Opening this Bulletin, a review of the latest Small Business Index survey from the FSB which reveals that business finance is primarily being used to supplement cashflow as opposed to investment. Will this continue in 2020?

Firms looking to export for the first time can find it challenging identifying opportunities and associated risks. To solve this problem, the trade credit insurer Euler Hermes has launched a free-to-use tool for budding exporters.

To wrap up, news from the Asset Finance sector on how 2019 volumes outstripped traditional bank lending. What assets financed saw the most growth last year?

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To kick off our latest Bulletin, we look at a host of enhancements and 3rd party collaborations announced by Xero, the online accounting software provider. The partnerships are aimed at further streamlining the way small businesses manage their finances.

A survey from the Federation of Small Businesses reveals the different experiences sole traders have in borrowing money compared to the wider small business community. Why would lenders treat sole traders differently?

To wrap up this Bulletin, a review of current business confidence levels, which according to a recent survey from Lloyds Bank has bounced back in October. How long will that last?

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.

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.

Continuing our review of the findings from the latest SME Finance Monitor report, we look at what is holding small businesses back from borrowing. The survey revealed four reasons why businesses feel uncomfortable in taking on debt.

Whilst many businesses think that lenders are reluctant to support businesses, one bank is actively looking to assist growing business. Arbuthnot Latham Bank has recently opened an office in Bristol as an addition to their office in Exeter, to cover the South West and we take a peek at how they can help businesses with their commercial finance requirements.

Finally, we review the latest FSB Small Business Index survey which highlights that small businesses are feeling much less confident that they were a year ago. What is holding them back?

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.