In the latest Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at the challenges facing start ups when it comes to raising finance with a recent Angels Den survey identifying two key issues.

The UK alternative finance industry has held a celebratory awards evening and Rob looks at who the winning crowdfunding platforms are.

There is also a look at a new borrowing service launched by crowdlender Funding Knight and how it has revised upwards the maximum amount they will lend.

Rob also discussed the lessons from the news that Tescos had got its financial reporting wrong by overstating its profits and in the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob shares his thoughts on one page Business Plans.

You can also listen to this week’s Bulletin below or simply download it to your phone.

In the latest episode of the Business Finance Bulletin a look at what business owners who are selling an equity stake want from their new partners. The relationship between banks and business owners has been strained but a new survey from Albion Ventures reveals a surprisingly high number of businesses getting a ‘yes’ from their banks.

On the alternative finance scene Rob looks at the latest government proposals to force banks to refer borrowers who have been declined finance to sources of alternative finance.

Late payment continues to be an issue for businesses and Rob shares the findings of a recent survey which reveals that a large percentage of businesses are missing out on an important piece of the late payment jigsaw puzzle.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week a clip from a live seminar in which Rob discusses the history of crowdfunding.

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.