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Business insights

Information and advice to help your business going forward

We’ve put together a wide range of knowledge and insight for you – read up on plans, financial support, media and marketing and much more.

Making money work for you will mean something different to every business. It could mean finding the right finance products for your individual situation, tackling cashflow issues head on, future-proofing your business or learning digital skills to take advantage of a global market that’s never been more accessible.

We want to help you feel more knowledgeable and confident when it comes to getting the most out of your money for your business.

Here you’ll find articles that aim to put you in control – read up on business plans, funding options, managing cashflow, trading abroad and more.

Featured

The rising cost of living and doing business

Cashflow control and money management have never been more important.

That’s why we’ve created the Money Management Hub, to share resources, support and insights to help your business navigate these difficult times.

  • Popular articles
    Starting out

    Writing a business plan

    Your guide to a successful business plan

    A good business plan defines what you want to achieve and how you intend to achieve it. Our guide could help you write yours.

    Starting out

    Business financing options

    How to use financing to grow your business

    Whether you’re learning what’s available or you’re plotting a winning pitch for investors, here’s how to use business financing to thrive.

    Doughnuts in a box.

    Business start-up tips

    Our top tips for getting your company running

    Learn key strategies to keep your new business on the right track.

    Managing your business

    Protecting your business idea

    Got a big idea? Find out how to protect it

    The Intellectual Property (IP) rights of your business determine the value of your idea, so a copyright, patent or trademark is essential.

    International

    Considerations when going global

    Joining the ranks of the UK’s 232,000 SME export businesses offers huge and exciting opportunities – and unexpected challenges. So, what are the key things you need to consider when making the move?

    Industry insights

    Open Banking opportunities and benefits

    What Open Banking could mean for your business

    Juliet Rogan, Co-Head of High-Growth and Entrepreneurs, looks at some of the opportunities that Open Banking could create for high-growth businesses.

    Scaling up

    Build a winning team

    Make every position count

    Entrepreneurs share their thoughts on leadership, team work and balancing creativity with stability

    Industry insights

    Importance of reviews and customer feedback

    Could online reviews help your business?

    Our survey of 2,000 customers and 500 businesses revealed the importance of online review sites to the hospitality and leisure sector.

    International

    Understanding global trade

    Exports and international trade explained

    We answer some of the most commonly asked questions on exporting – and cut through the jargon.

    International

    International trade support

    Backing your business abroad

    Find out about the dedicated support, expert advice and banking services that could help make your business an international success.

    Start-up business account

    Banking that lets you spend more time on your business

    Starting a business means there's more to think about than managing your bank account, so we give you the online tools and expertise to help you grow.

  • Cost of doing business

    Business Health Pledge hub

    We’re helping businesses build resilience​. Visit the hub to learn about our Business Health Pledge and access tools and support to help your business recover and grow.​

    Business Health Pledge: Hannah Bernard and Liz Barclay

    Hannah Bernard, the Head of Business Banking at Barclays, recently caught up with the Small Business Commissioner, Liz Barclay, to discuss how the rising costs of living are impacting businesses and the support that's available.

    Business Health Pledge: late payments with Terry Corby

    Terry Corby from Good Business Pays shares his insights on the impact of late payments on businesses and highlights available support. 

    Business Health Pledge: the impact of the rising costs of living on businesses

    We were joined by Small Business Commissioner, Liz Barclay, and an expert panel for a closer look at the effects of the cost of living crisis on UK businesses.

    How to look after your money when prices rise

    Never has it been so important to stay on top of your finances. We’ve assembled a series of guides, real-life stories, articles, tips, support options and more to help you make the most of your money.

  • Starting out
    A desk with a laptop, pens and papers.

    Writing a business plan

    Your guide to a successful business plan

    A good business plan defines what you want to achieve and how you intend to achieve it. Our guide could help you write yours.

    Choosing a business structure

    Deciding the legal structure of your business

    Understand the responsibilities that come with business partnerships, limited companies and sole proprietorship.

    Setting up a private company

    Understanding your options

    Our tips will help you choose the right way to register your business, whether it’s using a formation agent, an accountant or registering the company yourself.

    Do I need a business bank account?

    If you’re using a personal bank account for your business, switching to a business one could save you time, simplify your business accounting and help you access business finance.

    A desk arranged with a desktop computer, laptop, smart phone and camera

    Digital skills to boost your business

    Tools and tips to make the most of digital

    Want to sharpen your business digital skills but not sure where to start? An online presence can give your business a real boost – as can being cyber savvy and staying safe online. Here are 5 ways digital can transform your business.

    Man placing a hand written sign in a shop window which reads opening soon

    Business finance funding options

    Growing and funding a business using finance

    From finding out what funding options are available, to how to plan a winning pitch for investors – here’s how to use business financing to grow and thrive.

    Cashier at a coffee shop takes payment from a customer using contactless payment on their mobile phone.

    Providing payment variety

    Payment solutions from Barclaycard

    To support your customers, it’s important that your business offers a variety of payment methods. Discover the benefits of doing this and how Barclaycard can help.

    A close-up of a laptop keyboard, a tablet and a pen on a desk

    Cashflow forecasting

    How a good forecast can benefit your business

    A cashflow forecast is a useful tool – it can warn you of challenges ahead, help you achieve steady growth and steer you through a downturn.

    Doughnuts in a box.

    Business start-up tips

    Our top tips for getting your company running

    Learn key strategies to keep your new business on the right track.

     Green shoots are growing in a row of glass test tubes in a lab

    Start up with purpose

    Putting social purpose at the heart of your new venture

    How social impact makes good business sense.

    11 tips on how to start a business

    What you really need to know when getting your business off the ground

    Read our 11-point guide on how to set up a business to help you get up and running.

    Start-up business account

    Banking that lets you spend more time on your business

    Starting a business means there's more to think about than managing your bank account, so we give you the online tools and expertise to help you grow.

  • Scaling up
     People relaxing on the beach.

    Considerations when going global

    Joining the ranks of the UK’s 232,000 SME export businesses offers huge and exciting opportunities – and unexpected challenges. So, what are the key things you need to consider when making the move? 

    A person swimming in a swimming pool.

    Conquering the cashflow challenge

    Cashflow is the 'lifeblood' of any business, so you need to keep on top of it to safeguard your growth.

    A calculator, documents and a pen.

    Seven things to know about cashflow

    Learn more about this important aspect of business success

    Cashflow is something you often hear people talk about in relation to growing their business, but what does it really mean? From how it’s calculated to why it’s important, here’s a rundown of what you need to know in order to understand, and master, all things cashflow

    Growing and expanding your business

    Doing well? How to expand

    We run through some of the main things to consider if you’re planning to expand, hire more staff or seek major investment.

    Runners on the starting line

    Getting ahead of the competition

    What are the secrets to beating the competition? A panel of experts, who’ve all enjoyed great success in getting ahead, share their experiences.

    People playing ice hockey.

    Being competitive in business

    Don’t let your competitors drive you to distraction

    Ben Fletcher, entrepreneur, angel investor and founder of Fast Growth Icons explores the good, the bad and the ugly side of competition.

    Close up of foosball table with players in blue shirts and red shirts

    Build a winning team

    Make every position count

    Entrepreneurs share their thoughts on leadership, team work and balancing creativity with stability.

  • Industry insights

    Games and Esports

    Opportunities for UK games developers

    Our latest industry report explores the evolving and growing games sector and the exciting openings it offers. 

    A mobile phone in the palm of a hand.

    Importance of reviews and customer feedback

    Could online reviews help your business?

    Our survey of 2,000 customers and 500 businesses revealed the importance of online review sites to the hospitality and leisure sector.

    'Open' shop door sign.

    Open Banking opportunities and benefits

    What Open Banking could mean for your business

    Juliet Rogan, Co-Head of High-Growth and Entrepreneurs, looks at some of the opportunities that Open Banking could create for high-growth businesses.

  • International
    The Bandra–Worli Sea Link bridge in Mumbai, India. The city is visible in the background

    The secret to international expansion

    Doing business on the international stage can seem daunting, but for many entrepreneurs, overseas expansion is a vital part of their business journey. 

     Books leaning on a bookshelf. The spines feature country names

    Becoming an exporter

    10 tips on selling overseas

    Taking the step to becoming an exporter is exciting, if a little daunting. These tips from the Department for International Trade (DIT) could help. 

    Workers at a fish market

    Understanding global trade

    Exports and international trade explained

    We answer some of the most commonly asked questions on exporting – and cut through the jargon.

     A small fruit shop in an exotic country

    International trade support

    Backing your business abroad

    Find out about the dedicated support, expert advice and banking services that could help make your business an international success.

    A woman sorting through boxes in a warehouse.

    Tips to start exporting

    Could it be time for you to start exporting?

    Simon Spinks, MD of Leeds-based luxury bed maker Harrison Spinks, discusses the importance of exporting.

    Road sign in an exotic location displaying country names

    Planning for Export Success

    Make sure you cover all the bases

    Becoming an exporter is a big step and along with the advantages there are potential challenges and risks. 

     Sun rising in the sky behind the wing of a plane

    Grow your export business

    Top tips for expanding overseas trade

    Some things to think about if you’re considering expanding your export business, and where you can get help and support. 

  • Managing your business
     Colleagues sitting around a table in the office having a meeting.

    Seven key skills for the evolving job market

    Preparing for the future

    Problem solving, leadership, adaptability and creativity head the core transferable skills employers look for in future, according to research from Barclays LifeSkills.

    Protecting your business idea

    Got a big idea? Find out how to protect it

    The Intellectual Property (IP) rights of your business determine the value of your idea, so a copyright, patent or trademark is essential.

    Two colleagues having a conversation in a server room.

    What does GDPR mean for your business?

    Complying with General Data Protection Regulation

    Is your business up to date with the EU’s unified framework of personal-data protection?

    A woman sitting down scrolling through an iPad.

    Embedding insights into your business

    The benefits of a data-driven strategy

    How the intelligent use of data in your business – and by your employees – can help you gain a competitive edge.

     A line of printed circuit boards

    Understand cybercrime and fraud risks

    Keep your business safe online

    Find out how to protect your business against impersonation fraud and invoice fraud, and help save yourself from loss of business and reputation damage.
    Explore our videos or watch our webinar.