Upcoming payroll changes, from minimum wage increases to pension contribution shifts and national insurance increases, will significantly impact small businesses. Many SMEs struggle to plan for payroll fluctuations, leading to cash flow problems, late payments, and staff dissatisfaction. The good news? Cash flow forecasting can help businesses prepare, ensuring they have the funds to cover payroll without unnecessary stress.
How payroll changes affect SME finances
Payroll costs are rising, and businesses that fail to prepare may find themselves facing financial difficulties. Here’s how different payroll changes can impact SME cash flow:
- Wage increases: The Government has confirmed another increase in the National Minimum Wage from April 2024. This puts additional pressure on SMEs, especially those operating with tight profit margins. Staying informed with upcoming payroll changes, such as minimum wage increases and tax adjustments, is crucial. Learn more about the latest payroll legislation updates for 2025 to prepare your business effectively.
- Tax and pension adjustments: Employers' National Insurance contributions and workplace pension schemes are subject to regular changes. If businesses don’t set aside funds in advance, they could be caught off guard.
- Irregular payroll costs: Bonuses, overtime, and temporary staff costs can be unpredictable. Without proper planning, these extra expenses can create short-term cash flow issues.
- Late payments and payroll issues: When cash flow is tight, payroll is often the first area to suffer. This can lead to missed wages, low staff morale, and potential legal consequences.
Payroll accounts for a significant portion of business expenses, so it’s essential to anticipate and plan for these changes.
Why cash flow forecasting is key to payroll stability
Many SMEs operate on tight cash flow cycles, making payroll a frequent source of stress. Cash flow forecasting provides clarity and control, allowing businesses to:
- Predict payroll impact: Accurate forecasting helps businesses see how wage increases, bonuses, or new hires will affect their cash flow.
- Prepare for tax and compliance shifts: Setting aside funds in advance for increased payroll taxes ensures businesses remain compliant.
- Prevent payroll delays: Instead of scrambling for cash at the last minute, businesses can ensure they always have the funds to pay staff on time.
- Support hiring decisions: If a business is considering expansion, forecasting can show whether it can afford to hire new employees without risking cash flow issues.
Proactive cash flow management helps businesses avoid unnecessary financial strain and ensures stability, even as payroll costs fluctuate.
How Futrli helps SMEs manage payroll cash flow
Managing payroll costs doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Futrli provides forecasting tools that help businesses and accountants stay ahead of payroll changes. Here’s how it works:
- Automated forecasting: Futrli tracks payroll trends and predicts future costs, removing the need for manual calculations.
- Scenario planning: Businesses can model different payroll scenarios, such as wage increases or changes in staff numbers, to see how they will impact cash flow.
- Integration with accounting software: Futrli syncs with real-time payroll data, ensuring forecasts are always based on the latest figures.
- Custom reports for payroll planning: Accountants and business owners can generate detailed reports to inform payroll decisions and prevent financial surprises.
With these features, businesses can plan ahead, minimise risks, and ensure payroll runs smoothly, even when costs rise.
Stay ahead of payroll costs with better forecasting
Payroll changes are inevitable, but financial stress doesn’t have to be. With the right forecasting tools, businesses can prepare for wage increases, tax adjustments, and other payroll-related costs.
So, how can you ensure you maintain the healthy cash flow you need? Download this cheat sheet that’ll show you in just four steps.