Opening this week’s Bulletin, we take our regular look at how the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is performing and how the approval rate is on the rise.

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme has been launched and we look at how some banks have been better than others in terms of their processes.

Wrapping up the Bulletin, with firms now planning ahead what changes are they planning to make to the way they do business?

This week saw an addition to the Business Loan Services team. In the latest Business Finance Bulletin Xtra we chat with Shayne Yates to learn more about his background and plans to help his clients access much needed finance.

We open this podcast with an update on the CBILS performance. How are the accredited lenders doing in terms of getting money out to businesses in need of support? Will the launch of the Bounce Back Loans help those businesses which failed to access funding under CBILS?

We look at surveys carried out by Lloyds Bank and Hitachi Capital Business Finance which, not surprisingly, reveal that business confidence has taken a severe knock over the last two months.

To close, on a positive note The Pitch, the start up competition organiser, finds that some people are now turning their thoughts to starting a business.

Our guest in the latest episode of the Business Finance Bulletin Xtra podcast is Spencer Laymond from Curwens solicitors. As a Partner, Head of Commercial and specialising in business law, Spencer provides insights and tips on drafting legal contracts, the mistakes to avoid and remedies to pursue if contracts go wrong.

The government has launched the Bounce Back Loan to help smaller businesses access funding. Whilst many will be eligible, one element of the criteria is that a business can’t be classed as an ‘Undertaking in Difficulty’. I look at how this could result in some small businesses missing out.

Kicking off this Bulletin podcast, we look at the latest Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme update from UK Finance which, following a slow start, reveals that the number of loans distributed is now picking up.

One gap in CBILS eligibility has been support for start ups and pre-revenue/pre-profit innovation-focused firms. We review the announcements of a variant of the support scheme for innovative firms and funding specifically for start ups.

Closing the Bulletin, we step back and look at reports on the early economic impact of the Coronavirus. What steps are businesses taking to safeguard their future?

This edition of the Business Finance Bulletin Xtra our guest is David Lewis of Camrose Consulting Ltd We talk with David about the importance of producing Management Information, what goes into a good MI pack and how to use it to support your business growth plans and lender finance applications.

Opening this episode, we look at the announcement that Funding Circle has now joined the panel of accredited CBILS lenders. How will Funding Circle change the Scheme, and will it lead to a speeding up in distribution of funds?

We also review how CBILS has performed so far in supporting businesses in need of finance. A look at the figures reveal that the impact has been minimal and how a quickening of the pace is now needed.

To close the Bulletin, if you are thinking of applying for a loan under CBILS, what information will you need submit to the lender? Preparation is the key to ensure you don’t suffer from any unnecessary delays.

To open this week’s podcast, we look at the knock-on effect of changes to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and general lender reaction to the crisis which has jointly led to a fall in the availability of finance.

Evidence is now emerging of the impact the virus is having on businesses. We review a report from the British Chambers of Commerce which reveals reduced confidence and the limited level of cash reserves businesses have set aside to cover expenses.

To close, news of a grant scheme established by The Princes Trust and Nat West to specifically help young entrepreneurs meet costs and invest in new equipment.

The government have listened to business concerns about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and made some changes. How will this benefit businesses looking for funding?