Launching a business is an intimidating prospect for the majority of potential entrepreneurs, but learning how to manage and understand finances may see a fledgling firm succeed.

Putting together a budget can start off being a simple task that becomes increasingly more complex when you add in the many different variables. You may start off thinking in terms of in-goings and out-goings, but within these broad categories are many factors that can be used to paint a picture of your present and future financial success. If you have previously delved into accounts, you are likely to be aware of jargon associated with the economics of running a business. But if not, we can help with that - why not have a look at our range of finance for non finance managers courses?

These daunting terms simply define different aspects of your company's worth, meaning a greater understanding of them may help you see the financial performance of your firm with greater clarity. Training courses featuring this kind of subject matter are an ideal starting point for those who are setting up their own firm, in addition to employees in charge of accounts. Workshops can give an overview of the most common terms that give an impression of the economic health of your organisation, as well as other indicators.

An important area that is often covered in sessions of this nature are financial ratios. These compare different figures so you are able to diagnose any problems. In addition, they tend to be requested by others who may be interested in investing in your firm or supplying loans. Learning more about these statistics is a great way of boosting understanding regarding the financial directions that may need to take place.

For example, if you are applying for a loan you could benefit from working out your liquidity ratio. This is a way of finding out how likely your firm is able to pay back short-term financing. There are several ways of calculating this with all of them comparing your assets to the money your business owns. Some aspects of this ratio compare the most liquid assets you own as these can be more easily claimed should your liabilities become unmanageable.

Another method for working out this figure, is to compare the amount the company owns with all your assets, including your inventory, which includes those goods that are ready to be sold. Figuring out this ratio may cast light on the likelihood of you getting a loan and what amount you can aim for. Establishing the profitability of you company is also possible via financial ratios.

Different equations falling under this category look at your goods and assets and the income generated by them, which can clarify whether you need to make adjustments in certain areas in order to boost profits. For instance, your gross profit margin tells you how much money you have made from sales of goods after their cost has been taken into account. In addition, you may like to take a look at the return on assets calculation, which can give you an indication how your firm's assets are being utilised to bring in cash.

Another area that is explored by using ratios is the financial leverage of your organisation. Equations generate a host of figures that look at your future solvency rates, supplying you with an impression of the potential success or possible failure of your company. These involve comparing your debts with your assets in order to work out a debt ratio, which can help highlight future issues that could be avoided with swift action.