The way to avoid these problems is to retain strong control over access to business finance in whatever form is appropriate. Cash flow forecasting, robust credit control and a firm grip on spending are a good place to start but it is also important to have alternative routes of commercial finance in place.

Warning signs of financial difficulty

The first symptoms of impending problems can be subtle and easily overlooked in the day-to-day routines of doing business.

A business that is exhibiting more than one of the problems listed below should consider itself to be at significant risk:

• Payments to HMRC are consistently made late
• Running the payroll requires careful cash management every month
• The business is consistently using its overdraft facility
• Calls and threats from creditors are increasing
• Customers are taking longer to pay their bills
• Significant amounts of management time are spent juggling cash instead of focusing on the business
• The level of stress and anxiety is increasing

Because weak cash flow creates more work, it absorbs time and distracts management from the more serious underlying problems which can jeopardise the entire business.

Preventing a financial crisis

No business wants to lose access to business finance and become insolvent. The best solution is to have preventative measures in place. These should, except under extreme conditions, see off any possible crises.

Some such measures include:

• Medium and long term cash flow forecasts, updated regularly
• A strong and consistent approach to credit control
• Tight control over spending
• Arrangements for new sources of finance, such as invoice factoring
• Input from a neutral third party, bringing a reality check

Managing financial difficulties

If you do find yourself in a financial crisis, it doesn’t mean the end is nigh. As well as preventative measures, there are things you can do in the midst of difficulty that will help you find your way back.

Set a budget

This might seem like an obvious thing to mention, but making a budget and – most importantly – sticking to it is the easiest way to make your money work and ensure you don’t overspend and get into further trouble.

Identify expenses that can be reduced

Take a close look at all your business’s expenses and see if there are any areas that can be cut back on.

Hire an accountant

Hiring someone and spending money in the process might seem counterproductive, but a very good accountant can end up saving you more money in the long run than they cost you. They can advise on taxes, bookkeeping, budgeting and more.

Seek finance solutions

With a budget in place and cutbacks done, seeking help from outside funders can really help you get your business back on its feet.

Touch is the UK’s leading invoice finance broker and we have close relationships with some of the top lenders in the market. As well as invoice finance, we can also give you more information on various types of business finance, such as business loans and merchant cash advances. Whatever your business requirements are, our expert consultants will listen and do their best to put you in touch with a suitable lender to get you the finance you deserve.

Below are some areas that could be helpful in getting you out of a financial jam:

Invoice Finance

This is a popular form of business funding because it unlocks cash that is tied up in the sales ledger. It usually involves either invoice discounting or invoice factoring, with the latter offering the additional benefit of taking over management of credit control.

Receive up to 100% of your invoice cash value within 24 hours rather than the 30 or so days it can often stretch out to.

Asset Refinancing

If you already own some substantial assets – i.e. cars or other vehicles – then you can find a refinancing facility to help you free up some cash. This process involves essentially transferring ownership of the asset to a lender, although you retain the everyday use of it like normal. Using an asset like this provides security for the lender which puts you in a favourable position to receive funding due to the minimised risk of non-payment.

Business Loans

There are two types of business loan – unsecured and secured. As with asset finance above, a secured business loan means putting up a business asset, such as property, as collateral for the amount you need to borrow.

An unsecured business loan requires no assets as collateral, but a director of the business will need to provide a personal guarantee.

Get in touch

We can discuss your options for financing and talk through what the most appropriate solutions may be for you and your business. Our expert consultants will do their best to understand your needs and suggest a facility that could work for you. Consultations are free of charge and you’re under no obligation to agree to a suggested facility.