In calm times an annual budget is fine. In difficulty it is too slow and too abstract. A rolling cash-flow forecast is the instrument you steer by when every week matters.
What a rolling forecast is
It is a simple week-by-week projection of cash in and cash out, usually looking 13 weeks ahead, updated every week with what actually happened. It shows you the low points before you hit them.
Why it beats a static budget
A budget set months ago cannot see the late debtor or the surprise bill. A rolling forecast absorbs reality each week, so it warns you of a shortfall in time to act — move a payment, chase an invoice, arrange support.
Keep it honest and simple
A spreadsheet is enough. The value is in updating it and being honest about timing — when money will really arrive, not when it is due. An accurate rough forecast beats a precise fantasy.
See the step-by-step build in the guide below, then use it to talk to creditors early.
We lend only to UK limited companies and LLPs, and the loan is to the company with no director personal guarantee. As business finance outside the consumer-credit regime, it is not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or FSCS.
See also: Building a thirteen-week cashflow forecast, How to build a simple cashflow forecast when under pressure, How to build a simple cash-flow forecast to stay ahead.