 Starting a business is an exciting journey, but one of the most significant challenges entrepreneurs face is securing the right funding. Whether you're asking, "Where can I raise funds for my business?" or "I need help to grow my business," this simple and straightforward guide will walk you through everything you need to know to access finance and achieve your start up goals.
The Importance of Business Grants Grants are another great way to help raise money for your business without taking on debt or giving up equity. Unlike loans, grants don't require repayment, making them an attractive option for startups with limited financial resources. However, the application process can be competitive and detailed, requiring well-thought-out business start-up plans and business development plans for which you may require some professional help. How to Secure a Business Grant 1. Understand the Requirements Every grant has specific eligibility criteria. For instance, some grants focus on particular industries, locations, or size of firm. Ensure your business aligns with the grant’s objectives. 2. Develop a Solid Business Plan Having a clear business plan is crucial. A strong and feasible business plan demonstrates your strategy for growth, including business investment plans, business growth plans, and business expansion strategies. With this its more straightforward to respond to their application forms 3. Leverage Advisory and Brokerage Services Engage with a business advisor or consultant to guide you through the process. Our advisory and brokerage services can help you refine your application and present a strong case. If its not up out street, we can sign post or refer you to the right place. Some Useful Sources 1. Government Grants UK Government Programs:
Sector-Specific Grants:
Tax Incentives:
2. Local Councils Many councils offer grants tailored to small businesses and startups in their regions. Example:
3. National Lottery Funding Supports community-driven and creative projects. Examples:
4. UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
5. Private Organizations and Foundations
6. Industry-Specific Grants Agricultural Funding:
Tech and Innovation:
7. Charities and Non-Profit Organizations Many charities provide grants for community or business development aligned with their missions.
8. Crowdfunding and Match-Funding Schemes Platforms like Crowdfunder UK often partner with councils or institutions to match funds raised by small businesses. 9. Specialised Programs Export and Trade Support:
If grants are not an option, consider these alternatives:
Why Choose Us We are a team of experienced business advisors and finance consultants specializing in helping startups and small businesses in the UK. Whether you’re asking "I need help to start my business" or "How to grow your business," or “I need funds to help my existing businesses cash flow” we provide personalised solutions tailored to your needs. Our Services Include:
Conclusion Securing funding for your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, resources, and business improvement strategies, you can confidently navigate the financial landscape and focus on growing your business. Let us help you raise finance and build a successful, sustainable business. Contact us today on 0333 355 1696 or send us a message at [email protected] to discuss your business needs and explore tailored solutions!  To be a thriving business, maintaining effective cash flow management is the lifeblood of any enterprise. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur seeking help to raise finance or an established business aiming to scale, understanding how to strategically manage your cash flow can make all the difference. This guide explores actionable strategies and expert insights to help your business flourish.
 Running a successful small business requires more than just a great idea and hard work. Financial management is one of the most important skills that any business owner needs to master. For small businesses, strong financial practices will make the difference between survival and growth. This often requires the advice, help and assistance from a professional business consultancy team. Here are 10 essential financial management tips to help small business owners keep their finances in check, make sound investments, grow their businesses, and ultimately set them up for success!
1. Set Clear Financial Goals Having clear financial goals is essential for any small business owner. These goals give you a roadmap to guide your decisions, help you track progress, and ensure your efforts are aligned with where you want the business to go. Whether you’re looking to increase revenue, expand to new markets, or improve profitability, setting well-defined targets can provide direction for your financial strategy. These goals also make it easier to identify when and where you may need additional support, such as help to raise finance for specific growth initiatives. 2. Create a Budget and Stick to It as much as possible A well-defined budget is the foundation of any successful financial plan. By creating a budget, you can manage expenses, track cash flow, and allocate resources efficiently. A business consultant or advisor can help craft a realistic budget and recommend how to improve business performance through efficient cost management. Regularly reviewing your budget is equally important, as it allows you to make adjustments based on actual performance and economic changes. 3. Conduct Regular Business Health Checks Routine business health checks can help you spot potential issues before they escalate. By evaluating financial metrics, cash flow, and overall business performance, you can make proactive decisions to keep your business on track. These checks also give you insight into areas for improvement, allowing you to adopt business performance strategies that boost profitability and efficiency. 4. Explore Funding Options Early Small businesses often require external funding to grow. Start exploring access to finance options early, especially if you're looking at business expansion strategies or planning for significant investments. Funding options like equity funding from venture capitalists, business angels, or start-up loans can provide the financial support you need. Don’t wait till your account starts dwindling before you start looking for finance. A finance and business consultancy can assist with advisory and brokerage services to help you find the best funding option for your needs. If you’re asking, “Where can I raise finance for my business?” or “I need help to start my business,” a business advisor can connect you with the various finance options you have. 5. Separate Business and Personal Finances Mixing personal and business finances is a common pitfall for small business owners. It complicates accounting, taxes, and financial planning. Keeping separate accounts for business transactions allows you to track cash flow more accurately and simplifies tax reporting. This separation also provides a clearer picture of your business’s financial health and makes it easier to apply for business loans or equity funding if needed. 6. Monitor Cash Flow Diligently Cash flow is the lifeblood of any small business. Monitoring it closely ensures that you have enough liquidity to cover expenses and avoid running into debt. Cash flow analysis can also reveal trends and inform your business improvement strategies. Many business owners struggle with cash flow management, so consider working with a business consultant who can recommend strategies to improve cash flow and provide suggestions for business improvement. 7. Develop Comprehensive Business Plans Creating detailed business plans, including business start-up plans, business development plans, and business growth plans, provides a structured approach to growth. Each plan should include your financial strategy, investment needs, and growth objectives. Business plans not only help you stay focused but are also often required when applying for loans or seeking investment from venture capitalists or business angels. 8. Invest in Technology for Efficiency Using financial management software can help streamline bookkeeping, expense tracking, and invoicing, freeing up time to focus on other areas of your business. Adopting new technology can also improve accuracy in financial records and offer insights that lead to smarter business decisions. Business consultants can recommend suitable technology options and business improvement strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. 9. Build a Strong Network for Funding and Growth Building a network of business angels, venture capitalists, and other investors is invaluable for raising capital and achieving growth. Financial advisors or consultancies offer advisory and brokerage services that can help you connect with the right people. These connections can provide funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships that can fuel your business’s success. Whether you’re looking for start-up loans or planning a major expansion, having a strong network can be critical. 10. Regularly Review and Adjust Your Financial Strategies Financial management is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process. Regularly reviewing your financial strategies and adjusting them as your business evolves is essential for sustainable growth. Periodic assessments allow you to adapt to market changes, seize new opportunities, and identify ways to improve business performance. A business consultant can assist with ongoing support, offering recommendations to improve business performance and helping you navigate challenges as they arise. Conclusion Whatever business you may be in, consider partnering with a business advisor who can provide personalised guidance aligned with your category and size of business to reach the above goals and others you may be looking to achieve. If you need advice or help in any of the above pointers or others regarding the rise in interest rates, give us a call today on 0333 355 1696 or send us a message at [email protected]. 7 ways a Finance and Business Consultant Can Transform Your SME: Key Insights for Growth12/11/2024  Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy, yet they often face significant hurdles on their path to success. Challenges around raising finance, scaling, and developing effective business growth strategies can be difficult to overcome without professional guidance. For SMEs partnering with a business consultancy can be a game-changer. In this post, we’ll discuss how finance and business consultants can help SMEs like yours achieve transformational growth. 1. Accessing Finance for Your SME Access to finance is essential for any business seeking to grow. However, navigating funding options can be daunting. Business Consultants provide SMEs with targeted help to raise finance, connecting them with relevant resources, funding options, and investors who specialize in small business development. Types of Funding Available for SMEs:
If you’ve been wondering, "Where can I raise finance for my business?" a business consultancy can answer that question and walk you through each stage of securing funds. 2. Conducting a Business Health Check Understanding your company’s current standing is the first step in formulating a successful growth strategy. Business Consultants often offer business health checks, which evaluate everything from cash flow and financial metrics to operational efficiency and employee productivity. These assessments provide a detailed picture of your business's strengths and areas needing improvement, offering actionable insights to set a robust foundation for growth. Once a business health check has been completed, a consultant can recommend business performance strategies that address these areas and pave the way for sustained improvement. 3. Developing Business Performance Strategies For SMEs looking to grow, having clear, results-oriented business improvement strategies is essential. Consultants can recommend personalised strategies for improvement tailored to your business’s unique needs, including:
Implementing these strategies can set your business on a path to outperform competitors and strengthen its market position. 4. Crafting Business Growth and Expansion Plans Creating comprehensive business growth plans and business expansion strategies is a core strength of many Consultants. These plans provide a roadmap for scaling up your operations, entering new markets, or launching new products and services. For SMEs, an experienced business advisor can help develop a well-structured business growth plan that includes the following:
By setting achievable goals and establishing key milestones, these plans provide structure to your business’s growth journey. 5. Leveraging Advisory and Brokerage Services Business consultants are not only advisors but also connectors. With extensive networks, they provide advisory and brokerage services to connect you with investors, partners, and professionals who can support your SME’s growth. This network access is often invaluable, especially for SMEs that lack established industry connections. For example, a consultancy might link you to business angels, venture capitalists, or financial institutions that understand your industry and are open to providing the funding you need to grow. This personalized approach to networking helps ensure you find the right partners and resources at each stage of your business journey. 6. Recommendations and Suggestions for Long-Term Improvement Consultants don't just focus on short-term gains; they offer recommendations to improve business performance in the long run. Some of these suggestions for business improvement include implementing sustainable practices, investing in employee training, and staying adaptive to technological changes. Ongoing advisory services provide a safety net, allowing SMEs to regularly assess their progress and make adjustments as needed. With a business consultant by your side, you’re better equipped to meet both current demands and future challenges head-on. 7. Transform Your SME with Expert Guidance If you’re based in Romford, Havering, Essex, or surrounding London areas and are thinking, “I need help to start my business” or “I need help to grow my business,” engaging a business consultancy could be your key to unlocking growth potential. By following a structured approach that includes raising finance, improving business performance, crafting growth strategies, and connecting with valuable networks, Consultants offer SMEs the tools to overcome obstacles and achieve their ambitions. Whether you need a business start-up loan or are looking to improve small business performance, the right consultancy can provide the tailored support necessary for success. Conclusion: A business consultancy can be the catalyst that helps you transform your SME, addressing your unique challenges with actionable and feasible insights and access to the correct critical resources that align with your business. From developing business investment plans to suggesting ways to improve business performance, a consultant’s expertise can provide the support your SME needs to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Don’t let the common hurdles of SME growth hold you back—partner with a consultancy, and let your business reach new heights. If you need any advice, support or help with any of the above, give us a call today on 0333 355 1696 or send us a message at [email protected] Business Loans Romford | Business Loans Hornchurch | Business Loans Brentwood
Business Loans Barking | Business Loans Dagenham | Business Loans Ilford Business Loans Stratford | Business Loans London  Purchasing new equipment or machinery can place a significant strain on your business’s cash flow. However, opting for asset finance can help alleviate this pressure by offering flexible financing solutions tailored to your needs. Here, we explore the key benefits of asset finance and why it could be the ideal choice for your business.
1. Flexible Terms Asset finance offers tailored agreements with flexible repayment terms. These terms can be adapted to fit your business’s cash flow needs, whether that means spreading payments over several years or choosing a payment structure that aligns with your revenue patterns. By choosing asset finance, your business avoids large upfront payments, enabling you to invest in essential equipment without draining your reserves. 2. Small or Zero Upfront Costs One of the main advantages of asset finance is the small, or even zero, upfront cost involved. This allows businesses to acquire the necessary assets without making a large initial capital outlay. Instead, you can spread the cost over time, making it easier to manage your finances while still gaining access to essential equipment. 3. Tax Efficiency Many forms of asset finance, such as finance leases, are tax efficient. Some lease agreements are fully tax-deductible, meaning your business can claim back a portion of the costs, reducing your overall tax liability. This makes asset finance a smart financial decision, as you gain the equipment your business needs while potentially saving on tax expenses. 4. Competitive Edge Access to the latest equipment and technology can provide your business with a critical competitive edge. Asset finance enables you to keep up with advancements in your industry without having to invest huge sums of money upfront. By financing state-of-the-art machinery, you can improve your operational efficiency and offer better products or services, staying ahead of competitors. 5. Improved Cash Flow Spreading the cost of equipment over several months or years helps maintain healthy cash flow. This frees up funds for other business operations, such as marketing, staffing, or product development, reducing financial strain and ensuring your business can continue growing. 6. Simplified Budgeting Most asset finance agreements feature fixed monthly payments. This predictability is invaluable for budgeting purposes, as it shields your business from interest rate fluctuations or unexpected costs. You know exactly what you need to pay each month, allowing for more accurate financial planning. 7. Protection of Existing Credit Lines By opting for asset finance, you avoid tying up existing credit lines with your bank or other financial providers. This means you’ll still have access to emergency funds or additional credit facilities if an unforeseen situation arises, offering greater financial security. In conclusion, asset finance offers a cost-effective and flexible way to acquire essential business equipment without straining your cash flow. With benefits such as improved tax efficiency, simplified budgeting, and maintaining a competitive edge, it’s clear why many businesses choose this financing option. For more information on how asset finance can support your business, contact RBSS Consulting at [email protected] or call 033 33 55 1696.  Autumn Statement 2023 and seven key developments and their Impact on businesses. 1. National Insurance Adjustments: A Relief for Employees and the Self-Employed The government has announced a reduction in National Insurance contributions for employees by 2%, affecting approximately 27 million people, effective from January 6, 2024. Additionally, the abolition of class 2 National Insurance will benefit self-employed individuals, saving them around £192 annually. Moreover, class 4 National Insurance will be reduced from 9% to 8% for earnings between £12,570 and £50,270.
2. Corporate Taxation: Maintaining the Status Quo, The increase in Corporation Tax, from 19% to 25% for profits exceeding £250,000, will continue. To stimulate business investments in technology, equipment, and plant & machinery, full capital allowances will be fully deductible. 3. Inflation Trends: A Positive Shift In a significant economic turnaround, the UK saw a drop in inflation to 4.6% this October, a notable decrease from the staggering 11.1% at the beginning of the year. While this reduction signals a positive shift, the government's forecast indicates a gradual path to the target inflation rate of 2%, anticipated to be achieved by 2025. 4. Economic Growth and Recession Concerns the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) had earlier projected a recession in the UK. Contrasting this, the Chancellor recently expressed a more optimistic outlook, expecting the UK economy to grow by 0.6% this year. Furthermore, government debt has seen a reduction from initial forecasts, alongside a decrease in borrowing costs. From 2024, the UK economy is expected to witness a growth phase, offering a ray of hope for businesses and investors. 5. Employment Incentives The employment allowance will continue at the elevated level of £5,000, providing further support to businesses. 6. Capital Gains Tax: A Notable Change Beginning April 2024, the 'annual exemption' amount in Capital Gains Tax will be halved from £6,000 to £3,000, a change that businesses and investors need to prepare for. 7. Additional Economic Measures
These developments reflect a blend of challenges and opportunities for UK businesses. While some measures, like the reduction in National Insurance and the retention of the employment allowance, offer immediate relief, others like the changes in Capital Gains Tax and Corporation Tax require strategic planning. The overall economic forecast, however, paints a cautiously optimistic picture for the coming years.  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 [email protected]. 5 strategies small businesses can adopt to thrive in an environment of rising interest rates11/8/2023 
To help to get inflation back down; on 3 August 2023, the bank of England raised our interest rate (Bank Rate) by 0.25 percentage points to 5.25%. This is its highest level since February 2008. This has a huge impact on businesses, most especially small businesses which are often dependent on external finance for growth and investment. The increased cost of borrowing therefore makes it more difficult for them to get help to raise finance they need to thrive. Hence, such businesses need to be more proactive and strategic in their financial management to keep afloat. Here are five specific steps and strategies they can implement:
By implementing the above business improvement strategies and maintaining a proactive approach to financial management, small businesses can rise above the challenges of the rising interest rates and position themselves for long-term success and growth. If you need help in any of the above pointers or others regarding the rise in interest rates, give us a call today on 0333 355 1696 or send us a message at [email protected]. 
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Save time and save money. Sign up now. FCA Regulated and your money is protected. See video to see how you are protected.  I am struck by how many of the business owners I meet that do not consider this, and when I raise the subject, they usually tell me that they are relying on a private rental property and a modest pension for their retirement with no further access to finance.
They do not see their business as a saleable asset but as a source of cashflow that will have no value when they stop working And so often when I look at the financial structure of their business, its only assets are the debtor book, (some of which isn’t collectible), creditors at about the same value as the debtors, some cash in the bank and equipment and stock which would fetch less than book value if sold off. It’s therefore true, such a business is really not saleable, just something to close down and walk away from; as do 250,000 other UK small businesses owners every year for this very same reason. However, majority could be sold for a six or seven figure sum if managed differently Such an amount would transform the owners’ retirement finances from ‘getting by’ to luxury. Yet I get strong objections to the above proposition such as, “this business is all about me, so it isn’t saleable” I politely disagree with the above and put it to you that any and every business is saleable How? Well, it is instructive to first look at big businesses, which are all about money and return of investment (ROI) to see what they do. The aim is to not to be as ruthless as them but to learn for free what you can adapt. Here is what they do (just in their financial management stream – there are 4 others*):
At face value, much or all of this sounds time-consuming, costly and bureaucratic. To an extent it is. However, big businesses perform the above actions for the very good reason that it works, knowing that time invested in doing this provides a very good payback and ensures their survival. And remember, every big business was once a little one whose founders had the foresight to introduce strong business performance strategies and financial management at an early stage. The average big business sells for 14x pre-tax profits. Yet I have seen small businesses making £50K pa close down for instead of selling as a going concern for £500K+ It may seem that chasing another order or dealing with a customer crisis is a better use of your time. However, it should account for all you do. Appropriate business and financial management would make the orders come in automatically and prevent the customer problem in the first place. Knowledge is power and good financial management and other applicable actions gives you the power to make smart decisions that will build a saleable business worth millions. Most of what I have instanced above are not difficult to implement. And if you find this a challenge, your Business Advisor at RBSS Consulting Ltd, Romford will do it for you, helped by low-cost apps. Please note: not every action mentioned above will apply to your business which is a good reason to call in an experienced and professional Business Advisor for expert guidance. If you can resonate with some of the above points or are in any doubt as to which direction your business is heading in, get in touch with us today and you can be rest assured we will point and lead you in the right direction at RBSS Consulting Ltd. _______________________________________________________________ Your first step is for free and takes 15 minutes by Booking a free assessment here to find out how much your business is worth today, what it should be worth, and the actions needed to get it there. All in a comprehensive report tailored just for you. Another RBSS Consulting Business Consultant service… “Delivering Real Business Solutions” (*The 5 business streams are Marketing; Operations; Systems; People; Finance)  Every business whether start-up or existing micro, small, medium or large enterprise, needs expert and valuable business advice. That’s where RBSS steps in. We provide a full diagnostic on areas of your business or field you may not have thought about, but are important. A business consultant can also be an excellent sounding board to help get you out of some very tricky situations. Some business solutions are ways to raising finance, business valuation and health checks, business planning , growth strategies, profitability and efficiency strategies, business modelling etc. These services are available to both start-ups and existing businesses.
In this blog I will focus on 4 key areas a consultant can add value to your business.  All credit to Rita Gunther McGrath on this blog. She’s the author of – The end of competitive advantage. She says that: ‘organisations need to forge a new path to winning: capturing opportunities fast, exploiting them decisively, and moving on even before they are exhausted. With this book she explains a new set of practices based on the notion of transient competitive advantage. She shows how some of the world’s most successful companies use this method to compete and win today.’
 There are many reasons for business failure. From poor management and not following the business plan, to bad market research, to poor marketing strategies - the list goes on. From the outside, it can be easy to spot what someone isn’t doing right, but when you’re on the inside it’s not so easy to see the mistakes being made, even when you’re the one making them. Below we look at three common business mistake to avoid that could save your business from going under.
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