The cash flow statement is a crucial financial statement for businesses to keep track of the cash which flows into the business and the cash which flows out of the business.

The cash flow statement shows how changes in balance sheet accounts can affect the cash which is available to a business. The projections help businesses especially when planning short-term goals or investments to see the available amount of cash available for those actions.

Cash flow projections also help businesses to understand the over-all viability of their business operations.

Most businesses prepare the cash flow statement on a monthly basis during their first one or two years and on a quarterly or annual basis later on.

1. Organise your invoicing and send out invoices faster by using online invoicing software.

2. Reduce your fixed costs: Renegotiate your rent and building expenses and check all your contracts for cheaper options: Mobile phones, phone lines, internet, insurance, energy suppliers.

3. Check the payment terms of your suppliers and pay your bills as late as possible to keep the money in your account as working capital.

4. Check if you might be under-charging your customers and think about increasing prices.

5. Reduce unnecessary inventory as dead-stock is wasted capital which can be used more wisely.