Posted on 23.05.2014, by Rob Warlow

In the latest Business Finance Bulletin which is out today I examine the growth in the number of crowdfunding platforms over the last 12 months… a growing choice from which to choose. The increase in crowdfunders is also highlighted by the increasing amount being lent out each month by these platforms.

In terms of more traditional lenders, I look at the news that relative newcomer Metro Bank has announced it is now offering a range of services to small businesses.

Banks are keen to lend to businesses with a strong, positive reputation and I had the pleasure to talk this week with reputation and media expert Alan Stevens on how to manage your reputation. In this short interview Alan gives us some tips on managing your reputation online.

And in the Tip of the Week, which i recorded earlier in the week at a seminar I was presenting at, I look at the purpose of your finance request – will you be spending it right?

Posted on 16.05.2014, by Rob Warlow

In the latest episode of the Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at a recent spate of business finance surveys and what they reveal about business’ attitude and experience on raising finance, dealing with banks and crowdfunding.

The findings from Clydesdale Bank, Money and Co, Forum of Private Business and the Finance and Leasing Association show how business owners see the current business finance market.

In the Business Finance tip of the week Rob shares his thoughts on when applying for finance what evidence or proof you should give to the bank about how you are going to spend the cash.

Posted on 09.05.2014, by Rob Warlow

This week I look at a survey from Bibby Financial Services which points to further increasing confidence amongst UK business owners… but there is an aspect of this to watch out for.

Alternative sources of business finance continues to be important to business owners and with government looking to legislate that banks introduce clients to alternative lenders a survey reveals that the majority of business owners can’t wait for this to happen.

The number of new crowdfunding platforms continues to increase and I look at two new additions to the crowdfunding market – Funding Tree and Money & Co.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week I share why you should always be prepared and ready to grab the business opportunities that could come your way.

Enjoy this episode and please feel free to like it or share it on your favourite social network.

Posted on 16.04.2014, by Rob Warlow

In the latest Business Finance Bulletin it’s a good news edition with positive news about the UK economy and reports of a soaring crowdfunding market. Rob Warlow looks at reports from the P2P Finance Association on funds being lent out by crowdfunding platforms and the launch of a new crowdfunding site Landbay.

Rob also looks at a new pot of money being set aside by HSBC for lending to growing SMEs. Video is a way of getting your message across to lenders about your business and Rob talks about Crowdbox, a new service hosting business video pitches.

In the Tip of the Week Rob features a clip from a seminar he hosted in Amsterdam for Wealth Coach Kevin Green talking about the importance of financial information when approaching your bank for business finance.

In this week’s episode Rob Warlow looks at a report carried out by Bibby Financial Services on micro businesses and in particular the problems surrounding succession. In a further sign of the crowdfunding sector gaining more visibility Rob talks about a new arrangement between crowdfunding platforms and certain bank members of the British Bankers Association on the issue of sharing security.

Rob also shares his thoughts on the importance of diversifying your funding sources so you are not dependent on just one bank.

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob looks at one aspect of getting a ‘no’ from your bank – why you should not see it as a fail.

With crowdfunding and alternative sources of finance continuning to grow the new Financial Conduct Authority regulations being introduced on 1st April will bring further confidence to the market.

Here’s an interview I did recently on a BBC Radio Wales prgramme, Wales at Work, discussing crowdfunding with Adam Tavener of Alternative Business Funding.

In the latest episode of my Friday Business Finance Bulletin just out I look at the Chancellor’s latest attempt to boost bank lending to small businesses by looking at the possibility of providing a guarantee to the banks.

I also talk about the alternative lending scene following a recent interview I did on BBC Radio with Adam Tavener of Alternative Business Funding where we discuss crowdfunding and peer to peer lending.

In the Tip of the Week I discuss the bank’s Loan Appeal process. Did you know that if your bank has declined your loan request then you have a formal right of appeal? In this tip I share how to go about that.

Posted on 25.03.2014, by Rob Warlow 

In the latest episode of the Friday Business Finance Bulletin I look at what was in the Budget for business owners and savers – capital allowances and using ISAs to support crowdfunding and Peer to Peer lending.

I also look at a report from the ACCA’s Global Forum on SMEs which focused on financial literacy – an important skill when approaching a lender for finance.

And in my Tip of the Week I talk about the emotive subject of giving a personal guarantee, or Directors Guarantee, to secure your Limited Company’s debt.

This week’s Friday Business Finance Bulletin is out and I look at the new rules being introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority to regulate the crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending sector.

Also I take a look at the launch of a new one-stop information site for alternative sources of finance speared-headed by Funding Circle, Zopa, MarketInvoice, Platform Black, Seedrs and Crowdcube.

There’s news from the OFT on its interim report into the SME finance market and I look at a survey from Lloyds Bank on cashflow and invoicing.

In the Finance Tip of the Week, following a session with a team of bank managers I share three key things which bankers say hold them back from giving a ‘yes’ to a business finance request.

Posted on 28.02.2014, by Rob Warlow 

In the latest Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at the latest tranche of British Business Bank money given to peer-to-peer lender Funding Circle for on-lending to UK businesses. Rob also looks at an incentive being run during March by another peer-to-peer platform, ReBuildingSociety to encourage use of this alternative lending source.

A new survey from the Manufacturing Advisory Service reveals a buoyant mood amongst manufacturers and in his Tip of the Week Rob looks at why you should contact your bank before you make a formal approach for commercial mortgages to find out how your proposal fits.