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1.Best Practices for a Successful Asset Based Lending Audit[Original Blog]

Asset based lending (ABL) is a type of financing that allows businesses to borrow money based on the value of their assets, such as inventory, accounts receivable, machinery, and equipment. ABL can provide a flexible and cost-effective source of capital for businesses that need to improve their cash flow, expand their operations, or fund acquisitions. However, ABL also comes with certain risks and challenges, such as the need to maintain adequate collateral coverage, comply with financial covenants, and undergo periodic audits by the lender. An ABL audit is a process of verifying the quality and quantity of the borrower's assets, as well as the accuracy and completeness of the borrower's financial records and reporting. An ABL audit can be conducted by the lender's internal staff, an external accounting firm, or a specialized ABL audit firm. The frequency and scope of the ABL audit may vary depending on the terms of the loan agreement, the performance of the borrower, and the risk profile of the industry.

To ensure a successful ABL audit, the borrower should follow some best practices that can help them prepare for the audit, minimize disruptions to their business operations, and avoid potential issues or disputes with the lender. Here are some of the best practices that the borrower should consider:

1. Plan ahead and communicate with the lender and the auditor. The borrower should be aware of the timing and expectations of the ABL audit, and communicate with the lender and the auditor in advance to confirm the audit schedule, the audit scope, the audit procedures, and the audit deliverables. The borrower should also designate a point of contact who will be responsible for coordinating with the lender and the auditor, and providing them with the necessary information and access to the borrower's premises, assets, and records. The borrower should also inform their staff, customers, and suppliers about the audit and seek their cooperation and support.

2. Organize and update the borrower's records and documentation. The borrower should maintain accurate and complete records and documentation of their assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and transactions, and ensure that they are consistent with the lender's reporting requirements and the loan agreement. The borrower should also update their records and documentation regularly and reconcile any discrepancies or errors. The borrower should prepare and provide the auditor with the following documents, among others, depending on the audit scope and procedures:

- A detailed aging report of the accounts receivable, showing the invoice date, due date, payment date, and balance for each customer account.

- A detailed inventory report, showing the quantity, description, location, and cost of each inventory item, as well as the inventory valuation method, the inventory turnover ratio, and the inventory obsolescence reserve.

- A detailed fixed asset register, showing the description, location, acquisition date, acquisition cost, depreciation method, depreciation rate, accumulated depreciation, and net book value of each fixed asset.

- A detailed list of accounts payable, showing the invoice date, due date, payment date, and balance for each supplier account.

- A detailed list of other liabilities, such as loans, leases, taxes, and accruals, showing the principal amount, interest rate, payment terms, and balance for each liability.

- A detailed list of sales and purchase orders, showing the order date, delivery date, quantity, price, and status for each order.

- A detailed list of cash receipts and disbursements, showing the date, amount, source, and destination for each transaction.

- A detailed list of bank accounts, showing the account number, bank name, opening balance, closing balance, and bank reconciliation for each account.

- A detailed list of intercompany transactions, showing the date, amount, nature, and purpose for each transaction.

- A detailed list of any exceptions, adjustments, or disputes related to the borrower's assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, or transactions, showing the date, amount, reason, and resolution for each item.

3. Conduct a self-audit and address any issues or concerns. The borrower should conduct a self-audit before the ABL audit to identify and resolve any issues or concerns that may affect the quality and quantity of their assets, or the accuracy and completeness of their records and reporting. The borrower should also review their compliance with the financial covenants and the collateral coverage ratios, and take corrective actions if needed. The borrower should document and disclose any issues or concerns to the lender and the auditor, and provide them with the evidence and explanation of the resolution. The borrower should also be prepared to answer any questions or requests from the lender and the auditor, and provide them with additional information or clarification if needed.

4. Cooperate and collaborate with the lender and the auditor. The borrower should cooperate and collaborate with the lender and the auditor throughout the ABL audit process, and provide them with the information and access they need in a timely and professional manner. The borrower should also be respectful and courteous to the lender and the auditor, and avoid any conflicts or confrontations. The borrower should also be open and honest with the lender and the auditor, and avoid any misrepresentation or manipulation of their assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, or transactions. The borrower should also seek feedback and suggestions from the lender and the auditor, and implement any recommendations or improvements that can enhance their ABL performance and relationship.

By following these best practices, the borrower can ensure a successful ABL audit that can benefit both the borrower and the lender. A successful ABL audit can help the borrower to secure and maintain their ABL financing, improve their cash flow and liquidity, optimize their asset utilization and management, and strengthen their financial reporting and controls. A successful ABL audit can also help the lender to verify and protect their collateral value, monitor and mitigate their credit risk, enhance their loan servicing and recovery, and foster their trust and confidence in the borrower.

State funds, private equity, venture capital, and institutional lending all have their role in the lifecycle of a high tech startup, but angel capital is crucial for first-time entrepreneurs. Angel investors provide more than just cash; they bring years of expertise as both founders of businesses and as seasoned investors.


2.The Financials[Original Blog]

A successful business plan must include detailed financial information. This information will include your start-up costs, operating expenses, income projections, and how you plan to use your financial resources. Your financial information must be well researched and accurate.

Start-up Costs: Include a detailed list of all the costs associated with starting your business. These costs can include legal fees, permits, licenses, equipment, inventory, and leasehold improvements. Be sure to include all one-time costs as well as recurring costs.

Operating Expenses: Include a detailed list of all the costs associated with operating your business on a day-to-day basis. These costs can include rent, utilities, salaries, insurance, and marketing. Be sure to include all fixed and variable costs.

Income Projections: Include detailed income projections for your business. These projections should be based on realistic assumptions and should cover at least the first year of operations. Be sure to include all sources of revenue, such as product sales, services, and grants.

Financial Resources: Include a detailed list of all the financial resources you will use to fund your business. These resources can include personal savings, loans, and investments. Be sure to include the amount of each resource and the terms of repayment.

The financial section of your business plan is one of the most important sections. This section will provide potential investors with the information they need to make an informed decision about investing in your business. Be sure to include all the required information and present it in a clear and concise manner.


3.Record Keeping Requirements for AIA[Original Blog]

When it comes to claiming Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), businesses must keep accurate records to support their claim. This is because HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) may ask to see evidence that the AIA has been correctly claimed, and it's important to have all the necessary information to hand. Record keeping requirements for AIA can be a complex topic, but it's essential for businesses to understand the rules to avoid any issues with HMRC.

Here are some important points to keep in mind when it comes to record keeping requirements for AIA:

1. Keep a detailed list of assets - To claim AIA, you must have purchased assets for use in your business. It's important to keep a detailed list of all the assets you have purchased, including the date of purchase, the cost, and a description of the item. This information should be stored securely and easily accessible in case HMRC requests to see it.

2. Keep invoices and receipts - In addition to a detailed list of assets, you should also keep all invoices and receipts related to the purchase of assets. This will help to support your claim for AIA and ensure that you have all the necessary information to hand if HMRC requests this.

3. Understand what can and can't be claimed - While the AIA can be used to claim tax relief on a wide range of assets, there are some exceptions. For example, you can't claim AIA on cars, assets that have been gifted to the business, or assets that have been previously owned by the business. Make sure you understand the rules around what can and can't be claimed to avoid any issues with HMRC.

4. Keep records for at least 4 years - HMRC may request to see records relating to AIA for up to 4 years after the end of the relevant tax year. It's important to keep accurate records for this period to ensure that you have all the necessary information to hand if HMRC requests to see it.

Keeping accurate records is essential when it comes to claiming AIA. By following the rules around record keeping requirements, businesses can ensure that they have all the necessary information to hand and avoid any issues with HMRC.

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