What If My Business Runs Out of Cash? 5 Signs to Act On Now

A cashflow crisis rarely happens overnight. In this article, we highlight the red flags that indicate trouble ahead and explain the steps you can take now to protect your business.

You Have Paid the Team, But the Account is Almost Empty

It is Friday. Payroll has gone through, the team has been paid, and several suppliers are waiting for their money. You log in to your business account and see a balance that makes your stomach turn. More invoices are due soon, but the cash is simply not there.

You have been busy managing staff, customers, and operations. The numbers have been in the background, until now. In that moment, everything feels unstable.

If this resonates with you, you are not alone. Many business owners only realise they are running out of cash when it becomes urgent. But in most cases, there are earlier signals, if you know where to look.

At Wright Vigar, we work with ambitious business owners to identify these signals early, take decisive action, and build stronger, more resilient financial foundations.

Why Most Business Owners Miss the Warning Signs

Running a business is intense. You are making decisions constantly, hiring, quoting, delivering, solving. It is not that you are ignoring the finances. It is simply that with so much going on, cashflow can become an afterthought.

But here is the reality: most cashflow issues do not happen in a single moment. They build up over time, slowly and silently. That is why recognising the early indicators of a cash shortage is so valuable.

When you do not spot these signs in time, you are forced into reactive choices, often costly ones. Late payments, emergency loans, missed tax deadlines, and even reputational damage with suppliers or staff.

5 Common Red Flags You Cannot Ignore

Here are five of the most common business cash flow warning signs we see in small and growing businesses:

1. Relying on Credit Cards or Overdrafts to Pay Bills

Short-term borrowing can be useful in emergencies, but when it becomes routine, it is usually a sign that cash inflows are falling short of what is going out. This puts the business at risk when any unexpected delay or expense occurs.

2. Customers Are Taking Longer to Pay and It Is Not Being Chased

A growing debtor list means your money is tied up in unpaid invoices. If customers are regularly late in paying, or you are not following up promptly, this can have a major impact on available cash.

Tip: Use cloud accounting tools to automate invoice reminders and track overdue accounts.

3. Lack of Visibility Beyond the Next Few Weeks

If you cannot see past the current month when it comes to bills and income, you are operating without a roadmap. Without a short-term forecast, you may not see risks such as upcoming tax payments or seasonal slowdowns.

A simple 12-week rolling forecast can bring clarity and control.

4. Delayed Payments to HMRC or Suppliers

Late VAT returns, missed PAYE payments, or delays with suppliers are more than administrative slips, they are usually signs of underlying cash flow pressure. These delays can lead to penalties, loss of trust, or even damage to supplier relationships.

5. Hesitation to Invest, Even When Opportunities Arise

If you are passing up new contracts, delaying recruitment, or avoiding marketing spend because the cash situation is unclear, the issue may be deeper than caution. A fragile cash position can lead to missed opportunities and stalled growth.

What to Do If You Are Already Struggling

If you are already feeling the pressure, now is the time to act. There is no shame in facing cash flow issues, what matters is how quickly you respond.

At Wright Vigar, we take a clear, supportive, and proactive approach to help business owners regain control.

Start with a Cashflow Health Check

We begin by assessing your inflows, outflows, and financial obligations. This helps us pinpoint the real pressure points and the quick wins.

Build a Short-Term Cash Forecast

A 12-week forecast gives visibility and options. Together, we can model different scenarios, such as late payments or large one-off expenses, so you can plan with confidence.

Review Your Payment Terms and Cash Collection Process

Are your credit terms too generous? Are reminders being sent out on time? With the right systems in place, collecting money can become faster and simpler.

Explore Finance or Restructuring Options

In some cases, restructuring existing debt or accessing new facilities can improve cash flow significantly. We can guide you through this process and help you understand the options available.

Plan for the Unexpected

We work with you to create contingency plans, build cash reserves, and prepare for various “what if” scenarios, so you are never caught off guard again.

The Outcome: Peace of Mind, Greater Control, and Real Growth

When your cashflow is steady:

• You make clear-headed decisions rather than reactive ones
• You avoid penalties and last-minute borrowing
• You seize growth opportunities with confidence
• You reduce financial stress and improve long-term resilience

This is not just about survival. It is about building a business that works, even when times are uncertain.

At Wright Vigar, our role is not just to advise. It is to support, guide and strengthen your business with expertise and empathy.

Ready to Take Control of Your Cashflow?

If any of these signs of cash flow problems sound familiar, we are here to help. We offer practical, friendly support and expert insight to help you get ahead of the pressure.

Speak to our team today to discuss your cashflow problems