According to the latest research from Barclays Bank, there has been a notable increase in the number of business scams. Opening the latest Business Finance Bulletin, we highlight five scams to watch out for.

Alongside the extension of other support measures, we look at the government announcement extending the period of a range of measures designed to protect those businesses in precarious financial position.

To close, a new report from Experian reveals that many people are not checking their credit files. We look at why this is important if you are thinking of applying for business finance.

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As the application deadline to apply for a Bounce Back or CBILS loan fast approaches, there is talk of a new government-backed loan being announced in this week’s Budget. Focusing more on recovery than survival we consider what the features of the loan could be.

Smaller, local businesses have been badly hit over the last 12 months. We look at a pilot scheme launched by Barclays Bank in four UK towns. The Rebuilding Thriving Local Business programme designed to equip small business owners with the skills to restore their businesses.

To close, a review of the latest Lloyds Bank monthly Business Barometer survey which reveals that business is slowly edging up to highs not seen for nearly a year.

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.

Insuring the whole of your debtor portfolio against non-payment can be expensive. Opening our latest Bulletin, we look at the announcement of a partnership between Barclays and single invoice insurer, Nimbla. Rolling out on a trial basis in selected regions, Barclays customers will benefit from cost-effective credit insurance.

When reviewing finance requests from larger SMEs, banks will consider the risk and impact of supply chain failure. A survey from Aldermore reveals that many businesses have not reviewed the likelihood or consequences of supply chain failure.

To close, proposals have been set out in the form of a draft Bill to the House of Lords to tackle late payment. What actions are being proposed? To back-up the need for action, a survey from Pay UK uncovers the impact late payment has on business owner’s mental health.

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Innovative and high growth firms can find obtaining finance from High Street banks challenging. Ahead of exiting the EU, and to ensure smooth access to finance, the British Business Bank has announced a new fund to help high growth businesses.

A new survey from Barclays Bank has revealed that consumers are searching out firms with eco credentials as part of their buying decision-making. To help businesses being more eco-friendly and take advantage of this change in behaviour, we look at a Green loan product launched by Barclays.

To close this Bulletin, we review the latest quarterly SME Confidence Tracker from Bibby Financial Services. Perhaps not unexpectedly, the figures make gloomy reading but there is a spark of enthusiasm around expectations on sales growth.

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.

To start this week’s Business Finance Bulletin, we look at findings from a Barclays Bank survey which reveals that more small businesses are falling victim to invoice scams. With this type of fraud on the rise, what can you do to protect yourself?

In his Spring Statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond has listened to calls from small businesses to act in tackling late payment. The government has laid out the steps it plans to take in order to reduce the cashflow burden caused by larger firms delaying payment.

To round off this week’s Bulletin, with banks closing increasing numbers of branches, it’s rare to hear of new ones being opened. Barclays, Lloyds and NatWest though have announced the pilot launch of shared Business Banking Hubs. Could this collaborative approach be the way forward?

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 recent Bulletins, we have shared news of various collaborations between finance providers. The latest is an announcement from Barclays Bank of a tie-up with online Invoice Discounting firm MarketInvoice. This is another example of Old World meets New World.

The most recent statistics to Quarter 2 2018 on company insolvencies has been released by the Insolvency Service. Not surprisingly, but not of any less concern, is the news that insolvencies are on the rise. What impact will the latest increase in Interest Rates have on those businesses already struggling?

To close this Bulletin, our monthly look at borrowing levels among small business. Once again, from the latest Bank of England and UK Finance figures, business owners still appear to be reluctant to borrow and instead are busy hoarding cash.

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At the beginning of 2018, Open Banking was launched. Designed to improve access to finance by streamlining the application process, Liberis, an alternative finance provider, has announced its first use of Open Banking technology to renew one of its client’s borrowing facilities. The banking revolution is now underway.

Barclays Bank has announced two new initiatives to increase the level of support it provides to small businesses. Firstly, we look at the bank’s use of a £300m ENABLE Guarantee granted by the British Business Bank to boost Asset Finance usage. Barclays has also announced the doubling of its unsecured overdraft and business loan limits.

To close this Bulletin, we review the latest Asset Finance statistics from the Finance and Leasing Association. The statistics to May reveal that following a slow start to 2018, Asset Finance volumes jumped in May with strong performance in purchase of commercial vehicles and plant and machinery.

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.

Working capital is the life-blood of a growing business and yet having too much cash tied up can be detrimental. We open our latest Bulletin by reviewing the latest Working Capital Index survey from Lloyds Bank which reveals a disproportionate increase in working capital compared to sales over the past 12 months.

Banks continue to launch funds focused on certain sectors and regions. The latest fund announced is the Northern Powerhouse Growth Fund from Barclays Bank, which, as the name suggests, is designed to support growing businesses in the North of England. How could the fund benefit you?

We close by looking at the monthly Lloyds Bank Business Barometer. The findings from the May survey provide further evidence that business confidence levels continue to improve with the Lloyds Index now above the long-term average.

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.

To open our latest Bulletin, news of how businesses involved in sustainable activities can now benefit from a tailored finance solution offered by Barclays Bank. The Green Trade Loan is aimed at supporting environmentally-focused businesses in need of working capital.

Turning to more sobering news, we review first quarter figures released by The Insolvency Service on the number of businesses entering insolvency arrangements. Unfortunately, the statistics show an increase compared to the first quarter of 2017.

To close this Bulletin, interesting findings from Xero, the online accounting software provider, and the FSB about late payment experience among its clients and members. If you undertake work with larger businesses or public sector, you are more likely to get hit by delayed payments.

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A seeming reluctance among some small businesses to borrow money has extended to the equity finance world. We open our latest Bulletin with a review carried out by Beauhurst of equity finance transactions undertaken in the first quarter of 2018. The figures reveal a downturn in activity compared to the previous quarter.

Creditsafe, the credit agency, has reported that according to its research, company bad debts and the number of registered CCJs jumped in the first three months of this year. It appears that the pressure of unpaid invoices is beginning to show.

Cyber crime continues to grab the headlines, particularly with the forthcoming GDPR deadline. To ensure businesses are aware of the risks of being targeted by fraudsters, Barclays Bank has launched an awareness campaign with recommendations for businesses on how to keep safe.

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.