As we approach the Autumn Statement, the business community is keenly anticipating potential changes to business rates and other fiscal policies. In this climate of uncertainty, effective cashflow management becomes even more critical for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Whether the Statement brings relief or new challenges, having a robust cashflow strategy will be crucial. We’ve asked Michael Sala, Client Services Manager from our Altrincham office, to share some tips to help SMEs strengthen their financial foundations, ensuring they’re well-prepared for whatever changes may come.
Take it away Michael
Cash is king – it’s the lifeline of all businesses large and small. Without it, creditors can’t be settled, employees can’t be paid, and HMRC may come knocking at your door. Despite this, this vital aspect of running a business is so easily over overlooked. Below I’ve listed some of my top tips for managing cashflow in a small to medium sized business.
Build a cash reserve
Having a cash reserve not only creates a buffer to allow the business to weather unforeseen storms, but also gives the business the flexibility to take advantage of any opportunities that might present themselves.
Credit control
Implementing even a rudimentary credit control system will make all the difference in ensuring invoices don’t go unnoticed. Furthermore, don’t be too lenient with customers, business is business, you’ve agreed to supply the goods/services, and your customer has agreed to pay for this supply!
Accuracy of financial information
Without a clear picture of your business, it’s difficult to monitor and control your cashflow. Ensuring your records are accurate and up to date provides you with the full picture, allowing you to act promptly when issues arise, or to avoid them altogether. This is easier to do than you may think and starts with accurate data input into reliable accounting software. You can take this further by preparing quarterly or monthly management accounts, these will show a snapshot of the business at regular intervals giving you insight into the trends and patterns of your trading that would otherwise go unseen.
Early payment incentives
Offering an incentive to customers to settle their liabilities early may not work for all businesses but in many cases, it is an effective way of bringing cash into the business that would otherwise be sat dormant as a debtor on your balance sheet. This cash can be utilised to generate more income or settle your own creditors. Another benefit is it allows you to see who your best customers are, if they’re able to settle your bills early then it’s more likely that their business is in a good position, and you can feel more confident in working with them in the future.
Monitor expenses
It’s good practice to periodically assess your business outgoings and identify costs that are excessive, or are at threat of becoming so, allowing you to act promptly and mitigate any unnecessary costs.
Inventory management
There are many sound reasons for holding what may appear to be excess stock, it allows you to offer shorter lead times over your rivals, you may have had the opportunity to purchase stock at a good price, or cost of inventory items is rising or due to rise. However it can be too easy to jump at these opportunities without giving proper consideration to their value, your business will need to pay to house the stock, the stock could be held for so long that it becomes obsolete, prices may drop further in the time the stock is held, and can your business realistically sell all of these items profitably before other factors erode the initial cost savings.
Here to help
Effective cashflow management is crucial for the success and sustainability of any SME. By implementing these strategies, businesses can strengthen their financial position, improve their ability to handle unexpected challenges, and capitalise on growth opportunities. Regular monitoring and proactive management of cashflow can make the difference between a thriving business and one that struggles to stay afloat.
If you’re looking for advice on cashflow for your business, we’re here to help. To speak to one of our friendly experts, simply fill out the form below and one of our team will be in touch shortly.
