However profitable your SME is, there are likely to be occasions when you need a temporary cash boost – and a commercial loan could provide you with just that. However, if you want your loan application to be accepted, you'll need to be well-prepared.

Many people assume that private healthcare providers cover their costs with the money they receive from their patients or insurance companies. However, while that may be true for established businesses, it's not usually the case for start-ups – after all, you can't treat patients until you have the premises, equipment, and staff you need. So how can you raise enough money to get a private healthcare company off the ground?

In a world where we can apply for financial products online with ease, if you're a busy healthcare company owner looking for financing solutions, you might be tempted to head straight to your bank's website. However, using a specialist credit broker with healthcare industry experience could be a more beneficial option for your business. Here are some of the reasons why:

Whether you require a short-term cash boost to cover a sudden expense or a long-term solution to facilitate business growth, the world of business loans can be a confusing place. To make life easier, here's a rundown of some of the main types of loan provider that exist within the UK.

Whether you have plans to open a new medical practice, or are already running a business in the healthcare sector, forecasting for the future is essential. Particularly when starting a practice, there are significant upfront costs to consider in terms of acquiring property and equipment, paying staff and covering overheads and other operating expenses. Whichever stage your medical business is at, growth and development typically require readily available capital.

Deciding whether to buy or rent is an important decision when it comes to investing in your business. There are pros and cons to both and what is most suitable depends on a number of factors, such as your budget, the importance of location for your business and the stage of growth of your business. In this article, we set out the main advantages and disadvantages to help you make a well-considered choice.

Under UK law, property can be acquired as either freehold or leasehold and there are important differences to note between the two.

Houses are usually sold freehold, although leasehold houses are becoming more common in new build developments. Flats and office space are sold leasehold, as portions of a larger building. Commercial property is typically sold leasehold, unless you purchase an entire building. Purchasers intending to use a residential property for a commercial use may need to apply for change of use. It is important to note that leases running seven years or more need to be registered by the purchaser at the Land Registry and SDLT is payable.

Property investment has long been popular with those looking for long-term financial benefits as although, as with all investment types, there are risks involved, it's seen as one of the more stable markets. Recently, however, more and more investors have opted to set up limited companies and purchase properties through these firms. What are the benefits of this option and is it the right solution for you?

Business funding can be a tricky proposition for many service providers in the healthcare sector, due to the nature of cash flow, invoicing and NHS contracts. GPs, dentists and many NHS contractors operate as independently funded businesses, and must finance their operation in the same way as enterprises in other sectors, while being largely dependent on income from NHS contracts.

Disputes around boundary issues and defects are worryingly common and can lead to arduous legal battles. Many can be avoided by being aware of the causes and potential solutions to such disputes, and by going into each property investment fully informed of your contractual rights and responsibilities.