Financial fraud can be complex but sometimes a fraud can be relatively simple. We open our latest Bulletin with findings from research undertaken by RSM into the rising frequency of mandate fraud. What is it and what can you do to avoid being taken in by this fraud?

According to a new survey carried out by the British Business Bank, appetite among small businesses to grow is strong. We share how many are entrepreneurs are held back by a lack of awareness as to where to find appropriate finance.

To close, news from HSBC of the launch of its 5th SME Fund, which sets aside cash specifically for UK small businesses. We look at how the latest Fund has a particular focus on supporting smaller businesses who want to increase exports.

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Accessing finance via Angel investors is one source of growth finance. Who are these investors and what do they look for when taking a stake in a business? To open this Bulletin, we look at the latest annual Angel investor review undertaken by the British Business Bank and the UK Business Angels Association.

Since its inception in 2010 Funding Circle has supported thousands of small businesses via its business loan product. To understand the impact their support has had on the UK economy Funding Circle teamed up with Oxford Economics to carry out an in-depth study. The results show how access to finance can have a positive knock-on effect in the economy.

Despite the benefits of sensible borrowing the latest report from the SME Finance Monitor team reveals that demand for finance remains weak. The report highlights how the number of businesses declaring they have no intention of borrowing money has reached a new high.

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.

A scary start to our latest Bulletin with a look at zombie businesses! According to a recent survey from Begbies Traynor, zombie businesses are on the rise. What are they and how can you avoid doing business with them?

Entrepreneurial age gaps often lead to different views in business and finance is no different. We look at findings from Worldpay which highlights the difference between younger and older generation entrepreneurs when it comes to sourcing and accessing alternative finance.

If you’re setting up a niche business or running a high-growth enterprise, equity is one popular avenue of funding. But how do you find Angel Investors for example? We share news of a service launched by the UK Business Angels Association designed to help businesses and investors find each other.

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.

In the latest Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at a report from the Centre for Entrepreneurs and the UK Business Angels Association on how the UK is becoming a nation of angels… but who are these angel investors and how can they benefit your business?

The statistics on how the crowdfunding industry did in 2014 are in with news from the Peer to Peer Finance Association on how the sector doubled the amount it lent in the previous 12 months. With the recent news of banks beginning to partner up with the new kids on the block crowdfunding is starting to come of age.

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob looks at recent research from Barclays Bank on how business owners should embrace the merits of having a Business Plan. But does your Business Plan have to be the size of War and Peace?

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version of this edition of the Business Finance Bulletin then click below or click the download button to upload to your phone or PC.

You would assume that when you hear of a business owner selling equity in their business they are after only one thing… cash.

However, a new survey reveals something completely different.

A survey carried out by Angels Den, an investment network, discovered that 76% of business owners want a deal from new shareholders that comes with mentoring and business advice. Just 12% of those surveyed said they wanted cash and nothing else.

This is an encouraging finding because it shows that the majority of those selling equity realise there is an accountability or skill gap in their business and it needs to be filled.

Investors come in two guises: a passive investor who simply hands over the cheque, goes off into the sunset and waits for the annual dividend cheque; and then there’s the active investor who spends a day a week, a few days a month or even more frequently imparting their knowledge, skill and support.

When a business is growing there is no substitute for having a team around you who can provide input without the shackles of being blinded by the day-to-day issues.

Don’t just chase the cash; find those with cash and skills… a winning combination.

In this episode of the Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at a survey from Bibby Financial Services on how business owners are financing their business. Also news about the launch of The Business Finance Guide issued by the ICAEW and the British Business Bank.

If you are thinking about selling equity in your business via crowdfunding then Rob looks at a way of how private investors can join in alongside experienced Angel investors.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob has a chat with Steve Taylor, the latest member of the Business Loan Services, in which he shares tips on raising finance.