide a service for throughout the year”. So, what should a business plan actually be? Well, before answering that, consider this: You have a sole trader client who is a self-employed plumber. In presenting last year’s accounts and tax return, he says to you, ‘I need help to grow my business by getting more customers’. He would therefore be expecting help in certain areas, such as; on how to improve business performance by putting business development plans in place. You probably wouldn’t recommend a business or marketing plan because you don’t have either of these yourself. And if otherwise, it wouldn’t be the right place to begin anyway. And because you were unable to help him, he falls prey to a more costly marketing consultant or you lose him to a more forthcoming competitor. However, if your business already had a good business plan it would have identified your plumber’s problem and how to deal with it profitably. You would have the right suggestions for business improvement and therefore strategies to improve business performance which will address the cause of his lack of customers and cash flow. Back to the business plan. What should it look like if you are to help your plumber client put some business growth plans in place via a business plan? VISION A sentence that states 5-10 years from now; what status your business looks to achieving to make it stand out. An example would be; “the biggest/most profitable small local business solutions advisor” MISSION STATEMENT A sentence that states what your business does, who for and to what standards. For example; “we help small businesses to solve problems and grow” OBJECTIVES Six statements of which must be measurable and achievable to fulfil the Mission Statement and keep moving towards the Vision:
For example; “All round business/financial advisory services to small/medium businesses”
For example; “Practical solutions at affordable prices for permanent income from every customer”
For example; “Automation everywhere to minimise employment and maximise data”
For example; “A small stable group of experienced people that will exceed planned results”
For example; “a 100% return on total assets” STRATEGIES The approaches I will take to ensure that the objectives are achieved. For example; “Quarterly market intelligence report on competitor activities” ACTION PLANS The detailed steps that named individuals will take by specific dates. For example; “Eric will set up a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system loaded with prospects and clients by 30 June 2021” BUDGET The expected expenses incurred by implementing the business plan and the revenue receipts as a result. For example; “New costs of £50,000.00 to get total sales to new customers of £240,000.00 for 2021” REVIEW Monthly management accounts showing actuals compared to budget. Weekly/monthly KPI (key performance indicators) report of pre-sale statistics and trends. Meetings to agree to corrective actions and changes. If you are an accountant wanting to grow your business and to understand how to add better value to your clients, then please click here. If you can resonate with any of the above points or need assistance or guidance relating to a new or existing business plan or any other guidance related to your business, get in touch with us today. Please feel free to call and speak to an RBSS Business Advisor on 0333 355 1696. drop us an email, or use the form below. We provide real business solutions for start-ups and existing micro and small businesses. Business Loans Romford | Business Loans Hornchurch | Business Loans Upminster | Business Loans Brentwood
Business Loans Barking | Business Loans Dagenham | Business Loans Ilford Business Loans Stratford | Business Loans London As businesses in the United Kingdom and the world at large begin to open up, now is the time to do some recovery and reconstruction thinking and look at business improvement strategies. You need to think about:
Once the above has been decided, it’s time to think about how to fund and achieve the direction. This could involve a further business investment. You may need help in various areas and raising finance may be one of them. You may need it for; cash flow, paying staff, buying stock, buying equipment, re-designing your business model, paying for operating expenses or even to pay for an exit strategy and much more. There are different ways of getting different business funding, however I am focusing on business loans at this point. Here are 5 tips to achieve this: 1. Hire a Business Consultant. If you are unsure of where to start, I would recommend your starting point as consulting a Business Advisor or Mentor or finance Consultant. There is also your bank manager, googling it (not a joke actually) or speaking to another business who has successfully raised a business loan. One of the specialities of a Business and Finance Consultant is to advise on how to access finance. This could include, raising finance for a new business, such as various start up loans or a business loan to grow your existing business to fund new products or services. A Business Advisor could also advise you on if you want to expand or divert your business too, with the intention of getting more customers. They can also help you carry out a Business Valuation, Performance and Health Check Service to improve business performance by making your business sustainable, compete effectively, improve profitability, structure your decision-making process and achieve business goals to ensure it is on the right track. It is always advisable to get an expert, such as a Business Advisor’s opinion on the best business loans to go for. That way, you are guided on whether getting the business loan is in your interest, at the right time, which one and how much to apply for. 2. Due Diligence. Usually, a lot of businesses fail at the first hurdle on their way to getting a business loan. To access finance, you will need or be in a position to get the following: Previous years' Management Accounts (regardless of if you are a sole trader or limited company), up-to-date management accounts coupled with at least 3 months business bank statements. In some cases, a business plan with a 2-year cash flow forecast. In addition to this, you may be required to provide the last set of 4 quarters of VAT submissions, and your latest debtor’s book. Now not all of this may be required by the same funder at the same time, however get them ready, be prepared or have ready access to them if you are looking for some serious funds. 3. Don’t ask for a 100%. If you are looking to build a business with no skin in the game in terms of financing it and you are looking for an unsecured loan, then if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. No funder want to fund 100% of your growth or new business. They need to see you have invested something in cash or in kind, something tangible. There are various ways to show your investment in the business and I’m not talking about your time spent working in the business, but actual quantifiable ways. 4. Seek available funding. If your business has been affected negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic, I would advise you first opt for the UK government’s Recovery Loan Scheme. The government is providing it to help businesses of any size to access loans and other kinds of finance to enable them to recover after the pandemic and transition period. Up to £10 million is available per business, and the actual amount offered and the terms are at the discretion of participating lenders. These are a network of accredited lenders, listed on the British Business Bank’s website. The government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender. However, as the borrower, you are 100% liable for the debt. The scheme is open until 31 December 2021, subject to review. You can also be rest assured that the terms and repayment rate will be one of the lowest you will be able to get in these times. 5. Alternative lenders. Another option of how to access a business loan, is through a number of alternative funders, such as funding circle and the like. They offer loans to businesses that have at least a 2-year history. There are also other alternative lenders out there that have great options and levels of flexibility for repayment, such as VA Money, etc. As a Finance Broker, we are able to help you access these hidden sources of funds, who you may only e able to approach through a broker like ours. If you are unable to get a business loan, how about considering outside investors? Perhaps you are willing to sell shares to Business Angels or venture capitalists or consider crowd funding. We work closely with Crowd cube as one of the organisations to help our clients raise funds? Having investors can also bring in additional business expertise, and this can be in the form of contacts, networks you may not have access to, mentoring, etc This isn’t exhaustive and therefore it takes us back to my first point on using a Business Advisor to advise on the best possible way on how to get access to finance. That is what they are there for and will do all the leg work for you, besides knowing your best options and leaving you to spend your valued time running your business especially if you are low on staff or a micro business. If any of the points stated above resonate with you or you would just like some advice on which direction your business is heading, get in touch with us today. Please feel free to call and speak to an RBSS Business Advisor on 0333 355 1696 or drop us an email on the link below. We provide real business solutions for start-ups and existing micro and small businesses. 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