YOUR BUSINESS _ AUTUMN 2024 5 A WORD FROM JAMES CAAN Our guest editor introduces the autumn issue 40 11 EDITOR'S LETTER A warm welcome to the latest edition 20 THE JAMES CAAN INTERVIEW James on the current challenges facing SMEs 26 JAMES CAAN ON AI James on why you must embrace the new tech 36 LET'S TALK STATS The year in facts and figures for SMEs 40 10 STEPS TO LAUNCH Top tips for starting your business 44 THE FSB AWARDS Celebrating small business excellence 50 FINANCE YOUR BUSINESS How to raise funds to launch or expand 60 FINANCIAL PLANNING Why it pays to have a roadmap 68 PAYMENT SOLUTIONS Make it easy for people to pay you 76 CRYPTOCURRENCY EXPLAINED Should your business be getting involved? 82 ACCOUNTANCY Managing your money, plus cloud accountancy 94 TAX SOLUTIONS Understanding the available breaks 98 FUTUREPROOFING Helping you ride the waves of change 104 BUSINESS INSURANCE Protection against life's uncertainties 108 LEGAL MATTERS The importance of getting the right advice 112 BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Ways to save on the basics 120 OUTSOURCING & VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS Manage your admin the smart way 126 LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN Effective storage and delivery 15 126 70