As a small business owner, few things are as scary and impactful to your business as cash flow problems. Cash flow problems can literally put a stop to business, and spell ruin if you don’t have a good plan in place. With that said, unfortunately cash flow problems aren’t unheard of, and for small businesses in particular who are struggling to succeed, they can happen quite quickly and easily.

If you’re in the process of trying to push your business forward, carve out that spot for yourself in the industry you reside, and truly make a name for yourself, then cash flow problems are the last thing you want to think about. Of course, ignoring the issue won’t help, so instead you want to have a few actionable steps in mind that you can take to help free up a little cash. Here’s a look at three of them.

Cut Down on Utility Costs

When it comes to operating costs for businesses, there is a whole lot that goes into the mix. What this means is that it can be a great place to look for potential savings. Utility expenses are necessary for your business to operate, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a fixed price. Did you know that you can actually shop around and potentially find a cheaper provider?

Utility Bidder Limited was created to save companies time and money by finding them the best utility prices on the UK market in a matter of minutes. As an energy broker, they will be able to work with you to find a way to save money on your utility bills by reducing what you are paying for electricity and gas. You will be assigned an account manager who will look after all the paperwork, and then set up your new contract.

Get a Handle on the Accounts Receivable Department

Now is also the time to get a handle on the accounts receivable department. Not only do you want to send out invoices in a timely manner, but you want to be sure you are following up on any outstanding accounts so you can collect payment. Sometimes the problem is a lack of organisation, or not having a proper billing, tracking, and reminder system in place. If that’s the case, there is dedicated software that can help with all of these issues and make your life much easier.

Tighten Up the Inventory

You also want to be sure you’re not carrying too much inventory or the wrong items in inventory. Again, this is where tracking and statistics can paint a telling picture. If you’ve got products that just aren’t selling and moving, it’s time to stop carrying them and clear them out, even if that means at a discounted rate. Instead, focus on the items that are in demand and move fast.

Free Up a Little Extra Cash

By using these tips and techniques, you’ll start to see a rather quick improvement where cash flow is concerned, which will prompt you to keep it up.