Government funds

The government’s venture capital initiatives appear to be foundering, but poor performance figures may not tell the whole story. Nick Britton reports

Know your cash flow

If you’re running a business, the chances are you’ve been concentrating on cash flow like never before during the past 12 months.

Greed and the City 

The salaries of AIM CEOs continue to climb ever higher, despite the outcry over bankers’ salaries and the City culture of rewarding boards for failure. Oliver Haill reports

Weathering the storm

Gross domestic product decreased by 0.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2009, making this the longest recession in 50 years. Marc Barber and Nick Britton speak to entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and financial experts to find out how confident they are of seeing a recovery in the UK next year

Treading a fine line

The credit freeze has tested the skills of a chief finance officer like never before. Marc Barber meets the accountants who have both an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen sense of control

The venture capital landscape

Cash-burning portfolio companies, dissent among co-investors and a tepid response to fundraisings are making life difficult for venture capital firms. 

Venture capitalists are usually thought of as an optimistic – almost gung-ho – lot, but there isn’t a great deal to be gung-ho about at the moment.

Bank lending: the real picture

With tighter security terms and high interest rate charges, the general antipathy towards banks is at an all-time high. Kathleen Hall speaks to entrepreneurs, analysts and bankers to find out whether there are any signs of easing credit conditions

Venture capital trusts

Venture capital trusts have more than £600 million on their balance sheets, ready to invest in growing companies. Oliver Haill unveils new research from Business XL on who has the money and who can apply

Early-stage funding

Proverbially, start-ups are funded by one or more of the ‘four Fs’: friends, family, founders and fools.

Secret millions

With £50 million of cash on their balance sheets, opting to go public through a ‘shell’ may help your company to grow faster than staying a private concern. Oliver Haill reports 

Turn your business around

The turnaround industry is booming as more companies get into financial trouble. But it doesn’t always take an army of advisers to make a business strong again. Nick Britton reports

Asset-based lending

The severe drying up of credit has changed the market for business finance beyond recognition. Nick Britton reports on the asset-based lenders who are stepping in where banks now fear to tread

When money matters

Whether an investor wants to come on board or is seeking an exit, remixing the company’s capital base may allow you to get some money of your own in the bank and strengthen the business as a whole. Marc Barber finds out how it can be done 

Survival of the fittest 

If studying the balance sheet isn’t your favourite pastime, you’d better make it so as cash flow will be the difference between success and failure next year. Marc Barber finds out the most effective ways to stay in the black

Directors' pay: AIM's rich list

CEOs at AIM’s profitable companies received an eight per cent pay rise this year, while loss makers enjoyed a 30 per cent hike. Oliver Haill looks for method in the madness

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...