The liquidation of the construction giant Carillion has dominated the business news headlines. As well as affecting its employees, small businesses in the Carillion supply chain will take a substantial finance hit. What can you do to protect yourself from the failure of one of your largest clients?

As the deadline to pay your Self Assessment tax approaches, many self employed sole traders are faced with a potential payment problem following HMRC’s announcement that it will no longer accept credit cards. If you had planned to spread your tax payments by settling your bill by card, what are your options?

Raising growth finance via selling equity continues to be a popular source of funding for start-ups and growing businesses. One such company to benefit is equity crowdfunding platform Crowdcube. To close this Bulletin, we look at the figures behind Crowdcube’s record-breaking 2017.

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.

Some businesses when looking for finance can get overwhelmed by the choices and process of applying for funding. If you are an FSB member, then help is at hand with the launch of the FSB Funding Platform which is designed to help its members efficiently search for finance.

Despite the prevailing uncertainty about consumer demand and the state of the economy, a report from R3, the business turnaround and insolvency specialists, reveals that the number of zombie businesses is in decline. What are zombie businesses and why are their numbers falling?

Asset Finance as a way of funding the purchase of equipment has seen a boom over recent years. However, the latest statistics from the Finance and Leasing Association show that use of Asset Finance is leveling off. We look at why that is.

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.

It’s very likely that you may not have heard of Open Banking. If you haven’t then the chances are that you will over the coming weeks and months.

It’s rare that we devote a whole episode to one topic, but Open Banking has the capacity over time to revolutionise the way you and your business manage your finances.

In the Bulletin we look at what Open Banking is; why it was introduced and what the future holds in how it will open up competition to make sure you get the very best finance deals.

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.

Thanks to all our clients and introducers who helped make 2017 another great year for BLS in supporting growing businesses in need of finance.

We look forward to assisting you and other businesses achieve your growth plans in 2018.

Thanks again and have a Happy New Year!

Regular feedback we have from Business Loan Services clients is how difficult it can sometimes be to arrange an overdraft limit. Iwoca, the short-term loan provider, recently undertook a mystery shopping expedition to see how challenging it can be! In this Bulletin we see how they got on and share 3 tips if you’re looking for an overdraft.

Staying with the subject of overdrafts, Lloyds Bank has announced a revision of its overdraft charging structure. We look at the changes and how it’s decision to simplify the cost of running an overdraft will make the charge more transparent and easier to understand.

To close, we look at the latest asset finance statistics from the Finance and Leasing Association. The most recent figures show usage of asset finance increased in October, but year-on-year, the growth is less than stellar suggesting that business owners are holding back on investment.

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.

Here is the Iwoca mystery shopping video demonstrating how difficult it can be in getting an overdraft facility.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that business confidence is swinging back and forth in reaction to global and local events. That’s the findings from the latest Lloyds Bank Business Barometer report which we review in our latest Bulletin. However, it’s not all doom and gloom with some glimmer of positivity reported!

Managing financial tasks can be a headache for many businesses. This is why Starling Bank, the mobile-only banking channel, have teamed up with an invoice issuing, online solution provider Albert, to streamline invoicing and bank reconciliation. Could it help you reduce time spent on administrative tasks?

To close this Bulletin, we look at the 4th annual report from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance which reveals a continued rise in the use of alternative finance. Who are the businesses tapping into this growing, almost mainstream, form of finance?

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.

You would think that when it comes to selling a business, it would be the more mature ones putting up the ‘For Sale’ sign. Latest findings from Barclays Bank in their Entrepreneur’s Index report reveal that more younger businesses than ever before are being sold.

As we approach the year-end many business owners will find themselves with time on their hands as the seasonal slowdown kicks in. In a new survey, Lloyds Bank asked business owners what they will do during this quiet period. Do they spend time planning or kick back and do nothing?

To close the Bulletin, we look at the latest small business bank lending figures from UK Finance. The trend of a slowdown in an appetite to borrow and a build up in cash deposits still continues.

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.

With one of the busiest online shopping periods looming it can be easy to get caught out by online fraudsters. What can you do to ensure you and your business doesn’t lose out financially and give confidence to people visiting your website?

In previous Bulletins we have looked at the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme. New research from London Economics has revealed how businesses accessing this loan scheme have grown more than those which haven’t. Could you use this Scheme if you want to grow your business but struggling to access finance?

Whilst many business owners want to avoid getting in to more debt, there are some entrepreneurs who have ambitions to borrow significant sums. Who are these ambitious tycoons and how big are their borrowing plans?

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.

Competition in the provision of banking services is set to hot up in 2018 with the announcement from Virgin Money that it is to start offering banking products to small businesses. What can we expect from a business that has a record of shaking up industries?

Companies involved in developing innovative products or services often find it difficult to obtain finance. We take a look at a new £50 million loan fund offered by Innovate UK to support businesses in need of finance to get innovative products or services out in the market place.

In previous Bulletins we have looked at how the growth in usage of Asset Finance facilities has outstripped supported provided by banks. However, the latest statistics from the Finance and Leasing Association reveal a surprising fall in the amount of new asset finance business written.

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.

A scary start to our latest Bulletin with a look at zombie businesses! According to a recent survey from Begbies Traynor, zombie businesses are on the rise. What are they and how can you avoid doing business with them?

Entrepreneurial age gaps often lead to different views in business and finance is no different. We look at findings from Worldpay which highlights the difference between younger and older generation entrepreneurs when it comes to sourcing and accessing alternative finance.

If you’re setting up a niche business or running a high-growth enterprise, equity is one popular avenue of funding. But how do you find Angel Investors for example? We share news of a service launched by the UK Business Angels Association designed to help businesses and investors find each other.

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.