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For many UK SMEs, managing surplus cash effectively can transform dormant funds into a steady source of passive income. Instead of leaving money idle in your current account, your business can take advantage of competitive business savings accounts to maximise returns and strengthen financial resilience, all without adding extra work to your day.

 

With inflation and market uncertainty continuing to challenge even the most established SME businesses, it’s essential to find smarter, low-effort ways to help your cash grow safely. From notice accounts to fixed-rate savings, the right financial tools can help your business build security, stability, and a more predictable future.

 

Why passive income matters for UK SMEs

Generating passive income isn’t just about earning interest, it’s about business continuity planning and creating a stronger foundation for your business’s long-term success.

According to Aldermore research*, while UK businesses grew by an average of £183k last year, 12% saw no growth or even declined, That’s why it’s vital to make your surplus cash work harder for your SME capital and future plans.

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Using business savings accounts can help your business:

  • Increase working capital without adding operational workload
  • Protect your funds against inflation
  • Strengthen business continuity and financial resilience
  • Support business growth strategies and future investments

Even modest returns can make a real difference. For example, if your business holds £50,000 in a notice account earning 4% annually, that’s £2,000 in passive income, earned automatically, without changing how you run your business.

 

Business savings accounts in the UK: notice and fixed-rate options

When it comes to SME finance, the best strategy depends on your planning and business needs. Two of the most effective options are notice accounts and fixed-rate savings accounts, both designed to help UK SMEs maximise returns on surplus funds.

 

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Notice accounts for businesses

A notice account lets you make withdrawals after giving advance notice, for example, Aldermore’s 95-Day Notice Account. These notice account savings rates are often higher than easy access accounts, making them ideal if your business wants flexibility while still earning more on your money.

When notice accounts work best: 

  • Planning for tax payments or annual bills
  • Managing seasonal cashflow
  • Funding upcoming investments or business development initiatives

Business notice accounts are low-risk, FSCS-protected, and simple to manage online, offering a great balance between flexibility and return. If you’re wondering what is a notice account or which one to choose, explore the best notice savings account options from Aldermore to start earning more on your business cash.

 

Fixed-rate accounts for businesses 

If your business can plan further ahead, fixed-rate savings accounts can help you lock in higher, guaranteed returns, By committing funds for a set period, you’ll benefit from stable, predictable earnings and protection against rate changes.

Benefits of fixed-rate accounts:

  • Shield against interest rate fluctuations
  • Often higher yields than notice account or easy access business savings accounts
  • Support for long-term business planning and growth strategies

If flexibility is key, Aldermore also offers some of the best easy access business savings accounts, ideal for managing cashflow while still earning a competitive return.

 

Plan ahead and back your business to do more

Strong business planning is about balance, between flexibility, security, and growth. By using a mix of notice accounts and fixed-rate savings, SMEs can protect against uncertainty while taking advantage of every opportunity to grow their funds.

With Aldermore’s range of UK business savings accounts, your business can enjoy the best of both worlds, competitive notice account savings rates and attractive fixed-rate options, all backed by trusted service and FSCS protection.

Whether you’re focused on steady growth, funding innovation, or improving cash management, Aldermore helps you earn more while keeping things simple.

 

Start growing with Aldermore today

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Put your surplus cash to work and discover the benefits of planning in a business that thinks ahead. Choose from Aldermore’s notice accountfixed-rate savings, or easy access business savings accounts to maximise returns, strengthen resilience, and support future business growth.

For businesses with large deposits, we have a corporate deposits team that could help you build a bespoke solution to help you manage your liquidity effectively.

Explore Aldermore Business Savings Accounts now.


* Research conducted by Opinium on behalf of Aldermore between 2nd - 11th April 2025

T&Cs apply.