In this episode of the Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at the latest review on the UK banks Loan Appeal Process – how successful are business owners in turning a ‘no’ into a ‘yes’?

Crowdcube, an alternative source of finance, has launched a Mini-Bond scheme and Rob explores how that works and how you could use it in your business.

Banks and crowdfunding platforms are now starting to accept that working together may be the way forward with news that a UK High Street bank has partnered with a leading peer-to-peer lending platform.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob talks with Alister Betts of Lucid Ventures on how to get you and your business ready to seek outside investors via selling equity.

In the latest Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow takes a look at findings from the SME Finance Monitor which gives an interesting insight into how small businesses are financing themselves. News from the European Central Bank (ECB) on negative interest rates… so how does that work?

And a look at how alternative lender Shawbrook have moved into profit for the first time which is a sign of a maturing of the alternative finance market.

In the Tip of the Week, a clip taken from a Kevin Green Business and Property Training event, Rob shares one question banks ask of themselves when reviewing a business finance request.

Posted on 30.05.2014, by Rob Warlow

In this week’s episode we look at the first quarter figures of the government’s Funding for Lending Scheme (not all good news I’m afraid). Better figures though come from the British Bankers Association first quarter figures on bank lending, which shows a steady increase in bank lending.

A survey from Close Bros Invoice Finance reveals the different types of finance business owners are using and, in another piece of research, a look at how crowdfunding continues to grow at a rapid rate.

The Business Finance Tip of the Week is a clip from a live seminar Rob Warlow did recently in which he shares his thoughts on what to do if your bank has said no… move on!

Posted on 23.05.2014, by Rob Warlow

In the latest Business Finance Bulletin which is out today I examine the growth in the number of crowdfunding platforms over the last 12 months… a growing choice from which to choose. The increase in crowdfunders is also highlighted by the increasing amount being lent out each month by these platforms.

In terms of more traditional lenders, I look at the news that relative newcomer Metro Bank has announced it is now offering a range of services to small businesses.

Banks are keen to lend to businesses with a strong, positive reputation and I had the pleasure to talk this week with reputation and media expert Alan Stevens on how to manage your reputation. In this short interview Alan gives us some tips on managing your reputation online.

And in the Tip of the Week, which i recorded earlier in the week at a seminar I was presenting at, I look at the purpose of your finance request – will you be spending it right?

Posted on 16.05.2014, by Rob Warlow

In the latest episode of the Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at a recent spate of business finance surveys and what they reveal about business’ attitude and experience on raising finance, dealing with banks and crowdfunding.

The findings from Clydesdale Bank, Money and Co, Forum of Private Business and the Finance and Leasing Association show how business owners see the current business finance market.

In the Business Finance tip of the week Rob shares his thoughts on when applying for finance what evidence or proof you should give to the bank about how you are going to spend the cash.

Posted on 09.05.2014, by Rob Warlow

This week I look at a survey from Bibby Financial Services which points to further increasing confidence amongst UK business owners… but there is an aspect of this to watch out for.

Alternative sources of business finance continues to be important to business owners and with government looking to legislate that banks introduce clients to alternative lenders a survey reveals that the majority of business owners can’t wait for this to happen.

The number of new crowdfunding platforms continues to increase and I look at two new additions to the crowdfunding market – Funding Tree and Money & Co.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week I share why you should always be prepared and ready to grab the business opportunities that could come your way.

Enjoy this episode and please feel free to like it or share it on your favourite social network.

Our latest Friday Business Finance Bulletin is out and this week Rob Warlow talks about the start of the new financial regulatory framework with the Financial Conduct Authority going live.

Rob also take a look at the consultation paper released by the government asking whether banks should be forced to refer clients to alternative sources of finance when the bank has said ‘no’.

Whether banks are up for lending to businesses is always the subject of debate and we look at the findings on bank lending appetite.

And in the Tip of the Week Rob share his ideas on what you can do to prepare for your annual bank visit and review meeting. Enjoy!

With crowdfunding and alternative sources of finance continuning to grow the new Financial Conduct Authority regulations being introduced on 1st April will bring further confidence to the market.

Here’s an interview I did recently on a BBC Radio Wales prgramme, Wales at Work, discussing crowdfunding with Adam Tavener of Alternative Business Funding.

In the latest episode of my Friday Business Finance Bulletin just out I look at the Chancellor’s latest attempt to boost bank lending to small businesses by looking at the possibility of providing a guarantee to the banks.

I also talk about the alternative lending scene following a recent interview I did on BBC Radio with Adam Tavener of Alternative Business Funding where we discuss crowdfunding and peer to peer lending.

In the Tip of the Week I discuss the bank’s Loan Appeal process. Did you know that if your bank has declined your loan request then you have a formal right of appeal? In this tip I share how to go about that.

This week’s Friday Business Finance Bulletin is out and I look at the new rules being introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority to regulate the crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending sector.

Also I take a look at the launch of a new one-stop information site for alternative sources of finance speared-headed by Funding Circle, Zopa, MarketInvoice, Platform Black, Seedrs and Crowdcube.

There’s news from the OFT on its interim report into the SME finance market and I look at a survey from Lloyds Bank on cashflow and invoicing.

In the Finance Tip of the Week, following a session with a team of bank managers I share three key things which bankers say hold them back from giving a ‘yes’ to a business finance request.