Buying a franchise is a way of minimising the risk when starting a business. However, funding the purchase can be a challenge. To open our latest Bulletin, we look at news that Hitachi Capital has acquired Franchise Finance Ltd which provides hands-on support to people looking to buy into a franchise.

Continuing a trend emerging over the last few Bulletins, we review recent figures from UK Finance which reveal that borrowing levels among small businesses continue to fall. Are we seeing the early signs of forthcoming slowdown?

Whilst we are seeing business borrowing levels decline, the opposite is happening to business savings. Businesses are hoarding more cash than this time last year. Although cash held in banks is on the increase, are businesses getting the best interest rates?

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.

In the latest Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at a report from Aldermore Bank on the UK business savings account market.

Rob looks at the news from online invoice trader Market Invoice of its partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authorities to help Manchester-based business release cash tied up in invoices.

This week’s Bulletin was filmed in North Wales and Rob outlines a seminar he is running for members of the ACCA, the accountancy body.

Rob also discusses a report from Barclays and Business Growth Fund on the rise in the number of UK businesses.
And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob shares a tip he overheard whilst standing on a railway station.

You can also listen to this week’s Bulletin as a podcast. Either click the image or download the track via our SoundCloud page.