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Apply for bank finance: step-by-step
Before applying for bank finance, take a step-by-step approach so that you have the best chance of success.
Is your business ready for bank financing?
Even before seeking finance, you need to be clear in your own mind about why you need it, and how much.
Get proof of origin for your goods
Prove the origin of your goods if you’re trading with a country that has a trade agreement with the UK, or is covered by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
Advantages and disadvantages of overdrafts
The flexibility, advantages, drawbacks and costs of using an overdraft facility.
Providing a guarantee for your loan
How loan guarantees can help you secure funding, and details of personal and limited liability.
Debt finance for music businesses
How to raise money for your music project through debt finance, including bank loans, credit cards, overdrafts, etc.
Check your goods meet the rules of origin
Rules to establish the country of origin of imported and exported goods and to help identify those which qualify for lower or nil Customs Duty.
Trading under WTO rules
How to trade with other countries if there is no UK trade agreement.
UK trade agreements with non-EU countries
Trade agreements with non-EU countries.
Check if you can claim a preferential rate of duty
If you import or export using a preference agreement or the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, you may be able to reduce the duties on your goods.
Apply to become a registered exporter if you're established in Northern Ireland
Apply to HMRC to become a registered exporter on the Registered Exporter (REX) system.
What is a balance sheet and why is it used?
Limited companies and limited liability partnerships must produce a balance sheet as part of their annual accounts.
Assessing your cash needs: assets and liabilities
Gearing ratios, working capital ratios and quick ratios are useful tools to compare assets and liabilities.
Matching sales and production cycles
Ensuring a closer match between sales and production cycles can help avoid overtrading.
How to avoid overtrading: example
A case study of how to avoid a situation of overtrading and the potential disaster it causes.
Balance sheets
Balance sheets show a business' assets and liabilities and can help you assess a business' financial health.
Insure against common business risks
Risks most businesses need to consider insuring against - from fire, theft and equipment failure to unpaid bills and cyber attacks.
Protect your staff with insurance
Insurance to protect you and your staff - key person, critical illness, income protection, private health cover.
Reduce your business insurance risks and premiums
How to pay less for insurance by managing risk - perhaps by improving your health and safety performance.
What insurance does my business need?
Learn about the different types of insurance and how to get help from an insurance broker.