Knowledge that builds stronger businesses

Better financial decisions. Stronger businesses.

The u3man Business Finance Institute teaches established UK companies how to manage cash, supplier terms and financial reporting, and how to understand the funding options that exist in the market.

Download the free handbook

Independent education. Practical notes. No product application.

Growth is rarely short of orders. It is often short of a plan for cash.

  • Suppliers ask to be paid before customers have settled.
  • A larger contract needs stock, people or materials before the invoice is paid.
  • Overheads rise as the company expands.
  • Directors are making decisions without a current cash forecast.

The programme

Ten subjects. One standard: useful in the business, not only in a classroom.

  1. 01

    Cash flow and working capital

    Where cash sits in the business, and why a profitable company can still run short.

  2. 02

    Supplier terms

    How payment arrangements with suppliers affect the gap between spending and being paid.

  3. 03

    Business credit, as a subject

    What different facilities are for, and what a funder usually asks to see. General education, not an offer.

  4. 04

    Financial reporting

    The management figures directors should be able to read during the year, not only at year end.

  5. 05

    Growth and expansion

    The extra cash a new contract, site or hire can demand before customers pay.

  6. 06

    Customer payments

    How to keep a clear record of what is owed, and how long it takes to arrive.

  7. 07

    Financial risk

    Customer concentration, supplier dependence, and the questions to ask before a shock arrives.

  8. 08

    Tax timing

    How VAT and corporation tax dates affect cash, in plain language.

  9. 09

    Finance administration

    How clearer invoicing and regular reporting reduce avoidable mistakes.

  10. 10

    Longer-term planning

    A twelve-month review of terms, forecasts and the questions the board should settle.

Education you can use on Monday.

01

Understand

Learn how money moves through an established business.

02

Evaluate

Compare the current position with the options the handbook describes.

03

Implement

Put a forecast, a supplier review and a monthly report into the diary.

04

Grow

Use that record when the business takes on more work.

  • Owners and managing directors
  • Finance directors and controllers
  • Procurement and operations leads
  • Commercial teams preparing for expansion

Free handbook

10 strategies to strengthen your business finances.

The Business Finance & Growth Handbook is the Institute’s first file. It covers working capital, supplier terms, how funding is usually assessed, customer payments, forecasts and a twelve-month review.

Business contact details are required. They are emailed to the Institute so we know who received the file. The handbook is education. It is not an application for finance.