Q. I run an engineering business which makes mechanical parts. We’re cashflow positive, but were recently taken by surprise when we received a large order. The offer was lucrative, but too large as it would have meant an outlay of more than £400,000 before any return. We tried to get finance, but were unable to in that timeframe, and lost the deal. How can we best prepare the business to cope with large orders that come out of the blue, so we don’t miss out in the future?

01/12/07 14:11

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Staying afloat

Q. I run a 20-person wholesaling business and my largest customer has financial problems. They are seeking a company voluntary arrangement, which will wipe out its unpaid debt with the remainder paid back over three years. It’s not critical yet, but I could do with some short-term working capital solutions to get me through the next six months. What are my options?

01/10/07 17:14

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Do I really need an FD?

Q. My four-year-old £4m-turnover business is at the stage where I believe it could benefit from better financial advice, but could my accountants offer a similar service? How do I know if I really need an FD?

09/08/07 09:54

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Taxing temps

Q. We have recently been using temporary workers to help with our increasing workload. I’ve heard that I could have to pay more tax when employing the services of temporary staff agencies, is this correct?

01/09/06 14:10

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The facts on Tax

Q. I run a growing advertising agency based in Edinburgh. I am considering listing my company on AIM in order to fi nance expansion plans, but I am unsure as to what tax implications this will have. What is the tax position of an AIM quoted company?

01/07/06 10:28

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Flexiable finance

Q. I am in the business of buying and selling garden furniture, working with confi rmed orders from wholesalers and retailers. In order to deliver high-quality products to the UK market while minimising costs, I source items from overseas suppliers. With goods and invoices exchanging hands across the world, I struggle to keep cash moving throughout the business. I spend a considerable amount of money buying goods up front and then waiting to receive payment from customers. What are the options available to help me resolve my situation and keep my bottom line healthy?

01/05/06 14:48

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Invoice discounting

Q. I run a medium-sized event management company that organises events for a number of prestigious blue chip clients. However, many of our clients are slow to pay their invoices and this is having a major impact on our cashflow. A number of my business peers have suggested I use invoice discounting, but I don’t know where to start. Can you help?

01/02/06 14:17

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IR merger explained

Q. Gordon Brown revealed more detail in his pre-Budget report about merging Customs & Excise and the Inland Revenue. What are the implications for growing businesses?

01/02/04 14:13

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