Business Finance Guides, News and Insights

One group, every kind of business funding: meet the Funding Flow family

Funding Flow is an independent commercial finance broker with a family of specialist brands: one for card takings, one for tax bills, one for unpaid invoices, all backed by the same team and 50+ lenders.

4 min read11 Aug 2026

Merchant Cash Advance Explained. The Complete UK Guide

Everything you need to know about merchant cash advances: how they work, what they cost, who they suit, and how repayments flex with your revenue.

7 min read25 Feb 2026

Why Your Bank Said No, and What to Do Next

A bank rejection doesn't mean you can't get funding. Here are the real reasons banks decline, and the alternative routes that specialist lenders offer.

6 min read15 Jan 2026

Market Commentary

The UK Cash Flow Crisis, 82 Per Cent of SMEs Are Struggling and Here Is Why

82 per cent of UK SMEs have experienced cash flow problems. This article examines the scale of the crisis, the late payment epidemic, and what businesses can do about it.

6 min read10 Apr 2026

How to Grow Your Business Without Running Out of Cash

Growth kills more businesses than failure. Learn how to manage cash flow during expansion, the three numbers every growing business should know, and when to arrange finance.

7 min read8 Apr 2026

Invoice Finance Explained, How to Stop Waiting 60 Days to Get Paid

You have done the work and sent the invoice. Now you wait. Invoice finance ends the wait. Here is how it works, what it costs, and who it suits.

8 min read5 Apr 2026

Monthly Management Accounts, the One Thing That Separates Businesses That Survive from Those That Don't

Most small businesses only see their accounts once a year. Management accounts give you monthly visibility over profit, cash flow, and the numbers lenders want to see.

6 min read1 Apr 2026

Cash Flow Versus Profit, Understanding the Difference Could Save Your Business

A business can be profitable and still go bankrupt. This happens to thousands of UK businesses every year. Here is why, and what to do about it.

5 min read28 Mar 2026

Director Loan Account Pitfalls, the S455 Tax Trap That Catches Thousands of Directors Every Year

HMRC is reviewing thousands of director loan accounts. If you have been using your company account informally, this article explains the S455 tax charge and how to avoid it.

7 min read25 Mar 2026

Tax-Free Perks for Company Directors, What You Can Take Without Paying HMRC

From the £300 trivial benefits allowance to electric company cars at 4 per cent BIK, here are the legitimate tax-free perks available to UK company directors.

5 min read20 Mar 2026

Company Car Tax in 2026, What BIK Means and Why Electric Changes Everything

Electric company cars cost as little as £53 per month in personal tax. Here is how BIK works, what the current rates are, and why the numbers make electric vehicles hard to ignore.

6 min read15 Mar 2026

Starting a Business in the UK, What Finance Is Available Before You Have Trading History

Most lenders want 6 to 12 months of trading history. If you have just started, here is what finance is actually available and a roadmap for your first 12 months.

7 min read10 Mar 2026

Why Some Lenders Charge High APR on Short-Term Business Finance, and When It Is Still Worth It

APR is misleading for short-term finance. A 3-month loan at 2 per cent per month sounds expensive at 26 per cent APR, but the total cost may be just £3,000. Here is when it makes sense.

5 min read5 Mar 2026

Equity Release from Business Assets, What Are Your Options?

Your business may be sitting on significant value in property, equipment, or vehicles. Here is how to access that equity without selling the asset.

6 min read1 Mar 2026

High Net Worth Lending, When Standard Lenders Will Not Fit Your Profile

Complex income, large assets, and tax-efficient structures often confuse mainstream lenders. Here is how private banks and specialist lenders assess high net worth borrowers differently.

5 min read25 Feb 2026

Property Finance

UK Property Finance for Expats and Non-UK Residents

Can you get a UK mortgage if you live abroad? Yes, but not from most mainstream lenders. Here is how expat property finance works and what to expect.

6 min read20 Feb 2026

HMRC & Tax

Payments on Account, Why Your January Self Assessment Bill Is Always Bigger Than You Expect

If your January tax bill was double what you expected, payments on account are probably why. Here is how they work and what you can do about them.

5 min read15 Feb 2026

Personal Guarantees, What You Are Actually Signing and What It Means for You Personally

Most business loans require a personal guarantee. Here is what that means in practice, what your exposure is, and how to protect yourself.

6 min read10 Feb 2026

The Four Finance Journeys, How Cash Flow, MCA, HMRC, and Property Finance Actually Work

Every finance product follows a different process. Here are the four main journeys explained in plain language, so you know exactly what to expect.

7 min read5 Feb 2026

Business Tools Every UK Company Owner Should Know About

From cloud accounting to digital banking, these are the tools that make running a UK limited company easier. An honest comparison with no sales pitch.

6 min read30 Jan 2026

What Lenders Actually Look For When You Apply for a Business Loan

Bank statements, turnover, credit history, and industry all affect your application. Here is exactly what lenders assess and how to make your application as strong as possible.

7 min read25 Jan 2026

Market Commentary

What the Bank of England Base Rate Actually Means for Your Business Borrowing

The base rate is 3.75%. But does it actually affect your business loan, bridging finance, or MCA? The honest answer: it depends entirely on your product.

6 min read16 Apr 2026