Start here
Pick the sentence that sounds most like your situation
Each starting point gives you the three things to fix first, in order, with the guides and one tool that answer them. No sign-up, no sales call.
Find your route
What is the money problem you need to tackle first?
Filter the ten routes by the situation you recognise. Every route opens with a seven-day plan, evidence to collect, a worked scenario, red flags and a clear escalation point.
More than one problem applies
Start with the UK Small Business Finance Guide
The routes below are deliberately situation-specific. If you are setting up the overall finance system or need to connect records, cash, tax, pricing, spending, hiring and funding, use the broad guide first and then follow the most relevant route.
Read the UK small business finance guideHow the routes work
Start with the decision that cannot safely wait
A route is intentionally narrower than a guide library. It starts with three actions in a realistic order, then gives you a seven-day plan, evidence to collect, a worked scenario, red flags and a point at which general information is no longer enough. The purpose is to turn a vague concern into a short operating sequence, not to make every business follow the same financial process.
If two routes sound right, choose the one linked to the nearest irreversible consequence. An approaching tax, payroll or essential-bill problem comes before a broad plan to improve records. A late customer payment with a near-term cash gap comes before a general growth project. Once that risk is visible and the immediate action is underway, return to the broader guide or a second route rather than trying to complete every checklist at once.
| A route gives you | Bring or create | Move beyond the route when |
|---|---|---|
| A sequence, a relevant tool and links to deeper explanation. | Current bank position, payment and filing dates, invoices or bills, and the evidence behind the immediate issue. | The decision needs a tax calculation, legal interpretation, lender assessment, insolvency view or other advice specific to the business. |
Starting out
Starting or structuring the business
Choose this if the business is new, the company structure is new or the money system is not yet separated.
Running and growing
Running and growing with control
Choose this if income is uneven, revenue is growing or you are considering your first fixed employment cost.
My income is irregular and I cannot plan
Freelancers and consultants with lumpy months, project work or seasonal demand.
See the sequence →My limited company is growing
Revenue is rising, complexity is rising faster, and the finances feel improvised.
See the sequence →I am hiring my first employee
You have more work than hours and are about to take on a fixed monthly cost.
See the sequence →Cash and customers
Protecting cash and getting paid
Choose this if invoices are late or the accounts look healthy while the bank balance stays under pressure.
A key decision
A high-stakes money decision
Choose this before taking credit, interpreting accounts or dealing with an approaching tax bill.
I am considering a business credit card
You want smoother purchasing, better control or rewards — and you want to know the catch.
See the sequence →I do not understand my accounts
Your accountant sends a PDF once a year and you nod politely.
See the sequence →I am preparing for a tax bill
A deadline is approaching and you are not sure the money is there.
See the sequence →