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.
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.
Using business savings accounts can help your business:
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.
When it comes to SME finance, the best strategy depends on your planning and business needs. Effective options are easy access, notice accounts and fixed-rate savings accounts, all designed to help UK SMEs maximise returns on surplus funds.
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 some flexibility while still earning more on your money.
Business notice accounts are low-risk and simple to manage online. 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.
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.
If you need the flexibility to access your business cash when you need it, an easy access account does just that. While you might not earn as much as a fixed-rate account, you’re trading the ability to get your funds as needed. For larger deposits, there are also Tiered options like Aldermore’s Easy Access Tiered account, where you can earn more on balances above £500,000.
Easy access accounts are best if you:
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, backed by trusted service and FSCS protection (subject to eligible deposits and limits).
Whether you’re focused on steady growth, funding innovation, or improving cash management, Aldermore helps you earn more while keeping things simple.
Put your surplus cash to work and discover the benefits of planning in a business that thinks ahead. Choose from Aldermore’s notice account, fixed-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.
Terms and Conditions apply. Please read the relevant summary box and Business Savings Terms and Conditions before opening an account.
* Research conducted by Opinium on behalf of Aldermore between 2nd - 11th April 2025