In this Business Finance Bulletin, we take a look at the annual ‘Where are They Now?’ report, which analyses the equity crowdfunding industry and how it has performed over the last 12 months. The report findings suggest reduced activity amongst market leaders providing this source of finance.

Growing businesses can benefit from professional advice particularly when it comes to raising finance. A new report from Close Bros reveals that many small businesses feel they are being short-changed by their bank when it comes to crucial advice on funding.

With the economy having taken a number of shocks, according to Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance, businesses are starting to question their investment plans over the next 12 months. We ask how will this affect you and what actions can you take?

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In this week’s Business Finance Bulletin news from crowdlender Ratesetter on the formal launch of its small business loan product which, in the pilot stage, has already seen £250m distributed to UK SMEs.

Staying with alternative finance we look at results from Close Bros latest quarterly Business Barometer which reveals that a significant number of businesses believe that alternative finance can help grow their business.

Turning to traditional finance, we have news from Barclays Bank on a new fund to support lending to small businesses in Scotland.

To close we have insights from Max Woodman of Catalyst Finance on how their Selective Invoice Discounting service can help alleviate cashflow problems.

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 episode of the Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow features ethical business lender Fair Business Loans and how after 10 years focusing on the London market they are spreading their wings to assist SMEs across the UK.

Rob reviews the findings from a recent Institute of Directors report on the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme, which reveal that more needs to be done to raise awareness of how both businesses and private investors can make better use of the schemes .

Turning to crowdfunding Rob shares news of a collaboration between KPMG and crowdfunding platform Invest Den designed to provide support and guidance to those SMEs looking to raise funding.

If you are already using an invoice discounting line Rob looks at a new facility, Liquidity Plus, from Close Bros which potentially can release up to 100% of an invoice; a useful boost if working capital is tight.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week a look at the difference between profit and cash!

If you wish to listen to the podcast version click below or you can download it via our SoundCloud or itunes channels.

In the latest Business Finance Bulletin episode Rob Warlow looks at the latest result from the Begbies Traynor Red Flag report which provides insight into how businesses see their financial condition in the first quarter of 2015.

Having the right skill set within a business is often cited as one of the barriers to growth and Rob looks at a new programme from Close Brothers, the asset-based lending bank, and the University of Sheffield designed to support businesses looking to take on apprentices.

With many alternative providers of finance looking forward to 2016 when banks will be required to pass on clients they cannot assist, one alternative funding platform reveals the extend of help they think UK small businesses will need.

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob chats with sales mentor , author and international speaker Steve Clarke about whether there is any difference between selling products to customers and selling your idea to your bank.

If you would like the podcast version to listen to either on your phone or in the car click below to either listen to or download.

In the latest Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at recent surveys from Close Brothers and the government’s Business Innovation and Skills Department on growing confidence levels amongst business owners in the UK.

Rob also looks at the latest figures from the Bank of England on the Funding for Lending Scheme which shows a continued downward slide in support from banks.

Late payment continues to be a problem for growing businesses and Rob looks at how the government is tackling the problem with revisions to the Prompt Payment Code and new rules designed to ensure the public sector pays on time.

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob chats with Market Invoice, the online crowdfunding platform, which helps UK businesses unlock cash tied up in outstanding invoices.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version of this week’s Bulletin simply click below or download to your computer or phone.