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A higher cost of living means higher costs for businesses

The impact of higher inflation and disruption to global supply chains is being felt across the economy. For businesses, rising costs, and changes to both interest rates and currency exchange rates can cause short-term cash flow issues as well as trading issues if goods or payments are not received on time.

To help you manage the impact of rising costs on your business, we have a range of guidance and financial products available to help improve cashflow, reduce costs, manage risks and improve working capital:

Pay As You Grow

Pay As You Grow

Additional support for businesses with a Bounce Back Loan, giving you flexibility and more time to pay back your loan should you need it.

More about Pay As You Grow

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.

Try our accounting software free for 3 months

If you choose to continue, itā€™s only Ā£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.

Boosting your businessā€™ resilience

There are steps you can take to make your business more resilient. These steps can help you adapt to change, meet new challenges, and grasp new opportunities.

Read more about boosting business resilience

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Woodworker working in workshop

Early warning signs of financial difficulty

If youā€™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 to any problems.

Learn more about early warning signs

How to support your staff with a higher cost of living

Despite signs that inflation is starting to fall, your staff may still feel anxious about a higher cost of living. Find out how to balance their needs whilst running an efficient business.

Read more about supporting your staff

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How SMEs can mitigate supply chain risk

Taking practical steps to make sure supply chain resilience is vital for SMEs. Read about how small businesses can manage risk in their supply chains during turbulent times at home and overseas. 

Learn more about the risks, common mistakes and how to mitigate them

SMEs and higher interest rates - overcoming the impact

Navigating higher interest rates is an ongoing challenge for SMEs. How can they carry out measures to improve their finances in the short-term while keeping one eye on the future? 

Learn more practical steps to help diminish the business repercussions

Build mental resilience

Developed in partnership with Mental Health UK, our new hub page provides tips and guidance for improving mental health and building resilience to help set you and your business up for success.

How to build your mental resilience

Mental Health UK

Get in touch

Call your named Relationship Manager or our business management team. We are available from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturday.

Telephone: 0345 300 0268

 (+44 (0)131 549 8724  if you're outside the UK)

If you donā€™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

Turnarounds: Seizing new opportunities

Turnarounds: Seizing new opportunities

Download our free Turnarounds book, bringing together expertise on business turnarounds, from stabilisation to growth.

Download our book
  • 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 UKā€™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 itā€™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 youā€™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.