Of those businesses which borrow money, what do they typically spend it on? To open this Bulletin, we review findings from Liberis, the short term lender, when they posed this question to their clients. The feedback reveals a variety of uses for finance raised, however one reason given does flag up a potential area of concern in terms of business health.

We are undoubtedly in uncertain terms and the latest Federation of Small Businesses survey confirms this by revealing a dip in business confidence levels. The FSB’s recent quarterly Small Business Index highlights the feelings of uncertainty and also identifies other areas which are of concern to UK small businesses.

To close, thankfully some positive news! Crowdcube has announced that it has hit a milestone in terms of £1 million plus equity raises. The news shows that far from being suitable for small finance requirements, equity crowdfunding is meeting the needs of larger, more ambitious business owners.

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.

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.

We kick off this Business Finance Bulletin by taking a look at the latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association which reveal that Asset Finance continues to be a popular way of purchasing assets such as equipment and vehicles.

Nat West and RBS have announced more changes to its application process in order to speed up business finance requests. The revised process focuses on improving application turnaround times from months to weeks for commercial and residential property developers.

Raising funds via selling shares in your business is one way of funding growth. To close review equity crowdfunding platform performance in the first quarter of 2017. Which platforms are leading the pack in terms of the number and volume of equity 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.

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?

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.

Equity crowdfunding has broken a record with the news that Crowdcube has raised the largest sum on the platform to fund its own business growth plans. In this Bulletin we look at the deal and how Crowdcube is supporting other businesses looking to raise finance.

Sole traders and small businesses that deal predominately in cash can suffer from bad debts just the same as any other business. We look at how many businesses are faced with walking away from money owed to them and how mobile payment services such as that offered by Paym can help.

As Peer to Peer lending and crowdfunding grows in popularity, what impact is it having on the UK economy? That’s a question asked in a survey undertaken by the Centre for Economies and Business Research in conjunction with Funding Circle. We look at the key findings and what benefits businesses are gaining from raising finance via this route.

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 this episode of the Business Finance Bulletin finally an edition packed with good news.

We take a look at the latest figures from the Bank of England which show an annual growth in bank lending to small businesses (but not such good news for the larger businesses though).

In the crowdfunding world an update from the Peer to Peer Finance Association confirms that crowdfunding had another strong year in 2105 in terms of money lent, and an increase in the number of private investors and borrowers.

Staying with crowdfunding, there’s positive news from Assetz Capital which has announced a significant pot of new money to lend out to SMEs and details of the launch of a new equity crowdfunding platform, GrowthDeck.

And to round-off the crowdfunding theme of this edition, a clip from a seminar in which Rob Warlow from Business Loan Services outlines the history of crowdfunding.

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 reviews the recent Entrepreneur’s Index survey released by Barclays Bank and the Regional Growth Fund. As well as looking at the UK business scene the report focuses on High Growth businesses.

Turning to growth finance raised via equity crowdfunding a new report issued by Altfi poses the question of how businesses have fared in raising equity by this method. The ‘Where Are They Now? Report reveals some interesting findings on the benefits of equity crowdfunding.

Staying with alternative finance Rob looks at study by GLI Finance and Cambridge University Centre of Alternative Finance which states that there a significant funding gap faced by SMEs which are unaware about sources of alternative finance.

If you’re suffering from cash flow problems Rob takes a looks at a product from Just Cashflow called BusinessPlus Mastercard which is designed to ease the cash crunch which SMEs typically face.

And in the Business Tip of the Week…. invest, don’t spend!

If you prefer to listen to the podcast version click below or visit our Soundcloud 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 this episode of the Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at the findings from the latest quarterly SME Finance Monitor report. The report highlights why you should never assume anything when dealing with your bank!

Turning to the asset-based finance sector Rob has news on how this form of finance continues to outpace the banks in terms of support to small businesses.

In the crowdfunding world Rob looks at the announcement from equity crowdfunding platform Crowdcube on a new milestone reached in respect of funds raised.

What are your confidence levels like about where your business is going over the next few months? Find out what business owners said when asked this question by Bibbys Financial Services as part of their regular SME Confidence Tracker.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week a clip from a live seminar in which Rob talks about why business owners hate writing business plans.

If you wish to listen to the podcast version (and our other business finance podcasts) tune in below or go to our SoundCloud and itunes channel.

In the latest Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at how business start up failure rates are the up but thankfully more positive news from Close Bros Asset Finance revealing that business confidence is on the rise.

There is also more good news with the formal launch of the British Business Bank which is designed to help challenger banks and crowdfunders get money out to cash-starved business owners. And in the crowdfunding world a look at new equity crowdfunding site, FireFlock which recently launched.

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob shares one thing you must not do when pitching your request for finance to your bank.

You can also listen to this week’s Bulletin as a podcast and download it to your PC or phone to listen to in the car. You can listen or download via Soundcloud by clicking below.