Cash Flow Quick Wins Checklist for UK Business Owners
Most finance brokers will tell you to borrow more money. I’m about to do the opposite.
Before you apply for a business loan, cash-flow facility or line of credit, there are often faster, cheaper ways to unlock cash without borrowing.
I’ve spent over ten years working with UK businesses, from small start ups to established firms. In that time I’ve picked up cash flow strategies you won’t find in textbooks. Smart companies use them to keep their money moving. Now I’m going to share them with you.
Think of this as your UK business loan application checklist: practical fixes, quick wins, and overlooked strategies. Do this first and you’ll either free up enough cash to avoid finance altogether, or you’ll approach lenders in a stronger position with better options.
Cash-Flow Quick Wins Checklist
Every business is different. Some of these ideas may be spot on for you, others less so. The goal isn’t to tick all 17 boxes, but to pick the ones that strengthen your cash flow before you look at finance.
Get Paid Faster 💷
1) Chase cash quickly – Invoice as soon as work is complete, take deposits, and follow up overdue bills without delay.
2) Offer early-payment discounts – A 1 or 2% saving can bring in money weeks earlier, often worth more than the discount.
3) Make invoices friction-free – Include the correct purchase order (PO), proof of delivery, and clear terms so there’s no excuse for late payment.
Control What Goes Out 🔎
4) Stretch supplier terms – A long-standing supplier may extend you from 30 to 45 days, but only if you ask.
5) Review your prices – Still charging 2022 rates? That’s effectively a pay cut after inflation.
6) Cut wasteful discounts – Protect your margin with minimum order values or delivery thresholds.
7) Audit recurring costs – Cancel or renegotiate unused software, utilities, and card machines.
8) Reduce energy spend – Switch tariffs, fit timers, or upgrade to LEDs. Small monthly savings add up.
9) Talk to your landlord – With more commercial space sitting vacant, many landlords are open to sensible conversations about rent. Whether that’s a phased increase, short-term reduction, or more flexible terms.
Tax Relief and Accounting Options to Explore 🧮
10) Ask about tax reliefs – From Annual Investment Allowance to R&D relief, explore what applies.
11) Consider switching your VAT scheme – Moving from Standard VAT to Cash Accounting (paying VAT when customers pay you, not when you invoice) or the Flat Rate Scheme can ease cash-flow strain for some businesses. Speak with your accountant to see if switching makes sense for you.
People & Performance 🥇
12) Re-gear incentives – Tie sales bonuses to cash collected and margin, not just signed orders.
13) Look at people costs – Flexible hours, apprenticeships, or salary sacrifice schemes (for things such as electric vehicles or pensions) can lower payroll costs without losing good people, and often align with employee goals and lifestyle preferences.
Plan & Prepare for Funding ✍️
14) Build a rolling cash-flow forecast – A 13-week and 12-month forecast helps spot pinch points early and impress lenders. If you don’t have one yet, grab my free cash-flow forecast template to get started
15) Tighten stock and buy only when needed - Excess stock ties up cash and adds storage costs. Reduce order sizes, run down slow-moving items, and switch to just-in-time supplies where possible to keep more money in the bank.
16) Check grants and support schemes – Use the government’s “Find a grant” service or your local Growth Hub before taking on debt.
17) Refinance expensive loans – I know this checklist is about fixing cash flow before you borrow, but refinancing doesn’t really count as new debt. It’s smart housekeeping. Refinancing a business loan, consolidating debts, or using asset refinancing to release equity from vehicles or equipment can all reduce monthly outgoings and free up cash flow. Watch my video on business loan refinancing or explore more on my Business Loan page
Think like a lender before you apply
Here’s the paradox: the businesses that get the best funding options are often the ones who could survive without borrowing. Why? Because they’ve already tightened their cash flow, controlled their costs, and proven they can adapt.
That’s exactly what lenders want to see! Not just numbers on a spreadsheet, but the story of a business owner who’s in control. Finance should be a lever for growth, not a crutch for survival.
So before you apply for a business loan or any other facility, ask yourself: “Would I lend to my own business today?” If the honest answer is yes, you’ll approach lenders with confidence and usually get better terms. And if the answer is no, this checklist gives you the playbook to fix that first.
Fire Bad Customers (and Watch Your Cash Flow Grow)
Before we jump into the Frequently Asked Questions, I want to share something I speak to clients about constantly. It might just be the most powerful cash-flow strategy of all...
Not every customer is worth keeping. Chronic late payers, endless complainers or high-maintenance accounts don’t just drain your energy. They block growth and choke cash flow.
The best businesses focus on their best customers. As Alex Hormozi puts it: “It’s easier to build a great business around great customers.”
If someone is always 60 days late, disputes every invoice or expects champagne service on a lemonade budget, replacing them with better customers can actually unlock growth. Freeing up time and working capital means you can serve the clients who pay on time and take on more of them.
📖 Recommended read: The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz — all about doubling down on your best clients and pruning the rest.
🎙️ Podcast to check out: Hormozi’s The Game, packed with insights on pricing, value and customer selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
