Small-Business Cash-Flow Forecast
Plan monthly receipts and payments, spot a cash shortfall early, and export the result. Example figures are loaded so you can see how the model works.
12-month cash in
£256,500
12-month cash out
£210,800
Lowest balance
£25,000
Opening
Ending balance
£70,700
| Month | Sales receipts | Other in | Payroll | Suppliers | Overheads | Tax / VAT | One-off | Net cash | Closing cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 26 | £3,600.00 | £28,600.00 | |||||||
| Oct 26 | £4,300.00 | £32,900.00 | |||||||
| Nov 26 | £1,600.00 | £34,500.00 | |||||||
| Dec 26 | £1,100.00 | £35,600.00 | |||||||
| Jan 27 | £3,300.00 | £38,900.00 | |||||||
| Feb 27 | £2,300.00 | £41,200.00 | |||||||
| Mar 27 | -£2,300.00 | £38,900.00 | |||||||
| Apr 27 | £6,300.00 | £45,200.00 | |||||||
| May 27 | £7,600.00 | £52,800.00 | |||||||
| Jun 27 | £2,800.00 | £55,600.00 | |||||||
| Jul 27 | £5,300.00 | £60,900.00 | |||||||
| Aug 27 | £9,800.00 | £70,700.00 |
Enter expected cash receipts and payments in the month money is expected to reach or leave the bank. Use negative numbers for refunds or reversals only where appropriate.
Closing cash by month
Download your forecast
CSV exports the figures currently shown above. The Excel workbook is a separate reusable template with formulas and an example scenario.
Build a forecast you can trust
Use cash timing
Put receipts in the month customers are expected to pay, not necessarily when you invoice. Put costs in the month the bank will actually be charged.
Include lumpy payments
Add VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, Self Assessment, annual insurance, equipment, loan repayments, dividends, and other one-off cash movements.
Run a downside case
Reduce sales, delay customer receipts, and increase a major cost. Keep a buffer above the lowest expected balance rather than planning to exactly zero.
Need a forecast linked to your accounts?
A management accountant can connect sales, debtors, payroll, VAT, tax, and financing into a rolling forecast.
Planning tool only. It does not calculate tax or VAT. Forecasts are estimates and should be updated against actual bank movements. See GOV.UK business-planning guidance.