asset management strategy
A bank's viewpoint on invoice finance to help working capital
So what's banking's view on invoice financing as a way of boosting cash flow? Ross McFarlane, director - UK sales and client relations at RBS Invoice Finance looks at how working capital can be helped with alternative invoice systems and financing.
Introduction to company cars and fleet
In a series of stories over the next few weeks, Finance Week will draw together articles giving advice and recommendations on what you should consider when running a fleet or simply paying your employees' mileage.
Asset-based lending provides additional cash for your balance sheet
New research by the ABFA (Asset Based Finance Association), shows that more companies are using asset based finance to enhance their working capital. Borrowing money against outstanding invoices, premises, machinery, fleet and even a brand can aid businesses. Kate Sharp, chief executive of the ABFA, talks about the growth of the industry, how it has opened the doors for firms to trade internationally and how it is helping to maintain a consistent cash flow in an otherwise turbulent time.
Guide to vehicle and fleet financing
As banks become positively Scrooge-like in their lending policies, companies are becoming increasingly conscious of better managing their working capital. Even so, fleet transport in one form or another may be critical to business. Here John Lewis runs through the forms of financing available and their tax implications.
Taxman offers green incentive for company cars
The last Budget introduced some of the biggest changes to company car taxation in over a decade, says John Lewis, director general of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.
Capital allowances: problems in plant and machinery and AIA tax
There are concerns over the new capital allowance tax rules on parts of the plant and machinery interpretations. Rebecca Bennyworth looks at what accountants might have to deal with in larger firms down to AIA issues for smaller businesses.
Cash scarcity for UK business while global private equity activity slows
New figures show that British businesses are suffering from a scarcity of cash while another survey shows that private equity activity is also reducing. Investment priorities remain with technology and training, writes Gerry O'Kane.
Lending against intangible assets
When times are tough recognising the hidden value in intangible assets becomes attractive. Here Stuart Whitwell of Intangible Business outlines how companies can unlock value and maximise lending. He also gives the case study of Burns Stewart Distillery.
Valuing intangible assets: A case study at Burn Stewart Distillers
Stuart Whitwell of Intangible Business outlines how Burns Stewart Distillery enhanced lending requirements by recognising the hidden value in of its intangible assets.
Corporate finance benefits from SEPA going electronic
Corporate finance executives have been asking where's the benefit of the single European payment area, SEPA? Moti Porath of Fundtech argues that now is the time for those directors to reinvent their financial supply chain. Building on the electronic payment and invoicing services around SEPA standards will capitalise on existing investments and attract new business.
The Bottom Line:If Mr Cable has his way...
"If Mr Cable had his way, all the big banks would be broken up and bonuses would be virtually eliminated - a sure-fire way in my view of guaranteeing an end to the UK’s ability to compete as an international financial centre. Let’s not forget that this is a man who is on record as saying that everyone who works in a bank has an ‘aristocratic lifestyle’ clearly demonstrating his lack of understanding of the sector." A tough line on bankers’ bonuses could make a brain drain of financial talent a distinct possibility, warns Paul Marsden. Read more