To open our final Bulletin of 2019, a fitting close to this season with a look at the possible return of certainly following the Election result. Will the parliamentary majority be enough to overturn the feeling of uncertainty which has dominated the last 12 months?

Challenger banks are often at the leading edge when it comes to innovation and in terms of linking up with 3rd small business service providers that’s no exception. We look at announcements from Metro Bank and Starling Bank of partnerships available to their SME customers designed to improve efficiencies and access specialised services.

To wrap up our last episode for 2019, some good news on late payment. We review a new survey from MarketFinance which reveals that 2019 saw an improvement in late payment practices, lessening the cashflow strain for many small businesses.

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Kicking off our latest Bulletin we review a survey from Xero, the online accounting software provider, which reports that despite many small business owners feeling despondent about their circumstances, the 20 years will see a significant, positive change.

With the High Street banks not known for delivering competitive foreign exchange services, we look at the announcement from cashflow finance provider Just Cashflow of the launch of its own foreign exchange offering.

To close, news from Pay UK that one day in the first week of December saw them handle the highest daily volume of automated payments. Are we finally seeing the demise of the cheque?

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Opening this week’s Bulletin, a surprising continuation in the rise in business confidence despite the looming general election and Brexit limbo. However, another survey reveals that the feeling of uncertainty still prevails, especially among younger businesses.

With approximately £382b held on current accounts and low interest deposit accounts, findings from Aldermore Bank exposes how much businesses are losing out by not maximising deposit account returns.

To wrap up this episode, a look at how small businesses are still limiting their borrowing appetite as revealed in the latest Bank of England bank lending figures.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.