Managing business change
In challenging times businesses have to adapt.
Here you’ll find support to help you make the changes you need to your business, including useful resources to help you move forward and how to tell us if your circumstances have changed.
Get help with Managing business costs and uncertainty, including:
- Support with managing inflation, costs and cash flow
- In partnership with Mental Health UK - tips and guidance on building mental resilience
- What do if your business is falling behind on payments, or you're worried that it might
Support to make business changes
Change of circumstances
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If this change has affected your ability to manage your business finances, please get in touch. We can discuss ways to better support you.
If you have a Relationship Manager you should contact them. If not, please call the business management team on 0345 300 0268 (+44 (0)131 549 8724 if you're outside the UK)
We are available from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturday.
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
If it’s affected your ability to speak to us, you can empower someone else to act on your behalf. Take a look at the next topic below.
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You can tell us in writing to speak with someone else on your behalf. This can be a family member, friend or someone acting in a professional capacity. If you want them to make payments or other transactions for you, they’ll need to be added to your mandate.
You can also legally appoint someone to deal with us – this is known as Power of Attorney. This is often the best option if you have an illness or other condition that affects your ability to deal with us yourself.
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We’re sorry to hear that. Dealing with financial matters while you’re grieving is probably the last thing you need. We’ll do our best to make things as straightforward as possible.
Business changes
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If you’re changing the structure of your business – say from a sole trader to a private limited company – you’ll need to set up a new account with us.
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If you’re selling up you will need to repay any money borrowed by the business. If we have security against the lending you’d need us to release this for the sale to happen.
We recommend you get in touch as soon as possible so we can guide you through the next steps.
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When you’re making a big decision like this there’s lots to consider. You might want to get advice from an independent expert. While we can’t advise you about your business, we can explain what you need to do to close your account.
We recommend you get in touch as soon as possible so we can guide you through the next steps.
You may also want to take a look at our guide to learn more about corporate and personal insolvency processes in the UK.
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.
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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 UK’s only free dedicated debt advice service for people who are self-employed and other small business owners.
- Telephone: 0800 197 6026
- www.businessdebtline.org
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.
- Telephone: 01253 336000
- www.fsb.org.uk
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.
- Telephone: 0800 138 7777
- www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
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 it’s needed.
- Telephone: 0800 138 1111
- www.stepchange.org/
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 you’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.
- Telephone: 0190 860 5130
- www.nationalenterprisenetwork.org/
The Insolvency Service
The Insolvency Service is the government online resource to provide guidance on personal and company insolvency.
- Telephone: 0300 678 0015
- www.bis.gov.uk/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.
- Telephone: 03000 111 999
- www.fcn.org.uk
- Email: help@fcn.org.uk
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.