Home/ Finance
5 Minutes on Finance

Know your
numbers.

The money questions every owner hits, answered without the jargon and clearly enough to act on.

Cash flow, margins, planning, accounting, tax and funding. Short, sourced answers to the decisions that keep a business solvent.

Browse by topic

Pick a corner of Finance

Every answer

Every Finance answer

Funding & investment 5 min

Bank Loan vs Equity Investment: Which Should I Choose?

Choosing between a bank loan and equity investment is a critical decision for any business owner, affecting understanding your funding options and long-term business health.

Video
Bookkeeping & accounting 5 min

Can I Do My Own Bookkeeping?

Want to take control of your finances? You can do your own bookkeeping, but it's vital to understand what is likely to close and where your time is best spent to avoid costly HMRC penalties.

Video
Profit & margins 5 min

How Do I Calculate Gross Profit Margin?

Understanding gross profit margin is vital for UK businesses, revealing how efficiently you turn sales into profit and highlighting areas for improvement in your cost of goods sold.

Video
Reading financial statements 5 min

How Do I Read a Profit and Loss Statement?

Understanding your Profit and Loss (P&L) statement is vital for business success. Learn how to decipher what is likely to close and where your time is best spent by analysing revenue, costs, and profitability.

Video
Cash flow management 5 min

How Much Cash Should My Business Keep in Reserve?

Running a business means weathering storms, and having enough cash is vital. Discover what’s likely to close and where your time is best spent building a financial buffer against the unexpected.

Video
Profit & margins 5 min

How Much Profit Should a Small Business Make?

Knowing your profit isn't just about numbers; it's about survival. UK small businesses average a 23.7% margin, but *understanding what's realistic for your sector* is vital for long-term success.

Video
Tax & VAT 4 min

Should I Register for VAT?

Knowing when to register for VAT can save your business money and avoid penalties, understanding the £85,000 threshold is key to managing your finances effectively.

Video
Cash flow management 4 min

What Is Cash Flow?

Understanding how to track your money coming in and going out is vital for any UK small business, helping you to cover costs, invest in growth, and stay afloat.

Video
Tax & VAT 4 min

Should I Register for VAT?

Knowing when to register for VAT can save your business money and avoid penalties, understanding the £85,000 threshold is key to managing your finances effectively.

Video
Profit & margins 4 min

What Is a Profit Margin?

Understanding your profit margin is crucial for business health. It's the percentage of revenue you keep after costs, and comes in three forms: what is likely to close and where your time is best spent.

Video
Financial planning & forecasting 5 min

When Should I Create a Business Budget?

Knowing when to create and revise your business budget is as important as creating one. Don't wait until financial difficulties arise; proactive planning is key to success and stability.

Video
Cash flow management 5 min

When Should I Do a Cash Flow Forecast?

Don't wait for a crisis! Knowing when to create or update a cash flow forecast is vital for business survival, from reacting to growth to navigating seasonal dips.

Video
Financial planning & forecasting 5 min

Why Does My Business Need a Financial Forecast?

Don't let cash flow be a guessing game. A financial forecast is what is likely to close and where your time is best spent, helping you plan for growth, secure funding, and avoid unexpected business failures.

Video
Most read

Popular in Finance

  1. 01 What Is Cash Flow? Cash flow management4 min
  2. 02 What Is a Profit Margin? Profit & margins4 min
  3. 03 How Do I Calculate Gross Profit Margin? Profit & margins5 min
  4. 04 Bank Loan vs Equity Investment: Which Should I Choose? Funding & investment5 min
  5. 05 Can I Do My Own Bookkeeping? Bookkeeping & accounting5 min
  6. 06 How Do I Read a Profit and Loss Statement? Reading financial statements5 min
Watch instead

Same answer, under five minutes

Five Minute Business on YouTube
The newsletter

Business answers,
tailored to who you are.

Pick vaults that best suit you. We'll send answers to your common questions straight to your inbox. Free, nothing gated.

Pick your vault & subscribe
Free forever · No spam