What lies ahead

We may not be heading for another Great Depression, but for many it may feel uncomfortably close to it. Nick Britton speaks to business leaders and analysts about the effects of the downturn and their outlook for the coming months

How the dollar returned as king

When operating in the emerging markets, it seems the dollar is king again. Marc Barber reports

Bouncing back from insolvency

It’s the one thing every entrepreneur hopes will never happen, but it’s expected to hit 20,000 companies next year. Nick Britton talks to those in the know about how to handle insolvency

Refinancing in a tough climate

Not so long ago, refinancing your business was as easy as ordering fast food. How times have changed. Robert Tyerman looks at how businesses are readjusting their balance sheets to enable transformative growth 

Up for grabs – £113 million

Given the dire market conditions, reversing into a cash shell may be the only sure-fire way to get your company public. But, as Oliver Haill reports, it’s not without risk

Unlocking millions

There is over £1 billion of VCT cash just waiting to be invested in fast-growth companies. Oliver Haill speaks to the fund managers who can turn ambition into reality.

Bank lending in the credit crunch

Despite talk that lending terms are tightening and cash is harder to come by, banks insist that their doors are as open as ever to growing companies. Nick Britton talks to banks, financial advisers and accountants to find out what’s really going on.

Secondary fundraising: the facts

Approaching investors for more funds requires good sense, guile and, in certain instances, a degree of courage. Robert Tyerman speaks to CEOs who have raised another round of finance and lived to tell the tale.

Rise of the super angels

Mega-wealthy individuals, families and businesses have millions to invest in fast-growth ventures. Marc Barber meets the new breed of “super angels”

Making acquisitions work

CEOs stand or fall by the success of their acquisitions. Marc Barber speaks to business leaders about their preferences when putting a deal through.

Fifteen ways to raise £1 million

Expansion requires financial muscle, be it for operations, research and development or an acquisition. Marc Barber looks at 15 ways to get your hands on the cash

Debt versus equity

Choosing between debt or equity finance, or a mixture of the two, could be the most important business decision you ever make. Nick Britton speaks to entrepreneurs, financiers and advisers about the pros and cons of each

Banking on a loan

If you’re looking to fund rapid growth, your bank will probably be the first port of call. Nick Britton finds out what traditional lenders can offer, and how to make sure you’re getting the best deal

The facts about asset based finance

The commercial finance industry promises entrepreneurs a fast track to growth. Nick Britton talks to borrowers and lenders about the rewards and the risks

Cash shells uncovered

There are 49 cash shells - businesses with money but no trading operations - listed in London on both AIM and PLUS. And they’ve got close to £80 million to spend. Could your business reverse into one and pick up the cash? Robert Tyerman and Leslie Copeland report.

VCTs have over £1 billion

That’s how much is in the VCT pot and it’s all earmarked for investment in growth companies. So how do you get your hands on it? Leslie Copeland investigates

21 ways to improve your cash flow

Good cash flow management not only ensures you can pay your bills, it also releases capital to help you seize opportunities for business growth. Sally Giles uncovers the top tactics for taking control...

Cash converters

Trading abroad is a regular part of business for many UK companies, so when it comes to effectively managing exchange rates and currency transactions, it pays to look around. Marc Barber reports

On the Money Trail

Finding the right backers can be a tricky task. Adam Wayland talks to entrepreneurs who have succeeded and investors with cash to spare

Is small still beautiful?

Some private equity and venture capital investors reject the idea that there’s a lack of growth capital available for small companies, but others argue there’s a funding void that Government initiatives are having to plug. Sally Giles investigates the ‘equity gap’ debate

Blood from a stone

Debt is a perennial problem for businesses in the UK and many find their cash flow crippled by unpaid invoices. Oliver Haill investigates the choice of credit management routes companies can take...

Interesting times

For the past few years the cheap cost of borrowing has helped growing businesses acquire and expand rapidly. But with inflationary fears now stoking worries over the need for rate rises, James Crux examines the effects of rate fluctuations on the growth strategies of ambitious companies...

Have your cake and eat it

Growing your business without giving too much away, or being diluted out of sight, is every entrepreneur’s dream. And it is eminently achievable, as James Crux reports...