The Seven 'C's of Pricing

How much should you charge for your product or service? Here is an overview of the seven things to bear in mind when setting prices.

Next level funding

Your company is up and running, now you need a cash injection to get it to the next stage of development. Whom should you approach and how can you improve your chances of success?

Insurance - an overview of what insurance you might need

If you run a business, there are several central insurance issues to address and some legal requirements. Here are the main ways you can protect your business.

How to develop a strong relationship with your financier

If you are seeking venture capital for your business, the key is to persuade investors why they should take their money out of the bank, where it earns interest at no risk, and put it in your business. Here's how one man succeeded, and what to do to follow in his footsteps.

Are you covered for debt?

It's the biggest fear of any small business - a major creditor goes bust and threatens your own survival. But you can avoid this nightmare scenario. Here is how to protect yourself.

How to deal with financial disaster

We all hope it never happens to us - but sometimes financial disaster strikes. We look at your options if you are facing insolvency. (UK based.)

Negotiating the grants maze

Looking for help through government or council grants can be a nightmare. The types of scheme on offer, and the best way to apply.

The writing's on the wall

We all start out in business with the best of intentions - but sometimes things can go horribly wrong and the outlook starts to look pretty bleak. The bills are mounting, sales are slack, it's a struggle to pay the wages - and as for the VAT... it doesn't bear thinking about. How to deal with a desperate financial situation, where to get advice and who to talk to.

Why check people's credit status?

... or the true value of an early credit check! The author reveals a tale of financial disaster which could have happened to anyone - and which could have been prevented. He explains how.

How to raise finance using grants

Many small businesses need financial help at some stage to fund their start-up or expansion plans. One potential source of funding is grants. An overview of the issues to consider. (UK based.)

Measure how well you are doing

Every business needs to monitor its progress and the key to this is watching certain figures. Although some percentages and ratios won't mean much in themselves, they are a quick and easy way of comparing performance over time. Here are some simple ratios to give you a snapshot of how well you are doing.

What lenders look for before handing out cash

You seek to borrow funds from banks, business angels or government agencies. While they make money by lending it, they also want to know that it is safe in your hands. This feature outlines precisely how to soothe lenders' fears to boost your chances of success.

How to work better with your bank manager

A good relationship with your bank manager will make the difference between a helping hand and a cold shoulder when the chips are down. When things are going well, it will smooth the process of raising money. This feature offers eight simple ways to improve your relationship with your bank manager.

How to cut bank charges

The bank charges you pay relate mainly to the activity of your account - the more activity, the more you pay. There are several ways to reduce these charges, though. Try these eight ideas for a start.

What to do when a customer goes bust

Every year, thousands of businesses go bust. Clearly it could be one of your customers next. How can you protect yourself? What are the warning signs and how do you collect money from a bust customer? The feature also includes nine simple preventative measures. A couple of legal issues would have to be checked before application outside the UK.

Getting the maximum out of insurance

Small businesses face many risks. Good insurance cover will help keep the effects of many of these to a minimum. This feature looks at the seven key areas to consider, how to choose a broker, and the nine crunch questions to ask when considering risk management and buying insurance. This feature is related mainly to UK businesses.

To buy or not to buy office equipment and plant machinery?

Buying equipment and other fixed assets outright doesn't always make sound financial sense. Rather than paying for it all in advance, why not pay as you go? Here are some options, including an overview of your tax position. This feature is related to UK businesses only.

Raising private capital from a business angel

There's ample money out there waiting to be invested in small businesses, yet only 2% of firms seeking venture capital manage to raise it. Most fail because they go about it unprofessionally. Here's how to succeed.

Maximising profits through pricing

Price and quality go together, but so often we feel vulnerable when eager customers raise their eyebrows when we give them the price. Looking through the customer's eyes, we examine how to price sensibly, market effectively and maximise profits.

How to avoid the economic blues

Businesses that review forecasts regularly, and have a contingency plan, tend to weather economic downturns better. An accountant looks at how to stay afloat if times get tough.

Need cash? Find a business angel

Having problems funding your new venture? Here are top tips to help lure that Business Angel.

Instant cash by factors

Factoring, as a means of improving cashflow, is growing unbelievably fast. However, many people are suspicious of it. What benefits does it offer, and at what cost?

How to make sure your prices are pitched correctly

Thinking of cutting your prices to attract more business? Then think again - because pricing means much more than just how much you charge. Getting the price right is important - but you probably have much more to offer than low prices. We look at pricing strategies.

Is it time to go 'plastic'?

Small businesses have traditionally shunned 'plastic money' on cost grounds - but with card use soaring, is it time for a rethink? We look at the pros and cons.

Don't pay out your cash - just barter it!

It's one of the oldest forms of trade, and it's still flourishing. We look at the growing popularity of bartering and how companies are using it to generate sales and improve cashflow and profits.

Pitching to dragons

So you've finally got the ear of a Mr Big who you think might invest in your company. So what do you do and say? When it comes to getting your company in front of potential investors you don't get a second chance to make a good impression. Find out how to sell your ideas and raise that cash.

Managing costs in your business

Costs are just as important as sales when it comes to making a profit. It is important to remember that every saving, no matter how small, goes straight to the bottom line. Here is our guide to keeping your business profitable

Angels or dragons - who do you trust?

Looking for an investor? Better make sure they're an angel, not a dragon. Here is our guide to attracting investors to your business.