With the economy starting to get back on track, we open this Business Finance Bulletin with news from the Finance and Leasing Association of large increase in leasing and HP deals written in April. Although still well off the 2020 figures, encouragingly the gap is beginning to close as business investment activity increases.

Business confidence also continues to grow with a survey from the British Chambers of Commerce and Funding Circle revealing business activity levels and sentiments for the future. The survey findings highlight how resilient businesses have been.

To close, analysis from online accountants Mazuma uncovers how many businesses are concerned about their ability to pay back their Bounce Back Loan. What are your options if your cashflow is still tight?

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In the first Business Finance Bulletin of 2021 we open by looking at the latest Business Finance Review from UK Finance which reveals the level of borrowing businesses have taken on in the first three quarters of 2020 and the challenges this will bring.

In 2021 the adage that ‘cash flow is King’ will never be truer. A survey from the British Chambers of Commerce highlights the impact the economic contraction has had on business cash flow positions.

To close, from the same survey, businesses are holding back on investment plans. Are these businesses putting themselves at a disadvantage when the economy picks back up?

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.

To open this week’s Bulletin, we look at the knock-on effect of changes to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and general lender reaction to the crisis which has jointly led to a fall in the availability of finance.

Evidence is now emerging of the impact the virus is having on businesses. We review a report from the British Chambers of Commerce which reveals reduced confidence and the limited level of cash reserves businesses have set aside to cover expenses.

To close, news of a grant scheme established by The Princes Trust and Nat West to specifically help young entrepreneurs meet costs and invest in new equipment.

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.

With news that the Bank of England has reduced its Base Rate and an announce of a new scheme to get banks lending and businesses borrowing, in this edition of the Business Finance Bulletin we look at whether these will have the desired impact.

We take a look at the findings from a survey carried out by the British Chamber of Commerce and Bibby Financial Services which reveals low awareness levels of the sources of alternative finance amongst UK SMEs.

Have you been faced with writing off a debt owed to you following being hit by a late payment of an invoice? The latest Bibby’s SME Confidence Index suggests that too many businesses are writing off debts and the average sum involved is not small.

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.