In the latest Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow from Business Loan Services discusses more emerging evidence from Bibby Financial Services and the Federation of Small Businesses of a dip in confidence amongst SMEs. Are we in for a rough ride in 2016?

If you’re a heavy user of fuel and may be struggling to get a commercial credit card because of a poor credit record then Rob shares a new solution which can also reduce your administration burden.

More news about the on-going problem with late payment. Rob shares a recent survey which highlights how much money is trapped in late payment and so holding back growth in the economy.

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week… when it comes to the production of Management Accounts, delegate but don’t abdicate.

If you 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 episode of the Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at a new product launched by Market Invoice, the online invoice discounting provider. The new product called Contract Finance will help businesses release previously locked-up cash from contracts delivering regular income.

According to a survey from Bibby Financial Services business confidence amongst SMEs has taken a dent and bucked the recent trend of a rise in more confident businesses. Why is this?

Rob reveals the sources of finance business owners are turning to as featured in a survey carried out by Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking. Which source is proving surprisingly popular?

In the crowdfunding world, the latest lending figures from the P2P Finance Association show that its members are reaching new highs in their support of growing businesses. Rob looks at how SMEs are benefiting.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week, Rob shares a calculation you can make from your Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Accounts which can help pinpoint a problem in your stock control.

If you prefer to listen to the podcast version you listen in below or download it via our Soundcloud or itunes channel.

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.

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.

In this week’s episode Rob Warlow looks at a report carried out by Bibby Financial Services on micro businesses and in particular the problems surrounding succession. In a further sign of the crowdfunding sector gaining more visibility Rob talks about a new arrangement between crowdfunding platforms and certain bank members of the British Bankers Association on the issue of sharing security.

Rob also shares his thoughts on the importance of diversifying your funding sources so you are not dependent on just one bank.

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob looks at one aspect of getting a ‘no’ from your bank – why you should not see it as a fail.

Posted on 07.11.2013, by Rob Warlow

We all like to turn to friends and family to bounce an idea around or to seek feedback but are they really the best source of advice?

According to new research from Bibby Financial Services friends and family are the most trusted sources of business advice for small business owners, even in preference to accountants, financial advisers and solicitors.

The research found that 23% of small and medium sized business owners said they trust friends and family the most when seeking guidance, followed by financial advisers (18%), the internet (14%), accountants (14%) and solicitors (9%).

However, when asked where they search out for advice most often 24% said they turn to online resources, with friends and family coming in at the second most-frequented source at 19%.

Although the internet is the most frequented source of business advice, 52% did admit that they would prefer to receive face-to-face advice, with only 14% saying that browsing the internet was their favoured way of finding information.

Whilst the findings don’t come as a surprise in that it’s easier and less threatening to speak those closest to you than turning professional advisors you need to carefully decide whom you’re asking advice from. Are your friends best placed to pick holes in your plan? Are they willing to step up and challenge your grand ideas for world domination or are you likely to get a simple ‘sounds good to me’ response?

Friends and family advice will get you so far but you’ll travel further with the right advice.