Posts Tagged ‘access to finance’

Avoiding Another Credit Crunch; Dramatic Fall in Asset Finance Demand; and CBILS & Bounce Back Loan Usage

Posted on: August 10th, 2020 by blsuser1 No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Finance Bulletin

Opening this Business Finance Bulletin, fears of another Credit Crunch are mounting with the Bank of England calling on banks to play their part in meeting funding needs as business start gearing back up.

The latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association reveal how demand for Asset Finance facilities has dramatically fallen over the last quarter. We look at the two factors which are driving this decline.

To close, a review of which areas of the UK have taken the most CBILS and Bounce Back Loans, and the latest figures on how many loans have been accessed by businesses in need of finance.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Google, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Business Finance Bulletin · Avoiding Another Credit Crunch; Fall in Asset Finance Demand; and CBILS & Bounce Back Loan Usage

You can also read the Transcript of this Bulletin below.

Business Finance Bulletin for Week of 10th August 2020

The Bank of England calls on banks to help avoid another credit crunch; economic woes are affecting demand for Asset Finance ; and the areas and sectors in the UK that are using CBILS and Bounce Bank loans; all of this in the latest Business Finance Bulletin.

Calls to Avoid Another Credit Crunch

In a previous bulletin I mentioned that I had concerns that we may be seeing another credit crunch by the tail end of this year, and certainly in 2021. Well, it seems that the Bank of England also have similar concerns.

One of the many committees the Bank of England has is the Financial Policy Committee. That committee has responsibility to monitor and oversee risks that the UK economy could face. The latest committee report has suggested they are concerned that banks may not be there to meet the cash requirements of UK businesses.

The committee estimates that there’s probably going to be about £200 billion demand for finance as businesses come out of lockdown and start growing again. One concern is that the banks may not be there to meet that demand. Now, the committee recognises that the banks have done extremely well in supporting businesses before and during lockdown, with an estimated £70 billion of net borrowing distributed; net borrowing, means new money lent out, less money’s paid back.

Of course there are alternative sources of finance. And one thing that popped up last week, IWOCA, an alternative cashflow lender has tapped into a £100 million of funding. It has gone to all of the UK banks and said, “If you’re not happy to support your clients, we further them over to us.” We can see that the alternative finance sector is already stepping into the gap that perhaps may be left by the banks. Interesting developments, so watch this space in order to make sure that you are ahead of the game when it comes to raising finance,

That’s a huge slug of money, primarily sourced via CBILs and Bounce Back Loans. However, with this £200 billion gap, the Bank of England wants to make sure that the banks are there to meet that demand. They are concerned that with insolvencies going to be on the increase, the banks are going to be faced with even bigger losses and therefore will contract and step back from the market in order to conserve their capital. Obviously the Bank of England doesn’t want that, so it’s making an early call to banks to say, “Hey banks, we’re watching you. We want you to be out there supporting UK businesses in 2021”.

Fall in Demand for Asset Finance

Let’s move on now to demand for finance and interesting figures out from the Finance and Leasing Association. Its members are responsible for issuing facilities such as HP and leasing to finance the purchase of capital and machinery.

The figures are for June 2020 and in the month of June, 2020, compared to the month of June, 2019, the total volumes of business written by that sector was down by 41%. That just shows how big the change in the market has been. If we look at the first six months of 2020 versus the first six months of 2019 there, the drop in the volume of business was down by 32%. If we look at the last quarter, the second quarter of 2020 versus the second quarter of 2019, the drop has been a massive 49% in terms of volumes of business written, yes, nearly 50% drop.

What’s driving this?

There are two things. First of all, it’s lack of investment appetite amongst businesses. Many of them are very cautious at the moment, sitting back and watching the market and really don’t want to commit to any capital expenditure at the moment. However, on the other side, we’ve also got many businesses which do want to invest, and instead of obtaining finance have said that they are going to use funds, released via Bounce Bank loans, and CBILs loans. Yes, they’re going to use cash instead of using finance facilities. So, two things at play here.

CBILS and Bounce Back Loan Updates

Closing this week’s Bulletin, our usual look at what’s going on in the CBILs and Bounce Back Loan market. Now, before I take my usual look at the number of facilities drawn, I want to review a report issued by the British Business Bank, which focuses on areas and also sectors that have accessed these government loan support schemes.

First of all, CBILs loans outside of London and the Southeast, where many of businesses are based, it’s businesses based in the East of England that have taken out the most CBILs loans. In terms of Bounce Back Loans, again, excluding London and the Southeast, it’s businesses based in the Northwest, who’ve taken out the largest number of Bounce Back loans. If we look across the UK in terms of where businesses are registered and who’s accessed loans, it’s quite evenly spread and the numbers kind of match each other. It’s good to see a good even spread of businesses accessing support.

In terms of what’s going on in the scheme, figures to the 2nd of August have been released and in total, the amount accessed via the scheme now stands at £50.7 billion. How does this break down? In terms of Bounce Back loans, the number of loans distributed stand at 1,135,575 with £34.3 billion issued, at an approval rate of 82%.

In terms of CBILs loans, the number of loans distributed stands at 58,595 with £13.1 billion issued with an approval rate of 49%, a slight dip on the kind of average of 50%. So again, many businesses still unable to access CBILs. As I’ve mentioned over time, with the CBILs loans coming out with very low acceptance rates, don’t forget, there are many alternative providers out there who can step into that funding gap and help you out. We can see lots of businesses still accessing these schemes, but don’t forget the CBILs ends at the end of September. So, if you’re thinking of applying, you need to get in quick,

Wrap Up

That’s it for another Bulletin and I hope you enjoyed watching. If you did, please, don’t forget to subscribe to this channel and also give it a like and, a share. That’s it, and I look forward to being with you again, next time. And in the meantime, have a great successful, profitable and safe week.

Banks Increase Loan Loss Provisions; Business Cost Reductions; and Business Confidence Levels

Posted on: August 3rd, 2020 by blsuser1 No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Finance Bulletin

Opening this week’s Bulletin, we look at the amount banks are setting aside for expected loan losses. We are in the High Street banks’ half-year reporting season and they are setting aside significant provisions for expected loan defaults. How could this impact you when looking for finance?

Although experiencing a fall in sales, the impact on small businesses is being offset by cost savings. We review a survey from Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance which reveal the top cost lines where savings are being made.

To close, we look at surveys from Lloyds Bank and the Federation of Small Businesses, one which reports businesses are starting to feel more confident, and the other revealing that business owners are still cautious about the next three months.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Google, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Business Finance Bulletin · Banks Increase Loan Loss Provisions; Business Cost Reductions; and Business Confidence Levels

You can also read the Business Finance Bulletin transcript here…

Business Finance Bulletin 3rd August 2020

UK banks have set aside significant sums in anticipation of loan losses; how does this impact you? How businesses have been saving costs over the last few months; and mixed messages on business confidence… all of this in the latest Business Finance Bulletin

Bank Loan Loss Provisions

Let’s start this Bulletin with a topic I’ve never covered before. In the previous 308 episodes of the Business Finance Bulletin, I’ve never looked at bank profit performance.

Why am I interested this time?

Well, over the last seven to ten days, the UK banks have started releasing their half year profit figures, and there’s one figure that really stands out, that could impact on you. That is the amount of money that banks are anticipated to lose through loans going bad or not being paid.

The banks have been setting aside a new loan provision figure. This reflects their view on the economy and the amount they’re setting aside in anticipation of loans going bad is quite significant.

For example, Barclays Bank have set aside an additional £1.6 billion for anticipated loan losses.

Lloyds, they set aside an additional 2.4 billion.

NatWest, an additional 2.2 billion and Santander, £376 million.

In total, it’s just over 6 billion pounds of new anticipated loan provisions that the banks have set aside.

Now this excludes the Bounce Back Loans because we know the government guarantees a hundred percent of the Bounce Back loans. There’s been £34 billion of Bounce Back loans distributed, and 40% of that it’s about £14 billion of Bounce Back loans are likely to go bad.

How does this impact you?

I mentioned in a previous Bulletin, I think there’s a credit crunch coming in 2021. It’s clear that if the banks are anticipating significant loan losses, it’s confirmed their appetite to support small businesses with new debt is going to be very much lower. So what does this mean for you?

If you are looking to get extra cash in order to supplement working capital, you really have to be approaching your lenders early because you may not get the answer you want. You may have to look at alternative sources of finance, and this could take time if the market is contracting in terms of sources of finance. So, plan early.

Don’t forget, if you did jump quickly and get a Bounce Back loan of up to £50,000, don’t forget with the CBILs facility, which is a higher amount, you can actually include an amount to refinance an existing Bounce Back loan. So, if you apply for £150,000, £50,000 of that can go to refinance your Bounce Back loan. Use that window of opportunity because the CBILs facility closes in September. So, we can see there’s a lot of headwinds around. If you are looking to raise finance, plan early.

Business Cost Reductions

For the last few months, many businesses have seen sales and turnover going down, but many businesses have been able to offset the pain via reduction in costs and overheads.

So where have businesses been saving money?

Well, an interesting survey has come out from Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance. They found in this latest survey, 64% of businesses say they still have employees working from home, and naturally this does involve some cost saving for the business.

So where are these savings?

From the businesses surveyed,

53% of them said they are saving on employee food and drink;

48% saving on employee travel.;

45% on cleaning services

36% saving on catering for client meetings

and 36% say they are saving on rent and utilities.

So what’s the total amount on average that they are saving? Well, 70% of the firms said that on average, they are saving £840 per month; about £10,000 a year.

Not a small sum. It doesn’t offset the total drop in income, but hey, at least it does take away some of that pain.

The message is to continually review and challenge your costs Take a look at your bank statement, review all of the entries going out and ask, does that particular debit add value to my business or is it a cost that I can safely slash for now?

After all, it’s the businesses that have got a good control on overheads are the ones who will come out in a much stronger position.

Business Confidence Levels

Let’s close this Bulletin by taking a look at business confidence and the mixed messages that are coming out from various surveys.

First of all, Lloyds Bank’s monthly Business Barometer review. That showed some good news with confidence levels showing a month-on-month increase since the low in March. Also economic sentiment, that’s also increasing as well.

It’s good to see that some businesses are starting to feel a little bit more confident, but of course, that confidence level is well off the long-term average reported in that series from Lloyds Bank.

On the flip side, though, not such good news from the FSB quarterly Small Business Index. There, 23% of businesses surveyed said that the next three months is definitely going to be worse for them than the previous three months. So, there are some businesses that are looking ahead which feel well away from coming out of the danger zone. It just shows that many businesses are probably balancing on a bit of a knife edge.

If you’re in that position, don’t forget, it’s all about getting the right advice now, so please do reach out to your accountant and your other professional advisors. If you’re in the position where you’re not feeling that safe, of course, keep watching the Business Finance Bulletin and I’ll have lots of tips for you on how to make sure that you get yourself back onto an even financial keel.

Wrap Up

That’s it for another Bulletin. As ever, I hope you enjoyed watching it, and if you did, please, don’t forget to give it a, like and a share.

That’s it. I hope you have a safe, successful, and healthy week and I look forward to being with you again next time.

All Things Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme – BFB 295

Posted on: April 20th, 2020 by blsuser1 No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Finance Bulletin

This week’s Business Finance Bulletin is another Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) special.
Opening this episode, we look at the announcement that Funding Circle has now joined the panel of accredited CBILS lenders. How will Funding Circle change the Scheme, and will it lead to a speeding up in distribution of funds?

We also review how CBILS has performed so far in supporting businesses in need of finance. A look at the figures reveal that the impact has been minimal and how a quickening of the pace is now needed.

To close the Bulletin, if you are thinking of applying for a loan under CBILS, what information will you need submit to the lender? Preparation is the key to ensure you don’t suffer from any unnecessary delays.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Access to Finance Shrinks; Business Confidence and Cashflow; and Young Entrepreneurs Grant – BFB 294

Posted on: April 6th, 2020 by blsuser1 No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Finance Bulletin

To open this week’s Bulletin, we look at the knock-on effect of changes to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and general lender reaction to the crisis which has jointly led to a fall in the availability of finance.

Evidence is now emerging of the impact the virus is having on businesses. We review a report from the British Chambers of Commerce which reveals reduced confidence and the limited level of cash reserves businesses have set aside to cover expenses.

To close, news of a grant scheme established by The Princes Trust and Nat West to specifically help young entrepreneurs meet costs and invest in new equipment.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

British Business Bank Support, Prompt Payment Code Suspensions and Open Banking – BFB 267

Posted on: July 20th, 2019 by blsuser1 No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Finance Bulletin

To start our latest Business Finance Bulletin, we look at how the British Business Bank continues to support small businesses in need of finance. Their 2019 Annual Report sets out how they are improving access to finance in all regions across the UK.

With late payment being an ever-present feature of managing a small business, news from the Prompt Payment Code about membership suspension for a number of high-profile names due to them not adhering to the voluntary payment code.

To close, we review a joint report from the Small Business Commissioner and Growth Street which considers how small business owners see Open Banking. The findings reveal a higher level of awareness and interest than perhaps expected.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Robert Owen Community Bank, Finance Innovation and Brexit Finance – BFB 247

Posted on: March 2nd, 2019 by blsuser1 No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Finance Bulletin

The Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme has been a successful programme to help businesses access finance when they have no security. To open our latest Bulletin, news that ethical lender Robert Owen Community Banking Fund has joined the list of lenders offering access to business finance via EFG.

Following the government’s bailout of RBS in the aftermath of the credit crunch, the first recipients of an RBS-financed £775m fund has been announced. The fund is designed to promote and improve competition in the small business finance market. We look at the first three banks to benefit and their plans.

With Brexit looming, we close with the announcement from UK Finance of a new initiative, ‘Let’s Talk Business’. The campaign is focused on encouraging businesses to engage early with their banks if they are likely to need finance.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Funding Circle Boost, Business Borrowing Appetite and Alternative Finance Growth – BFB 237

Posted on: December 1st, 2018 by blsuser1 No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Finance Bulletin

To open this edition, we look at the announcement from Funding Circle, the business peer-to-peer lender, that the British Business Bank is to provide £150m for on-lending to UK small businesses. This second tranche of from the bank is set to support approximately 2,000 businesses.

The latest figures from UK Finance, the banking industry’s trade body, reveals that small business appetite to borrow is still on the wane. The fall in borrowing from the banks has tuned into businesses seemingly hoarding cash with a jump in amount of money held on deposit.

To close, positive news in a recent report by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance which points to a continued rise in lending provided by the alternative finance sector. But it’s not only the supply of debt on the rise; equity facilitated by specialist platforms has also seen an increase.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Seasonal Cashflow Tips, Finance Support for Asset Finance Lender & Asset Finance Statistics – BFB 236

Posted on: November 24th, 2018 by blsuser1 No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Finance Bulletin

With the traditional year-end slowdown fast approaching, if you haven’t done so already, now is the time to start assessing the impact on your cashflow. How can you avoid hitting a cash crunch?

The British Business Bank has announced support to another niche lender providing Asset Finance facilities to growing businesses. We look at how Compass Business Finance will benefit from being granted access to the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme.

To close, our monthly review of how the Asset Finance sector is performing in terms of finance provided to small businesses. The latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association reveal a continuing reluctance among businesses to embark upon any significant investment spend.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Access to Finance, Nat West Mobile-Only Service, and Self Employed Debt Levels – BFB 234

Posted on: November 10th, 2018 by blsuser1 No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Finance Bulletin

A new report from the Federation of Small Businesses has highlighted concerns that growth is being held back by restricted access to finance. Is that the case or is there something else going on?

We look at the announcement from Nat West of the launch of Mettle, its new mobile-only banking service. Operating as a standalone service, Mettle is in pilot phase and seeking small business owner to be part of the trial to assist in future development.

To close this Bulletin, concerns from Business Debt Line, a charity which assists small business owners who have got into financial difficulty, that debt levels are on the rise. It’s calling for various support measures for smaller businesses to help them through difficult times.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Budget Finance Boost, Iwoca Lloyds & Open Banking, Company Insolvencies – BFB 233

Posted on: November 3rd, 2018 by blsuser1 No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Finance Bulletin

With the 2018 Budget behind us we open this Bulletin by looking at finance-specific measures. The British Business Bank, the home to the government finance raising schemes, received several boosts from the Chancellor with the aim of securing business access to finance, particularly post-Brexit.

Earlier in 2018 we looked at the launch of Open Banking and how it is going to revolutionise applying for and controlling finances. How useful Open Banking is going to be is highlighted by the announcement from Iwoca that it has agreed a link up with Lloyds which will speed up access to finance.

To close this Bulletin, we review the latest quarterly statistics from the Insolvency Services. The Quarter 3 figures make gloomy reading with the number of businesses entering into an insolvency arrangement reported as on the rise.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Stitcher or itunes channel.

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