A Cumbria-based legal firm has produced a handy guide for businesses planning for the future.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors have created the ‘Top 20 Tips for SMEs’ guide which focuses on practical steps small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can take.

Commenting on the guide, Sam Lyon, Head of Corporate and Commercial, said: “Government support, from furlough to business loans, has helped SMEs over the past 18 months. These schemes have injected money into businesses, have enabled businesses to pay their staff and have held off the squeeze that may follow for many. However, it is still a challenging market for SMEs.

“Our guide highlights the importance of ensuring you have enough cash in the business, the key things you need to do to look after your people and steps you should be taking with your customers.”

The guide highlights three key areas that businesses should focus on: their cash, their people and their customers.

Sam added: “Focusing on these three vital areas and making informed decisions will provide a platform for business to come out of this crisis in good shape and look to the future with confidence.”

Interested businesses can visit www.cartmells.co.uk to receive a copy or alternatively email terri.hope@cartmells.co.uk.