Whilst bank lending to businesses is slowly on the up, in this Business Finance Bulletin we look at the latest statistics from the Finance and Leasing Association which reveal that the Asset Finance sector is on a roll.

Carrying too much stock can tie up cashflow which can be better employed within the business. We look at research from the Asset Based Finance Association which highlights exactly how much cash SMEs have invested in unsold stock.

Another drain on cashflow is of course late payment. A new report from the Federation of Small Businesses is calling for more action on tackling the late payment endemic.

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In this Business Finance Bulletin episode, we start off with news from Funding Circle of a £100m facility from the European Investment Bank for onward lending to UK small businesses. The facility will sit alongside an investment to be made by Funding Circle’s SME Income Fund.

Another growing source of alternative finance is that of asset finance. We look at the latest figures from the Asset Based Finance Association which reveal that facilities extended to small businesses over the last 12 months have dramatically increased.

Cash is the lifeblood of all businesses and a survey from audit and taxation consultants RSM has found that businesses can release cash trapped in their business by better management of day-to-day working capital. I share one key working capital component where cash can often get stuck. In the Bulletin I also reference another video in which I share how you can calculate your Stock Turnover Ratio – a useful tool to spot when your stock is getting ‘stuck’.

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In this episode of the Business Finance Bulletin we start off with findings from a recent survey carried out by Wesleyan Bank which reveals that a large proportion of small businesses now have an aversion to debt. The report also lists the common sources of finance businesses are turning to.

The Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme has been around for a number of years and following a review we look at suggestions made by the British Business Bank on how the scheme can be improved.

Late payment is a big barrier to growth, particularly for small businesses and this fact is highlighted in a new report from the Asset Based Finance Association. The report reveals a significant gap in experiences between small and large businesses.

We also take a look at a new app launched by Nat West designed to help its small businesses gain a better understanding of borrowing options.

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week, a question you should ask yourself before you go looking for finance.

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In the latest episode of the Business Finance Bulletin, news from Santander on its collaboration with online lending platform Kabbage. The alliance will allow Santander’s small business customers to apply for loans online to speed up the lending process and is a nod to the success of the online lending revolution.

The government’s plan to help alternative finance providers has been boosted by banks now being required to share borrower credit information with three credit reference agencies. This increased transparency will allow alternative lenders to make more informed decisions when supporting small businesses.

The asset-based finance industry continues to go from strength to strength with the latest figures from the Asset Based Finance Association showing continued growth in 2015.

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week, why you should be negotiating with your suppliers to ensure you get the best deal and tips from negotiation expert Derek Arden on negotiating with your bank.

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In the latest Business Finance Bulletin episode Business Loan Services’ Rob Warlow takes a look at a recent survey carried out by short-term business loan provider Just Cashflow on business owners skills gaps and what they wished they had known when they first started out in business.

Late payment continues to be a problem for growing businesses and Rob shares findings from two surveys carried out by BACS and the Asset Based Finance Association which reveal a mixture of good news and bad news on late payment experiences.

There is news from Metro Bank, one of the growing number of challenger banks, on the revamp of its small business offering.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob shares insights into problems some of the Business Loan Services’ clients have experienced in terms of their credit reports which are vital when it comes to obtaining business finance.

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