Following a recent spate of high-profile company administrations, we open this Bulletin discussing the Euler Hermes Global Insolvencies Index which has revealed how in 2018 the UK is set to witness the second largest global increase in insolvencies. When linked with the latest bank lending figures, it looks like 2018 is turning out to be a challenging year.

Alternative lenders are continuing to announce the allocation of funds specifically focused on supporting small businesses. We look at funding pots set aside by Iwoca and Metro Bank designed to assist regional and national small businesses.

Do you credit check customers you give credit terms to? To close this Bulletin, we have a reminder of why it’s important to check your customer’s creditworthiness before you extend credit terms.

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.

What would you do if you were able to borrow money for your business? This is a question posed by Liberis, the short-term cashflow lender, when it spoke to 200 small businesses. As well as revealing how funds would be spent, the survey also discovered how many small businesses are still confused about where to look for finance.

Businesses based in the Midlands are in for a cash boost with the announcement from Barclays of the creation of its £370m Midlands Growth Fund. If you are based in the Midlands, we look at how you could benefit.

To close this Bulletin, we have news of Nat West’s revised Entrepreneur’s Accelerator Programme. Delivered in hubs situated in 12 major cities across the UK, the programme is designed to help start ups in need of support, advice and mentorship. Could the programme help you get your business off the ground?

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.

Here we are with the 200th episode of the Business Finance Bulletin – another milestone achieved in bringing you the latest small business finance news and tips.

We start this episode by taking a look at the 2017 corporate insolvency figures released by the Insolvency Service. Whilst the whole year makes sombre reading in terms of an increase in the number of businesses entering insolvency proceedings, the last quarter of the year though does make better reading.

One tool the government has in its toolbox to help tackle late payment is the Duty to Report requirement imposed on larger business in April 2017. We take a look at the payment practices of these firms as revealed in the first six monthly report.

When it comes to business planning, many business owners shy away from preparing a Business Plan because they are unsure what to include. To close this Bulletin, we share a quick content guide focused on four key areas.

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.

For many small businesses, banking and bookkeeping are their least favoured tasks. To open this Bulletin, we look at a new mobile-only bank, CountingUp, which has opened its virtual doors with a small business banking solution combining banking and bookkeeping in one app.

The availability of unsecured business loans from alternative finance providers has been a major boost for growing businesses. One such provider was Ratesetter, until their surprise announcement that they are pulling out of the unsecured business loan market.

Finally, to close this Bulletin, we look at the continued fallout from the Carillion collapse. Focus is now turning to the impact late payment is having on small businesses. In the Carillion case, questions are being asked as to what is the point of voluntary programmes, such as the Prompt Payment Code, when larger companies can easily ignore it? Is it finally time to get tough on late payment?

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.

Some businesses when looking for finance can get overwhelmed by the choices and process of applying for funding. If you are an FSB member, then help is at hand with the launch of the FSB Funding Platform which is designed to help its members efficiently search for finance.

Despite the prevailing uncertainty about consumer demand and the state of the economy, a report from R3, the business turnaround and insolvency specialists, reveals that the number of zombie businesses is in decline. What are zombie businesses and why are their numbers falling?

Asset Finance as a way of funding the purchase of equipment has seen a boom over recent years. However, the latest statistics from the Finance and Leasing Association show that use of Asset Finance is leveling off. We look at why that is.

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.

It’s very likely that you may not have heard of Open Banking. If you haven’t then the chances are that you will over the coming weeks and months.

It’s rare that we devote a whole episode to one topic, but Open Banking has the capacity over time to revolutionise the way you and your business manage your finances.

In the Bulletin we look at what Open Banking is; why it was introduced and what the future holds in how it will open up competition to make sure you get the very best finance 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.

Regular feedback we have from Business Loan Services clients is how difficult it can sometimes be to arrange an overdraft limit. Iwoca, the short-term loan provider, recently undertook a mystery shopping expedition to see how challenging it can be! In this Bulletin we see how they got on and share 3 tips if you’re looking for an overdraft.

Staying with the subject of overdrafts, Lloyds Bank has announced a revision of its overdraft charging structure. We look at the changes and how it’s decision to simplify the cost of running an overdraft will make the charge more transparent and easier to understand.

To close, we look at the latest asset finance statistics from the Finance and Leasing Association. The most recent figures show usage of asset finance increased in October, but year-on-year, the growth is less than stellar suggesting that business owners are holding back on investment.

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.

Here is the Iwoca mystery shopping video demonstrating how difficult it can be in getting an overdraft facility.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that business confidence is swinging back and forth in reaction to global and local events. That’s the findings from the latest Lloyds Bank Business Barometer report which we review in our latest Bulletin. However, it’s not all doom and gloom with some glimmer of positivity reported!

Managing financial tasks can be a headache for many businesses. This is why Starling Bank, the mobile-only banking channel, have teamed up with an invoice issuing, online solution provider Albert, to streamline invoicing and bank reconciliation. Could it help you reduce time spent on administrative tasks?

To close this Bulletin, we look at the 4th annual report from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance which reveals a continued rise in the use of alternative finance. Who are the businesses tapping into this growing, almost mainstream, form of finance?

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.

You would think that when it comes to selling a business, it would be the more mature ones putting up the ‘For Sale’ sign. Latest findings from Barclays Bank in their Entrepreneur’s Index report reveal that more younger businesses than ever before are being sold.

As we approach the year-end many business owners will find themselves with time on their hands as the seasonal slowdown kicks in. In a new survey, Lloyds Bank asked business owners what they will do during this quiet period. Do they spend time planning or kick back and do nothing?

To close the Bulletin, we look at the latest small business bank lending figures from UK Finance. The trend of a slowdown in an appetite to borrow and a build up in cash deposits still continues.

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.