To open our latest Bulletin, we review a survey from Hitachi Capital Business Finance which reveals that businesses are now prioritising growth plans over cost cutting measure. SMEs are focusing on three main strategies to boost business in 2020.

Mobile-only banking continues to provide an alternative to traditional High St bank accounts. Anna Money is one such bank which focuses solely on providing mobile banking for businesses. We take a look at the key features designed to support SMEs.

To close this Bulletin, news of action taken by the Prompt Payment Code against a number of household names which have failed to meet payment guidelines. The steps are intended to send a message to larger businesses that late payment is unacceptable.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

In this increasingly complex world falling foul of fraudsters is all too easy. Opening this week’s Business Finance Bulletin, we look at how Just Cashflow clients can access free fraud identification software to lessen the chances of getting caught out.

If you’re in need of funds to finance your growth plans have multiple assets you can borrow against, it can be time consuming liaising with different lenders. Ultimate Finance have announced the launch of its Structured Finance product which will allow you borrow against a variety of assets via one loan.

Wrapping up this Bulletin, a look at a survey from Nat West which reveals how individuals are wasting money by paying for services they never use. Are small business owners just as guilty of this?

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

A positive start to this week’s Business Finance Bulletin with news from Lloyds Bank in their monthly Business Barometer survey that business confidence is on the rise. What are business owner’s view on the impact of Brexit though?

We look at the announcement from Barclays of the launch of a loan cashback scheme with support from the British Business Bank. The cashback is a nice bonus for businesses looking to expand via funding.

To close, less positive news with a look at how many businesses entered some form of insolvency in 2019. The figures from the Insolvency Service do feature a glimmer of hope for 2020.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Insuring the whole of your debtor portfolio against non-payment can be expensive. Opening our latest Bulletin, we look at the announcement of a partnership between Barclays and single invoice insurer, Nimbla. Rolling out on a trial basis in selected regions, Barclays customers will benefit from cost-effective credit insurance.

When reviewing finance requests from larger SMEs, banks will consider the risk and impact of supply chain failure. A survey from Aldermore reveals that many businesses have not reviewed the likelihood or consequences of supply chain failure.

To close, proposals have been set out in the form of a draft Bill to the House of Lords to tackle late payment. What actions are being proposed? To back-up the need for action, a survey from Pay UK uncovers the impact late payment has on business owner’s mental health.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

To start our latest Bulletin, an announcement from mobile-only bank Starling that it’s to start offering business loans to Limited Companies. Starling’s 100,000 business customers will also, for a monthly fee, be able to access its Business Toolkit service.

It’s now two years since Open Banking was launched. We look at a survey from the FSB which reveals that only a small number of businesses are taking advantage of the benefits Open Banking can bring.

Closing this week’s Bulletin, news from Nat West that it’s to link up with pre-paid MasterCard provider Soldo allowing their customers to directly access two of the bank’s key products. This is another example of the old guard joining forces with the newcomers.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Opening our first Bulletin of 2020, we kick off with a look at how much time small business owners spend on finance-related administration tasks. A survey from Starling Bank reveals that too much time is devoted to non-income generating duties.

How did small businesses performance in 2019 and what are their priorities for 2020? That’s a question posed by Nucleus Commercial Finance and the feedback on how small businesses saw last year’s performance is surprising.

To close, Santander has announced the launch of its 2020 Women Business Leader programme. They are looking for growth-focused female entrepreneurs to link up with seasoned business mentors. Could that be you?

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

To open our final Bulletin of 2019, a fitting close to this season with a look at the possible return of certainly following the Election result. Will the parliamentary majority be enough to overturn the feeling of uncertainty which has dominated the last 12 months?

Challenger banks are often at the leading edge when it comes to innovation and in terms of linking up with 3rd small business service providers that’s no exception. We look at announcements from Metro Bank and Starling Bank of partnerships available to their SME customers designed to improve efficiencies and access specialised services.

To wrap up our last episode for 2019, some good news on late payment. We review a new survey from MarketFinance which reveals that 2019 saw an improvement in late payment practices, lessening the cashflow strain for many small businesses.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Kicking off our latest Bulletin we review a survey from Xero, the online accounting software provider, which reports that despite many small business owners feeling despondent about their circumstances, the 20 years will see a significant, positive change.

With the High Street banks not known for delivering competitive foreign exchange services, we look at the announcement from cashflow finance provider Just Cashflow of the launch of its own foreign exchange offering.

To close, news from Pay UK that one day in the first week of December saw them handle the highest daily volume of automated payments. Are we finally seeing the demise of the cheque?

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

Opening this week’s Bulletin, a surprising continuation in the rise in business confidence despite the looming general election and Brexit limbo. However, another survey reveals that the feeling of uncertainty still prevails, especially among younger businesses.

With approximately £382b held on current accounts and low interest deposit accounts, findings from Aldermore Bank exposes how much businesses are losing out by not maximising deposit account returns.

To wrap up this episode, a look at how small businesses are still limiting their borrowing appetite as revealed in the latest Bank of England bank lending figures.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.

The latest SME Confidence Tracker from Bibby Financial Services reveals a continual decline in investment appetite among small businesses. What are the barriers to investment and of those businesses which are investing, what are they planning?

If you’re thinking of purchasing a commercial premises for investment purposes, one often over-looked requirement is the need for a compliant Energy Performance Certificate. We look at why failing to hit a minimum rating can scupper your chances of obtaining finance.

To close this Bulletin, a survey from Pay UK puts a spotlight on the burden and cost to small business owners of the rising late payment problem.

If you would prefer to listen to the podcast version you can click below or download to listen to later via our Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher or itunes channel.