Cash flow positivity
How UK SMEs are building resilience
Most businesses face months when money goes out faster than it comes in. The difference isn't just revenue - it's visibility, runway and having the right tools ready before you need them.
Short runways and delayed payments: this is normal
28%
of businesses have 2 months or less of cash reserves
3 in 5
have more money going out than coming in for 6+ months of the year
1 in 5
forecast cash flow annually
or never
Annual plans are made with the best intentions, but the outlook for a small business can change in a heartbeat. When changes happen, cash flow resilience is the difference between a business at the mercy of unforeseen change and one that's ready for it.
Seema Desai, Chief Operations Officer at iwoca
What Accountants see in resilient businesses
The most important resilient business habit is cash flow forecasting. Ideally, a 13-week forecast - the picture changes substantially in that timeframe. It's essential and must be updated.
Gregory Taylor
Partner and Head of Banking & Finance, MHA
Financial resilience is all about being able to meet your commitments as they fall due. True resilience involves having a runway. It's about being able to withstand a hit - a delayed payment or a bad debt - without it derailing your operations.
Mark Barrie
Head of Debt Advisory, Azets
Where does your business stand?
We surveyed 1,005 UK businesses across England, Scotland and Wales in December 2025 to understand how SMEs manage runway, visibility and funding access.
Now you can see how your business compares.
Answer a few questions about your cash reserves, forecasting habits and funding readiness. You'll see where you sit compared to other businesses in your region and sector.
We’ve funded 100,000 businesses across UK and DE
