The recent Autumn Statement saw the Chancellor announcing two initiatives to assist growing businesses. In this Business Finance Bulletin, we look at support the Chancellor is giving to boost exports and of the additional funding granted to the British Business Bank for businesses in search of equity finance.

New research carried out by Axa Business Insurance reveals that small businesses remain relatively buoyant in 2016 but as we discuss, 2017 looks less certain.

We are seeing more finance schemes designed to get funding to businesses in certain geographical areas. In this Bulletin, we look at an announcement from Market Invoice of its tie up with the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership which will see up to £2 million available to Leeds-based business via invoice discounting.

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To start off this Business Finance Bulletin we take a look at a new milestone achieved by the Start Up Loans Company in terms of the volume of loans disbursed. However, the question is being asked as to how much this government scheme has lost in the form of written-off loans and those that have fallen into default.

According to latest figures from the Asset Based Finance Association this sector, which covers invoice discounting and asset finance, has also reached new heights with a record amount of business being written in the 12 months to June.

What about business confidence post the Brexit vote? We take a look at how business owners are feeling about their prospects and what you should do now in case the mood changes.

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In this Business Finance Bulletin episode, we start off with news from Funding Circle of a £100m facility from the European Investment Bank for onward lending to UK small businesses. The facility will sit alongside an investment to be made by Funding Circle’s SME Income Fund.

Another growing source of alternative finance is that of asset finance. We look at the latest figures from the Asset Based Finance Association which reveal that facilities extended to small businesses over the last 12 months have dramatically increased.

Cash is the lifeblood of all businesses and a survey from audit and taxation consultants RSM has found that businesses can release cash trapped in their business by better management of day-to-day working capital. I share one key working capital component where cash can often get stuck. In the Bulletin I also reference another video in which I share how you can calculate your Stock Turnover Ratio – a useful tool to spot when your stock is getting ‘stuck’.

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In the latest episode of the Business Finance Bulletin, news from Santander on its collaboration with online lending platform Kabbage. The alliance will allow Santander’s small business customers to apply for loans online to speed up the lending process and is a nod to the success of the online lending revolution.

The government’s plan to help alternative finance providers has been boosted by banks now being required to share borrower credit information with three credit reference agencies. This increased transparency will allow alternative lenders to make more informed decisions when supporting small businesses.

The asset-based finance industry continues to go from strength to strength with the latest figures from the Asset Based Finance Association showing continued growth in 2015.

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week, why you should be negotiating with your suppliers to ensure you get the best deal and tips from negotiation expert Derek Arden on negotiating with your bank.

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This episode of the Business Finance Bulletin is a late payment and cashflow fest. Poor cashflow and management of late payment is one of the biggest barriers facing small business owners when it comes to planning for growth.

In this episode Rob Warlow looks at the latest research from Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance which uncovers the extent of the amount of cash trapped in overdue payments.

But what’s the solution to this problem?

The first way out Rob looks at is a new crowdfunding invoice discounter which can unlock cash so releasing much needed working capital to fund growth.

The second service is a new innovative support platform launched by a business owner who suffered from the effects of late payment. The service provides guidance and tools designed to ensure prompt payment by your suppliers. Could this work for you?

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week Rob gives some tips on writing a one-page Business Plan.

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 week’s episode of the Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow looks at the progress online invoice discounter Marketinvoice made during 2015 and their aims for 2016.

In the latest quarterly Red Flag Alert report insolvency firm Begbies Traynor reveals findings that an increasing number of firms are in financial distress and confidence levels in 2016 are on the wane. Rob looks at the reasons behind this dip in business confidence.

Would you recommend your bank? Rob looks at a new survey which finds that an increasing number of businesses are willing to do so. But who are these businesses?

In the Business Finance Tip of the Week, a look at why your bank would insist on reviewing your personal financial circumstances when extending finance to your business.

If you 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 looks at an alternative to the traditional bank overdraft. With banks providing less support in the form of overdraft facilities a new service has been launched by Growth Street to fill the gap.

There is news of a possible rival to PayPal which could be marketed by Apple in 2016, so one to watch.
Turning to challenger banks Rob looks at the results from Shawbrook Bank which shows strong growth in profits and increased support to SMEs.

Late payment continues to be a problem for growing businesses and in a new survey Rob shares findings that many businesses are reluctant to chase for payment or even charge interest as is their statutory right.

One way to alleviate the impact of late payment is to look at Invoice Discounting. To see how this works Rob chats with Kelvin Thomas from ABN Amro Commercial Finance on how it helps growing SMEs.

If you prefer to listen to the podcast version of this week’s Bulletin listen in below or download via our Soundcloud or itunes channel.

In this week’s episode of the Business Finance Bulletin finally some good news on late payment with the announcement from Tescos of a revision in its payment terms with their small suppliers. Could this be a start of a trend of big businesses listening to concerns around late payment?

Turning to the alternative finance scene news from single invoice discounter Platform Black on reaching a new milestone in terms of finance raised for growing businesses.

Have you ever had a Notice to Close your bank account? It can happen and Rob explains what you can do about it.
With the government keen to ensure finance companies are lending there’s news of a line of funding being granted by the British Business Bank to leasing and asset finance provider Hitachi Capital.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week a clip from a live seminar in which Rob shares his thoughts on the importance of knowing what your credit report reveals about you.

You can also listen to and download the podcast version of this Bulletin via our Soundcloud and itunes channel or listen in now by clicking below

In this episode of the weekly Business Finance Bulletin Rob Warlow examines current trends in late payment with news from the Asset Based Finance Association that despite improving economic conditions late payment problems are on the rise.

Continuing on the theme of late payment online accounting provider Crunch has identified within the world of self employment which businesses are best and worst when it comes to chasing payment. Are you one of them?

Locally run business loan funds are a useful source of alternative finance for smaller businesses and Rob looks at one fund run by Staffordshire County Council and the success it has had in supporting local businesses.

In the crowdfunding world Rob shares news from Market Invoice, the online invoice discounting solution, of another round of funding granted to it by the British Business Bank.

Despite a few hiccups lately in terms of growth and business confidence Rob looks at the findings of a survey from American Express Small Business Services which reveals that businesses are reporting strong growth and confidence for the future.

And in the Business Finance Tip of the Week a clip from an interview in which Rob talks about the typical cash contribution you have make to a deal to get your bank on board.

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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!

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