Funding guides
How to improve cash flow
Fifteen practical levers, from forecasting and collections through to pricing, reserves and where external funding genuinely helps.
Sam Skinner
Co-Founder & Director
• 6 min read
Improving cash flow is essential to the financial health and sustainability of any business. Managed well, it ensures there are funds for expenses, for growth, and for absorbing a shock.
Monitor and forecast
Predict future needs with a detailed forecast, then track actual performance against it.
Reduce expenses
Cut unnecessary costs and renegotiate supplier agreements for better terms.
Accelerate invoicing and collections
Invoice promptly, incentivise early payment, and follow up on overdue amounts.
Extend payables
Negotiate longer payment windows with vendors while keeping the relationship good.
Improve inventory management
Reduce capital tied up in stock, and move toward just-in-time where the supply chain allows.
Increase sales and revenue
Expand the customer base and explore new markets.
Consider financing options
Credit lines, loans or invoice factoring all bridge short-term gaps.
Manage debt effectively
Refinance expensive borrowing and prioritise repayment strategically.
Cut non-essential investment
Postpone capital spending that isn't critical this quarter.
Build cash reserves
Set aside a portion of profit against unexpected costs.
Optimise tax planning
Work with professionals to make sure you're claiming what you're entitled to.
Review pricing
Make sure pricing covers costs and delivers an adequate margin.
Streamline operations
Eliminate process inefficiencies that quietly consume cash.
Diversify the customer base
Reduce the risk that comes with depending on a small number of clients.
Seek professional advice
Get a tailored view rather than applying general rules to a specific business.
For an independent, no-obligation review of your options, call 0330 0438 011.
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