As summer draws to a close, many businesses begin preparing for one of the busiest trading periods of the year. September often marks the return of full operations, increased customer demand and renewed business activity after the quieter holiday months. Completing your cash flow checks befor September can ensure your finances are ready to support this increase in activity and give you greater confidence heading into Autumn.

While it’s easy to focus on sales and growth opportunities, taking time to review your cash flow before September can make a significant difference to your financial stability. Healthy cash flow gives your business the confidence to invest, pay suppliers on time, meet financial commitments and respond to new opportunities without unnecessary pressure. 

Rather than waiting until cash flow becomes a problem, a proactive review now can help identify potential issues early and put practical measures in place before they affect your business. 

Here are seven essential cash flow checks every business should complete before September.

1. Review Your Cash Flow Forecast 

Your cash flow forecast provides a clear picture of the money expected to come into and leave your business over the coming weeks and months. It’s one of the most valuable financial planning tools available. 

Take the time to update your forecast with: 

• Expected customer payments 

• Supplier invoices 

• Payroll costs 

• Tax obligations 

• Seasonal changes in income 

• Planned investments or purchases 

An accurate forecast helps identify periods where cash may become tight, giving you time to take action before problems arise.

2. Chase Outstanding Customer Payments 

Outstanding invoices remain one of the biggest causes of cash flow pressure for UK businesses. 

Before September arrives, review your sales ledger and identify any overdue accounts. The longer invoices remain unpaid, the less likely they are to be settled promptly. 

Consider: 

• Sending payment reminders 

• Contacting customers directly 

• Agreeing realistic payment arrangements where appropriate 

• Escalating long-overdue debts before they continue to age 

Recovering money that is already owed to your business is often one of the quickest ways to improve working capital without increasing sales.

3. Check Upcoming Tax Liabilities 

Unexpected tax bills can place significant pressure on cash flow if they haven’t been planned for. 

Review your upcoming financial obligations, including: 

• VAT payments 

• PAYE and National Insurance 

• Corporation Tax 

• Self Assessment payments (where applicable) 

Setting aside funds in advance helps ensure these liabilities don’t disrupt your day-to-day operations or force difficult financial decisions later in the year.

4. Review Your Regular Business Costs 

Costs can gradually increase over time without businesses noticing. 

September is a good opportunity to review your regular expenditure and ask whether every outgoing still provides value. 

Look at areas such as: 

• Software subscriptions 

• Utility contracts 

• Insurance policies 

• Professional services 

• Marketing spend 

• Supplier agreements 

Even small savings across multiple areas can have a meaningful impact on cash flow over the course of a year. 

If your business carries stock, it’s also worth reviewing inventory levels. Excess stock ties up valuable cash that could be used elsewhere within the business.

5. Review Your Financing and Credit Facilities 

If your business relies on overdrafts, loans or other finance facilities, now is the time to understand exactly what support is available. 

Review: 

• Current borrowing limits 

• Interest rates 

• Repayment schedules 

• Available credit facilities 

Knowing your financial position before you need additional funding provides greater flexibility if unexpected opportunities or challenges arise during the autumn months.

6. Check Your Upcoming Financial Commitments 

Looking ahead is just as important as reviewing current finances. 

Consider any significant commitments due over the next three to six months, including: 

• Large supplier payments 

• Equipment purchases 

• Recruitment plans 

• Annual licence renewals 

• Insurance renewals 

• Seasonal increases in staffing 

Planning for these commitments early allows you to budget effectively and reduce the risk of cash shortages. 

It’s also worth reviewing your profit margins to ensure your products and services remain commercially viable, particularly if your operating costs have increased during the year.

7. Review Your Payment Terms 

Your payment terms have a direct impact on cash flow. 

If you’re routinely waiting 60 or 90 days to be paid, your business could be funding customers for longer than necessary. 

Review whether your terms remain appropriate by considering: 

• Whether invoices are issued immediately after work is completed 

• Whether payment terms should be shortened for new customers 

• Whether deposits or staged payments could improve cash flow 

• Whether customers consistently pay within agreed terms 

Strong credit control processes help ensure invoices are paid promptly and reduce the likelihood of debts becoming overdue. 

Small Cash Flow Checks Today Can Prevent Bigger Problems Tomorrow 

Cash flow is one of the clearest indicators of a business’s financial health, yet many organisations only review it when challenges arise. 

Completing these seven simple cash flow checks before September can help you strengthen your financial position, improve visibility over future cash movements and reduce the risk of unexpected financial pressures during the busy autumn period. 

A proactive approach allows you to make informed decisions, protect working capital and build greater resilience for whatever the months ahead may bring. 

Need Support Strengthening Your Cash Flow? 

At Darcey Quigley & Co, we work with businesses every day to improve cash flow through effective credit control and commercial debt recovery. If you need help recovering overdue invoices, our team is here to help. 

Don’t wait for cash flow problems to develop. Speak to Darcey Quigley & Co today and take proactive steps towards a stronger, more resilient business. 

For more news, tips and information on how professional debt recovery can support your business, follow Darcey Quigley & Co on LinkedIn!