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Managing business costs and uncertainty

Support, guidance and financial options to help you build financial resilience and manage the impact of rising costs and economic factors on doing business.

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As living costs rise, so do the costs of running your business

Higher inflation and supply-chain disruption are having widespread impacts on the economy. This is affecting many businesses from short-term cash flow issues brought about by rising costs of business and trading issues such as late or non-payments, to not receiving goods, and changes in interest and currency exchange rates.

There are steps you can take to manage the impact of rising costs on your business and we have a range of guidance and financial products available to help improve cashflow, reduce costs, manage risks and improve working capital.

Help to build financial resilience

In times of uncertainty, financial resilience is more critical than ever. It can help you navigate challenging periods and adapt more easily to keep moving forward.

Making your business more resilient

Early warning signs of financial difficulty

If you’re struggling with cash flow, or to pay suppliers, these could be signs of financial stress. By knowing what to look out for, your business will have more time to react.

Learn more about early warning signs

8 ways to support staff with higher costs

Everyone is feeling the impact of higher prices; it’s very likely your employees are, too. Find out how to support your staff whilst balancing your business needs.

Supporting staff with higher costs

Help to build financial resilience

In times of uncertainty, financial resilience is more critical than ever. It can help you navigate challenging periods and adapt more easily to keep moving forward.

Making your business more resilient

Early warning signs of financial difficulty

If you’re struggling with cash flow, or to pay suppliers, these could be signs of financial stress. By knowing what to look out for, your business will have more time to react.

Learn more about early warning signs

8 ways to support staff with higher costs

Everyone is feeling the impact of higher prices; it’s very likely your employees are, too. Find out how to support your staff whilst balancing your business needs.

Supporting staff with higher costs

 

Insights to help you plan ahead

With higher inflation and interest rates, all businesses must understand the bigger economic picture to inform their budgeting, forecasting and decision making. The Lloyds Bank Business Barometer can be a useful tool for small businesses to sense check their financial and operational business approach against the general sentiment of other business owners. This article helps you to understand each of the sections of the report.

How the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer can help your business

Keep on top of your finances

Tracking your financial performance can help you identify and manage potential issues before they arise.

As well as cash flow forecasting and automated invoicing, our accounting software helps you manage expenses and see all your bank accounts in one place.

Register for free

If you choose to continue, it’s only £5 per month with no obligation and you can cancel any time.

Register for online banking

You can also keep an eye on your business bank accounts at any time by using our online banking services and Business Mobile Banking app. 

Managing Risk

Many businesses aren't aware of the risks they're exposed to when they import, export, borrow or save. It’s therefore helpful to understand these risks and find solutions to protect your business against cash flow issues or reduced profitability. When trading internationally, you can protect your business against the risk of not getting paid or receiving goods and services, as well as fluctuations in currency exchange rates which could impact profit margins.

Finding ways to manage the cost of borrowing for your business can have a positive impact on your cash flow and profitability, helping to protect your business against unexpected increases in interest rates, and allow you to forecast cash flow more easily.

Financial Risk Management

Get in touch

If you have a Relationship Manager then please contact them or our business management team. We are available from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturday.

Telephone: 0345 072 5555

(+44 1733 347 338 if you're outside the UK)

If you don’t have a Relationship Manager, you can call our Business Banking Financial Assistance Team on 0800 302 9946. Lines are open Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, except for bank holidays.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment you can use Relay UK. More information on the Relay UK service can be found at https://www.relayuk.bt.com.

  • There are some great charities and other organisations that can help with issues ranging from financial advice to mental wellbeing.

    Business Debtline

    Business Debtline is the UK’s only free dedicated debt advice service for people who are self-employed and other small business owners.

    Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

    The FSB is non-profit making organisation promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms by offering access to services which help you protect your business, can save you money and those that can help you look to grow your business.

    MoneyHelper

    MoneyHelper has been set up by the government to provide free and impartial money advice in person, over the phone and online. They offer guides to help improve your finances along with tools and calculators to help you keep track and plan ahead.

    UK Finance

    UK Finance is the leading trade association for the UK banking sector with their core priorities in helping customers both consumers and business, promoting growth and raising standards. Providing information on the current economy and providing a variety of training workshops and events.

    Step Change (Debt Charity)

    Step Change offers free debt advice that is based on a thorough review of your situation. They will then provide practical help and support for however long it’s needed.

    Business Emergency Resilience Group 10 Minute Plan

    To help businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, Business in the Community, the charity of which Lloyds Banking Group is a member, has produced a 10 minute plan. As seen with the recent floods in Cumbria, the increasing prevalence of cybercrime and the terrorist attacks in Paris, business can be significantly disrupted. This plan provides a framework on how to manage these emergencies.

    Mental Health UK

    1 in 4 people in the UK has experienced a mental health problem. Mental Health UK brings together over 40 years of expertise from four national mental health charities to provide advice, information and support.

    Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

    The CAB provides free, confidential, impartial information and advice on a wide range of debt and benefits issues, face to face. Check your local phone book or Yellow Pages for the nearest Citizens Advice Bureau, or visit the Citizens Advice website for your area.

    Small Business Commissioner

    20% of small businesses have run into cash-flow problems due to late or unfair payments. The Small Business Commissioner can help smaller business handle payment problems they have with their larger business customers. They can also help with checking contracts and getting invoices right.

    If you’re a small business with fewer than 50 employees, they may be able to help you.

    National Enterprise Network

    National Enterprise Network provides help and support for new, small and growing businesses in England, with a particular emphasis on start-ups and micro businesses.

    The Insolvency Service

    The Insolvency Service is the government online resource to provide guidance on personal and company insolvency.

    The Farming Community Network

    The Farming Community Network is a voluntary organisation & charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community with personal or business-related issues. They run a confidential, national helpline and e-helpline which is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm with volunteers who provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help.

While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information provided is correct, no liability is accepted by Lloyds Bank for any loss or damage caused to any person relying on any statement or omission. This is for information only and should not be relied upon as offering advice for any set of circumstances. Specific advice should always be sought in each instance.