Business Finance Bulletin

Times of uncertainty can make businesses more susceptible to scams. Opening this latest Business Finance Bulletin podcast, we look at a report from Barclays which reveals a stark increase in the number of business scams. How can you avoid falling victim?

As we edge closer to the end of 2020 business owners are facing a squeeze on cashflow. A survey from MarketFinance uncovers how close businesses are to running out of cash.

Wrapping up this podcast, a question from a young entrepreneur on how he can improve his credit score and secure start up finance.

Starting this latest Business Finance Bulletin podcast, good news for Directors concerned about potential personal liability on decisions being taken with an announcement that the suspension on Wrongful Trading has been extended.

How satisfied are you with the service your bank is providing and what factors would you take into consideration if you were to move banks? These are questions posed by the Current Account Switch Service in its latest survey.

To close, with the CBILS and Bounce Back Loan application deadline extended, the Office for Budget Responsibility has revised the estimated losses the government could face on the two schemes. The amounts demonstrate the potential high cost of supporting businesses.

Opening our latest podcast, news from the Start Up Loan company that it has appointed its latest batch of 12 Ambassadors. These are businesses owners who have built a successful business after receiving a start up loan.

We take our monthly look at the Bounce Back and CBILS loan sector. Whilst the figures show a continued increase in the number and volume of loans drawn, the rate of increase is starting to slow.

To wrap up this edition, a review carried out by Capital on Tap reveals the UK’s entrepreneurial hotspots when it comes to new company formations since the first lockdown. Which sector has proved to be the most popular type of new business?

To open this latest Business Finance Bulletin podcast, we look at an announcement from Just Cashflow that it is about to launch its own Business Account. Just Cashflow clients will now be able to take advantage of this new service which offers all the features of a traditional bank account.

Good news for small businesses looking for a bank designed around their needs with the news that a new bank has received approval to launch. We look at how Recognise Bank will support SMEs with a range of lending products, based on a relationship-led approach.

To close, with businesses focusing on managing costs and cashflow, we have news from Iwoca that it is waiving charges on its IwocaPay facility up to 2nd December. Could IwocaPay help you better manage your cashflow in these turbulent times?

Opening this latest Business Finance Bulletin podcast, we look at a disclosure from the British Business Bank as to the number of fraudulent Bounce Back Loan applications lenders have intercepted, and the amount prevented from being lost to criminals.

A report from the EY Item Club has revealed the staggering amount businesses have borrowed in 2020. The comparison to how much was borrowed in 2019 raises fears of a burgeoning debt bubble.

To wrap up, despite levels of borrowing generally increasing, we review the latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association which show that the number leasing and HP facilities is in decline, demonstrating a lack of business investment appetite.

Whilst it is always wise to review your costs and overheads, new research has revealed that businesses are cancelling insurance policies to save on the premiums. Opening this week’s Bulletin, we look at the top 3 policies businesses are cancelling and the risks they are taking.

We review the latest Red Flag Alert report from Begbies Traynor, which highlights an increase in financial distress some businesses are now under. The jump in numbers between quarters is a reminder of how tough 2021 could be for some businesses.

To close the Bulletin, a call from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Fair Business Banking for the government to support those businesses locked out of applying for a Bounce Back Loan because they don’t have a business bank account.

As the application deadline for the Bounce Back Loans and CBILS looms we open this podcast with a review of the latest figures on the number of loans and amounts borrowed. There are also signs that lenders are starting to close their doors early.

A survey from Hitachi Capital Business Finance reveals that small business owner’s ambitions to grow, whilst not surprisingly lower than pre-COVID levels, has remained steady over the last two quarters. Is this sustainable?

Wrapping up this episode, we share a story of how one business didn’t follow up on a potentially lucrative contract due the credit terms demanded by the other side. We look at how Invoice Finance could help preserve cashflow.

Opening the latest Business Finance Bulletin podcast, we look at a new offering from alternative finance provider Just Cashflow. With more traditional cashflow issues starting to re-appear, Just Cashflow has launched a VAT Loan facility to support businesses with payment of their VAT liabilities.

Despite the perilous state of the UK economy, the latest figures on how many businesses have entered an insolvency arrangement is still low. We look at the three factors which are artificially holding the numbers back.

To close, a survey from Aldermore Bank reveals that the events of this year have reminded businesses of the importance of holding a cash reserve. The survey finds that businesses are now looking at increasing the amount they save.

The latest review of business borrowing by UK Finance has revealed a staggering increase in the amount of debt firms took on in Quarter 2 of this year. The figures highlight the debt mountain businesses face repaying in 2021.

Research from Nimbla, the trade credit insurance provider finds that many businesses are still owed money from pre-COVID sales. What are businesses expectations on invoice payment in the last quarter of this year and beyond?

To close, we review a report from the National Audit Office estimates that the government could suffer a high proportion of losses on the Bounce Back Loan scheme.

Opening this latest Bulletin, we review the annual National Statistics Office report detailing how many businesses have claimed R&D Tax Credits and how much they have received. If you have changed or improved the way you do business are you taking advantage of this scheme?

Tackling late payment is a problem that never seems to go way. The Small Business Commissioner office is proposing additions to its powers which will allow them to take tougher actions against late payers.

To wrap up, we look at levels of business confidence and how the appetite to invest in new plant, machinery and equipment remains low.