Bank finance

When choosing which bank to set up a business account with, it's a good idea to compare at least two before making a decision. You should consider the various services, fees and facilities that are on offer to enable you to find the best bank for your type of business.

When comparing banks, you should think about:

• whether the bank has a dedicated small business team
• what services they offer and how much they cost
• how charges are levied - if there is a fee per transaction or a one-off charge
• whether there are any additional charges - some banks charge for sending out letters or if you exceed your agreed overdraft limit
• whether there is a local branch - especially if you need to make frequent cash transactions
• if there are special offers for new businesses or for transferring from another bank
• whether they offer telephone or internet banking - especially if there is no branch local to you

Better Business Finance provides further information on business bank accounts.

You could also open a business account with your current bank if you are happy with their service - they may be supportive if you have a good financial track record and have built up a relationship with them.

Once you have chosen a bank, it is important to try and develop a good working relationship to get the most of its services. See how to choose and manage a business bank account.

Specialist banks

If your business operates in the charity or social enterprise sector - eg co-operatives, employee-owned businesses or social enterprises such as local healthcare or education initiatives - there are specialised social finance banks and other financial bodies that can provide finance.

Private banks

Private banks offer bespoke financial services and avoid packaged deals normally associated with high street banks. They generally have a diverse range of products and lending services that meet the individual demands of private individual and business clients - eg lending and deposits, investment and wealth management and savings.