By Inna Kaushan, co-founder of Solna
Small companies have always found it hard to get paid on time by larger businesses. However, there is now enhanced awareness amongst policy makers of how systematic the issue of late payments is. This is best typified by a new reporting regime for larger companies which forces them to reveal the number of days it takes to pay suppliers.
That said, policy makers can’t be expected to solve the problem exclusively, and collaboration is required from SMEs and stakeholders who represent their interests.
Technology can also help …

By Inna Kaushan, Solna
When you are busy managing your business it can be easy to put financial issues to one side.  Let’s look at five tools to help you automate tasks, keep track of your budgets and expenses, improve your invoicing, help you get paid and make life easier. 
Monese: Banking 
Monese provides freelancers and small businesses with a UK-based bank account that can be set up quickly. You can manage all your banking using the smart mobile app, designed to provide flexibility and easy transfers.
If you pay for your Monese account, …

Have you ever had to face a question such as:  “Would Italian law on legitimate succession prevail, and so would my succession, given that I do not have Italian citizenship?” Or such as: ”I would like to disinherit my daughter, English law allows me to do so, but can I do the same if I am resident in Italy?”
Are there any differences among the Italian and British Law?
It must be said that the Italian law of succession and the Italian inheritance system can vary quite a lot compared to …

It’s in everyone’s best interests to save for the future. After all, luck can change just as easily as the weather, so it’s important to always have some funds stored safely away in the event of such a turn. That said, in a consumer and capitalist society, saving is one of those pursuits that’s sometimes often easier said than done – especially for the younger generation today.

It’s quite likely that by now you know of the usual ways to save your money, and perhaps these strategies on proving as useful …

by Inna Kaushan, co-founder of Solna
If you run any kind of small business, you’ll recognise this scenario: You’re focused on delivering a project. Then the next one and the next one. Time flies by. And then it suddenly hits you – the year end is approaching, and you have accounts and tax returns to complete.
Only two things can help you ensure you don’t get into a last-minute panic again, accounting, and bookkeeping. These are important financial processes that’ll assist you with financial control and end-of-year tax affairs. But they’re not …

By David Solomon, Blueprints
Financial Technology (FinTech) is an exciting area to be in at the moment. Recent technology has opened up almost unlimited possibilities and disruptive businesses are using technology to undermine established global players.
Even before the 2008 financial crash, many people had begun to realise that the financial system was profiting only a small group, as private citizens were burdened with bailing out major global banks.
Deeply entrenched services, practices, and products at traditional financial firms weren’t evolving for their customers’ needs. They were also maintaining old banking practices, for …

By Jonathan Amponsah CTA FCCA, The Tax Guys
If you don’t plan there is a good chance that you and your business will pay more tax than is necessary.  What action can you take to avoid overpaying?
Show income in correct period
If you normally receive money before carrying out work, the income should be shown in your accounts when you’ve performed the work, matched with the costs and expenses of doing the work. Say you’ve received £5,000 in March for a consultancy project to be delivered in April.  This should not be …

We live in a materialistic society. Social media accounts offer a tantalising glimpse of another world, one that we would love to be in. If you check out the feeds of some of the Rich Kids of Instagram, it’s hard not to be seduced by endless images of fast cars, luxury mansions, and gratuitous displays of wealth. Sure, we’d all love to own a Ferrari and spend a month in the sun on Mustique. Sadly, life isn’t quite like that, yet many people are determined to live a lifestyle they …

By John Auckland, TribeFirst
 
Raising funding for your business can be difficult for all types of businesses, and there’s not a lot of advice to go on.
 
However, there are some rules when it comes to developing an investor comms strategy, and from my involvement with over 30 fundraises, I’ve created a system that’s remarkably effective.
 
There are three essential topics for effective communication with investors and funders:
 

How to spot investor hot buttons, and create a core message that brings them on board
The optimal investor journey
How to engage investors in-person and online

 
 
Investor hot …

by Inna Kaushan, co-founder of Solna
Freelancers are important to the UK economy, and contributed £271 billion in 2017. Almost three million people have been engaged as freelancers or under self-employed status during the last 12 months.
Freelancing has many benefits: you work for yourself, select projects which excite you, and in many instances earn more than when you were a permanent employee.
That said a major challenge faced by freelancers is fighting to get paid. Recent research shows that only 19% of freelancers get paid on time, with related invoices being paid …