Funding, invoicing, VAT, and keeping the lights on.
Rachel Reeves is expanding the Growth Guarantee Scheme: loan terms up to 10 years, the turnover cap rising from £45m to £54m, and £6.5bn more lending expected. What changes and how to apply.
UK business electricity bills could fall up to 20% under a CBI and Energy UK plan to move renewable costs and the Climate Change Levy off them. What it means for SMEs, and why it is only a proposal.
VAT and Corporation Tax dates are predictable, but the lump-sum hit still catches growing firms. What lateness costs in 2026, when Time to Pay fits, and when short-term finance is the better route.
Every accredited Growth Guarantee Scheme lender at a glance, including HSBC, Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds and Santander: who lends what, typical terms, and how to choose. Checked 3 July 2026.
There is no single average business energy bill, and no price cap for firms. What UK SMEs pay in 2026 by usage, from about £4,300 for a micro business.
The Growth Guarantee Scheme backs facilities of up to £2 million with a 70% government guarantee to the lender. What it really costs, who qualifies, which banks offer it and how to apply.
A £2,400 invoice paid 60 days late earns you £116.20: statutory interest at 11.75% plus a fixed £70, no contract or court needed. Rate holds until 1 July.
Cross £90,000 rolling turnover and a consumer-facing firm faces a 20% price rise or a VAT bill near 12.5% of sales, plus the schemes that soften the blow.
Sole traders, set aside about 20% of profit for tax in 2026/27, rising to 25% above £50,000, and brace for the first 31 January bill that lands at 150%.
