The Director’s Helpline

Understanding Your Cash Flow: What Your Numbers Are Really Telling You

Cash flow is one of the most important things a director needs to understand. You can have a profitable business, a healthy order book and plenty of work coming in, but still find yourself struggling to pay the bills. That is because profit and cash are not the same thing. Your p …

October's Budget is coming – what should directors be watching?

The next UK Budget is coming up on 28 October 2026, and there is already plenty of discussion about what the government could announce. For business owners and company directors, that can create uncertainty. Will taxes change? Could business costs increase? Will there be support …

How to Close a Limited Company: The Process from Start to Finish

In this blog we talk you through the liquidation process, answering the questions we get asked time and time again by directors thinking about closing. We explain, the different ways you can close a limited company, including strike-off and liquidation, what happens to company de …

Construction Firms Among SMEs Facing Growing Cash Flow Pressure

In this blog, we’ll explore the latest findings from The Directors Helpline’s Business Health Check survey, focusing specifically on the financial pressures facing the UK construction sector. With 76% of the 403 business owners surveyed unsure whether they can meet their financia …

Practical Steps for Hotel Owners Facing Financial Pressure

In this article for Hotel Magazine, Jonathan Cooper, our Founder and Director, shares his five practical steps hoteliers can take to manage financial pressure in 2026, from cash flow forecasting to supplier negotiations and early professional advice

5 Warning Signs Your Hospitality Business May Be at Financial Risk

In this article for Caterer, Licensee and Hotelier Magazine, Jonathan Cooper, our Founder and Director, delves into the five key warning signs that mean your hospitality business could be at financial risk and the proactive steps to protect your business.

Why Every Business Needs a Regular Health Check

In this article for Small Business, find out from our Director and Founder, Jonathan Cooper, what a business health check is, how it can benefit your company and why you should be carrying them out regularly.

5 Minutes with Jonathan Cooper: How Salon Owners Can Boost Their Financial Health

In this article for The Salon Magazine, our Founder and Director, Jonathan Cooper discusses the financial strains and challenges that come with being a salon owner and provides advice on how directors increase their business’s financial health.

What Directors Need to Know Now About Bounce Back Loan Repayments

In this article for I Love Macc, our Director and Founder, Jonathan Cooper, explains what can happen if you can’t repay your Bounce Back Loan, your rights, risks and the support available to protect your business.

3 Early Warning Signs Your Sole Trader Business Could Be in Financial Trouble

In this article for I Love Macc, our Founder and Director, Jonathan Cooper, shares the key warning signs of financial trouble for sole traders and why seeking early advice can prevent small issues from becoming crises.