business finance
CIMA business flight simulator takes off
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has devised a course which enables financial and non-financial professionals the chance to run a virtual business.
Boosting sales and working capital with BI
Julia Manley argues that in tough times investing in business intelligence tools can stimulate sales growth. They can help serve existing customers and boost working capital.
Pcards as a cash flow alternative
Drew Hofler at Ariba looks at how Pcards could benefit the complete financial supply chain by improving working capital.
Factoring: a case study to boost cashflow
The factoring arm of RBS procvides the case study of CVR which continued to grow through using factoring following a management buyout.
How to compare costs on factoring tenders
Here Ian Johnston of independent broker, Factoring Solutions, looks at how one offer on your factoring costs might look like a good deal but a closer look at your figures, and knowing what to look out for, can save a company a lot of money.
Guide to factoring and invoice discounting
Here we outline the basics of factoring and points to watch out for.
Credit market freeze continues to hit US companies
Greenwich Associates, says U.S. companies expect a deep and long economic downturn. Its research shows that even the biggest and strongest U.S. companies are reporting difficulty accessing essential credit.
Examining pressures on cost and efficiencies for fleet and commercial vehicles
Ross Jackson, managing director of Fleet Operations, takes a look at the state of Britain's car market. He gives a personal view on why the fleet market is changing and why you should be taking a fresh look at both your fleet and funding partners if you want to stay in control of your costs.
Factoring pitfalls and explanations
Although factoring has become more important to the cash flow of British business, it still has its pitfalls. Here Gerry O'Kane looks at how to truly value your deal and points to other pitfalls and benefits.
Alternative ways to boost working capital
British companies are historically poor at improving working capital. Finance Week figures show they are increasingly looking to factoring and asset-based lending to boost their cash flow. Here Gerry O'Kane looks at cash management and warns poor payers may cost more than you think.
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