Jan 23 2015
How to Improve Your Company’s Finances
Finance is at the heart of every business, but it is also an area that can be problematic and hard to manage. The New Year has arrived and in a few short months, so will the new tax year. Therefore it is now the ideal time to get a handle on your cash flow and improve the financial future of your company.
Here are some important things to consider to help you better manage your financial accounts and thus, your business.
Negotiate with Suppliers
Depending on the nature of your business, you may require large quantities of stock or equipment. With many suppliers, you can opt to buy in bulk or if you make regular purchases, then they may offer structured payment plans. Make sure you work to create a good relationship with your suppliers, as a strong foundation will be important when attempting to negotiate a possible discount.
Deposits and Subscriptions
Many businesses request a deposit when when a customer places an order. Additionally, there are many products, such as magazines or mail order snacks that are purchased via monthly or annual subscriptions. This is highly beneficial as funds are provided upfront that can be used to take on another job or purchase more supplies, therefore allowing for a faster turnover.
Invoice Financing
Employ a third party to carry out invoice financing. A company such as Touch Financial Support will give you a great selection of quotes of companies that will purchase unpaid invoices for a fee, which can quickly provide your company with a percentage of any outstanding invoices, and then provide the remainder when it has been collected from the customer.
Grants and Funding
There are many grants and funding opportunities, especially for new ventures. Note that these will vary depending on the location, type and size of your business. There are grants for start up companies and even training, so it is worth taking the time to research possible grants. For UK businesses, look here for funding opportunities.
Analyse Your Cycles
Every business experiences high and low peaks throughout the year, with increased and decreased demand for services or products. This is particularly true in the retail industry, where a large majority of financial income rests upon the Christmas period. Take the time to analyse the cycle and patterns that your business follows. This will allow you to plot trends in expenditure verses capital and plan your cash flow accordingly, highlighting the times of the year where you can afford to reinvest or may require lending.