We open this Business Finance Bulletin with a review of the latest business insolvency figures. The most recent figures released by the Insolvency Service reveal that insolvencies are still declining. It is acknowledged that the figures will eventually increase so what can you do to protect yourself from customers not paying?

The latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association show that use of Asset Finance in January continue its downward trend. Will the new Super Deduction investment tax break encourage businesses to invest?

Wrapping up, a look at a finding in the recent SME Finance Monitor report which highlights that some business owners have big plans and are still happy to take risks to achieve growth.

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Opening our latest Business Finance Bulletin, we take a look at the new report from the SME Finance Monitor team. Among the findings about small business owner’s attitudes to borrowing we look at how more businesses are turning to external finance. What’s driving this move?

With the government continuing to ramp up its Brexit planning, a new finance initiative has been announced. The formation of the Business Finance Council will bring together key players in the finance sector to ensure continuity in supply of finance post-Brexit.

To close, news from alternative finance provider ESME Loans that it has increased the maximum amount it can lend via its unsecured business loan product.

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Whilst larger housebuilding firms tend to have easier access to finance, smaller housebuilders have greater challenges in getting the finance they need to develop sites. To open this Bulletin, news of a guide released by UK Finance and the Federation of Master Builders designed to help SME housebuilders source finance.

Where are businesses turning to when they apply for finance? We continue our look at findings from the latest SME Finance Monitor Report and reveal where businesses in need of finance are turning to. Despite strained relationships between banks and small businesses, the High Street banks remain the first port of call.

As an alternative source of finance, the Asset Finance sector continues to be an important avenue of funding for growing businesses. The latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association show a busy August in terms of volume of business written. How does it look over 12 months though?

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A recurring theme in recent Bulletins has been emerging evidence of reluctance among small business to borrow and this trend is a highlight of the latest SME Finance Monitor Report. The report also reveals the top three issues which are of most concern to small businesses. Is access to finance still an issue?

Late payment has been another constant problem we have regularly featured in our Bulletins. In an effort to curb late payment the Government has called for thoughts from businesses on how it can tackle this problem. Do you have an idea to contribute?

To close this Bulletin, a look at a new £100m fund launched by the British Business Bank. With a large portion of angel investment focused on the South East, the Regional Angels Programme aims to improve access to early stage equity finance across the whole of the UK.

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To open this Bulletin, we review findings from the latest SME Finance Monitor Report which reveals a continued fall in the number of businesses looking to borrow money. The spectre of Brexit and a general uneasiness about the economy appears to be haunting business owners.

For those businesses which are looking to borrow then easily finding a finance source can be time consuming; that’s where collaboration between operators in the finance sector can help. We look at how Starling Bank and Growth Street is one example of businesses joining forces to improve access to finance.

To close, Creditsafe the company credit rating agency, has issued its latest 3-monthly review which highlights a startling increase in both the number of corporate failures and bad debts. At least the report contains one bit of positive news to close this Bulletin!

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Accessing finance via Angel investors is one source of growth finance. Who are these investors and what do they look for when taking a stake in a business? To open this Bulletin, we look at the latest annual Angel investor review undertaken by the British Business Bank and the UK Business Angels Association.

Since its inception in 2010 Funding Circle has supported thousands of small businesses via its business loan product. To understand the impact their support has had on the UK economy Funding Circle teamed up with Oxford Economics to carry out an in-depth study. The results show how access to finance can have a positive knock-on effect in the economy.

Despite the benefits of sensible borrowing the latest report from the SME Finance Monitor team reveals that demand for finance remains weak. The report highlights how the number of businesses declaring they have no intention of borrowing money has reached a new high.

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Are small businesses increasingly reluctant to borrow? According to findings in the latest SME Finance Monitor Report that appears to be the case. What are the factors holding businesses back from approaching lenders?

Following the Carillion liquidation, concerns continue to be expressed about how larger businesses deal with their smaller counterparts. Is there a failure in UK corporate governance, particularly when it comes to payment practices? That’s a question being posed in a consultation paper issued by the government. Do you have comments or ideas to share?

Despite the apparent overall reluctance to borrow, we close our Bulletin by reviewing the latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association. The statistics for business transacted to January 2018 reveal steady growth in the use of this form of finance.

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We open our Bulletin with our concluding review of the latest SME Finance Monitor report. How many businesses are really getting a ‘yes’ from their bank? That’s one question the report answers and the reply may cause many businesses to re-think their approach.

Have you heard the term FinTech? If not, you may be surprised to find out that you are one of the majority of businesses which are managing their finances via a FinTech-related application. We look at a recent survey from online Invoice Discounting provider MarketInvoice which reveals how business owners are benefiting from new technology.

There are emerging concerns that an ongoing increase in the size of consumer debt could have a knock-on effect on banks. But if debt is getting out of control, how could it affect businesses?

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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?

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Is appetite amongst small businesses to borrow money on the wane? According to the latest SME Finance Monitor Report this is the case. We take a look at how more business owners are opting out of taking on debt in favour of pursuing a ‘slow growth or no growth’ strategy.

On a more positive note, we share news from the Finance and Leasing Association that its members are reporting record volumes in financing plant and machinery, and business equipment. Asset Finance as a source of funding is continuing to win over small businesses.

To close the Bulletin, we look at a new fund launched by the British Business Bank. The North West Business Growth has been designed to assist growing businesses in the North West in accessing loan finance.

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