The latest SME Confidence Tracker from Bibby Financial Services reveals a continual decline in investment appetite among small businesses. What are the barriers to investment and of those businesses which are investing, what are they planning?

If you’re thinking of purchasing a commercial premises for investment purposes, one often over-looked requirement is the need for a compliant Energy Performance Certificate. We look at why failing to hit a minimum rating can scupper your chances of obtaining finance.

To close this Bulletin, a survey from Pay UK puts a spotlight on the burden and cost to small business owners of the rising late payment problem.

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 kick off our latest Bulletin, we look at a host of enhancements and 3rd party collaborations announced by Xero, the online accounting software provider. The partnerships are aimed at further streamlining the way small businesses manage their finances.

A survey from the Federation of Small Businesses reveals the different experiences sole traders have in borrowing money compared to the wider small business community. Why would lenders treat sole traders differently?

To wrap up this Bulletin, a review of current business confidence levels, which according to a recent survey from Lloyds Bank has bounced back in October. How long will that last?

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.

Rising out of the ashes of the credit crunch the alternative finance providers moved in to fill the gap left by the banks. To open this Bulletin, we look at how the alternative lenders are evolving with Iwoca announcing a milestone in lending and Nucleus Commercial Finance improving its loan repayment term.

Managing late payment can often be a burden for small business owners, which means action taken by the Prompt Payment Code to suspend members not adhering to its rules is good news. Which household names have been asked to leave the organisation?

To wrap up this Bulletin, we look at why you need to be aware whether your industry sector is in or out of favour with your bank before applying for finance.

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.

Opening this week’s Business Finance Bulletin, news of the soft launch of the Business Banking Resolution Service. Designed to support businesses which are unable to complain about banking service to the Financial Ombudsmen Service, the BBRS are looking for businesses to support its pilot phase.

Gathering the paperwork required by banks to review a borrowing request can be time consuming. We take a look at how Experian, the credit reference agency, has made it faster and simpler for small businesses to apply for finance by using its new Commercial Acumen service.

To close, news from business finance provider MarketInvoice of the formation of a specialist team to provide finance facilities for Britain’s larger businesses. From invoice finance to business loans MarketInvoice aims to support larger, high-growth businesses in need of flexible finance.

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.

We open this week’s Bulletin with a look at analysis from KMPG which reveals a jump in company Administrations in the third quarter of this year. Reflecting pressures being felt in the economy the increase is not a good sign for the remainder of this year.

Following a strong growth in 2019, the Asset Finance sector has succumbed to the lack of confidence in terms of business investment. We review the latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association report which highlight stalled growth in terms of volumes of business being written.

To close this Bulletin, with bank charges often a bone of contention, good news from TSB of an extension of its Free Banking offer for start ups and businesses switching their banking.

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.

In these uncertain times there’s increasing evidence that many businesses are suffering from increased cashflow pressures. We open our latest Bulletin reviewing a new survey from Hitachi Capital Business Finance which reveals the impact poor cashflow is having on businesses.

Staying with the theme of cashflow, MarketInvoice the online invoice discounting platform, finds that too many businesses are relying on out-dated ways of managing and tracking cashflow. The knock-on effect is that firms are losing out on new business.

To wrap up this Bulletin, the current economic squeeze is prompting businesses to review costs with the aim of reducing overheads via securing more cost-effective deals. When was the last time you critically reviewed your cost base?

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.

The first meeting of the recently formed Business Finance Council has released a 5-point SME Finance Charter. The Council was established to ensure a smooth flow of finance post-Brexit but will the promises to support small businesses be merely words?

Flexible finance provider Just Cashflow has announced modifications to its product range. The changes will allow more small businesses access to finance, especially those who favour overdraft-type facilities but can’t get bank support.

To close this Bulletin, we look at a partnership announced between mobile-only bank Starling and debt insurance provider Nimbla. The service link-up available to Starling Bank business customers is designed to lessen the impact of non-payment of debt.

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.

Are we in a recession? That’s question on many business owners and commentator’s minds. Based on the findings from a host of recent surveys and our client’s feedback, it certainly feels like it for many sectors. What can you do to keep on track?

One type of business model that continues to do well are Franchises. Following a visit to the National Franchise Exhibition we take a look at why banks favour lending to this type of business.

To close this Bulletin, news from Hitachi Capital Business Finance of the launch of its Smart Funding finance solution. One unique feature of the finance package is its flexible repayment terms, ideal for businesses with seasonal cashflow.

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.

Banking fraud continues to be on the rise. To open this Bulletin, we share findings from UK Finance on the level of frauds reported in the first half of 2019. From the perspective of businesses, we look at how you can avoid being the victim of Authorised Push Payment scams.

With Brexit inching ever closer, how prepared are small businesses? We look at a survey from the FSB revealing the state of preparedness of businesses which say they would be negatively impacted by a no-deal Brexit. We also have news from Barclays on a number of Brexit roadshows they are hosting in October and November.

Finally, a look at Starling Bank’s announcement that they are launching an online web portal for their business customers to complement their mobile banking app.

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.

Opening our latest Business Finance Bulletin, we take a look at the new report from the SME Finance Monitor team. Among the findings about small business owner’s attitudes to borrowing we look at how more businesses are turning to external finance. What’s driving this move?

With the government continuing to ramp up its Brexit planning, a new finance initiative has been announced. The formation of the Business Finance Council will bring together key players in the finance sector to ensure continuity in supply of finance post-Brexit.

To close, news from alternative finance provider ESME Loans that it has increased the maximum amount it can lend via its unsecured business loan product.

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.