Today is the day the Bank of England issues the new polymer £5 notes; business owners are being urged to familiarise themselves with the new fiver.

The Bank of England has prepared a number of documents to help retailers understand how to authenticate the new notes, including photographs and a Q&A sheet.

Polymer £5 notes will be available from September 13, with paper £5 notes due to be withdrawn from circulation in May next year.

The Bank of England’s educational materials for retailers can be found here.