Holiday accommodation sector forecast for further growth

Research from property developer, Stripe Property Group, has shown that having rebounded from a pandemic dip of 24% in 2021, the market size of the UK holiday...

Small business confidence stalls in Q2 following base rate hikes

Small business confidence has slipped downward in the second quarter after a strong recovery at the start of the year, with FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI)...

Small business confidence stalls in Q2 following base rate hikes

Small business confidence has slipped downward in the second quarter after a strong recovery at the start of the year, with FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI)...

Quantuma collaborates with Aethon Partners to advise Clausematch on its sale to Corlytics to create a pioneering RegTech platform

Cross-border advisory firm Quantuma is delighted to announce its role in delivering the sale of Clausematch, an award-winning RegTech company, to Ireland-based...

Allianz Trade launches Business Fraud insurance

Allianz Trade, the world’s leading trade credit insurer, has launched a standalone fraud insurance product to help businesses combat the post-pandemic rise...

A measure of inflation relief for small firms sees transport costs fall but service price increases remain elevated

Responding to news that CPI has fallen to 7.9%, while core inflation fell to 6.9% in the 12 months to June 2023, Martin McTague, National Chair of the...

Profit warnings from UK-listed companies rise year-on-year for seventh consecutive quarter to reach highest Q2 total in three years

UK-listed companies issued 66 profit warnings between April and June 2023, marking the highest second quarter total in three years, according to...

Profit warnings from FTSE Retailers down for first half of 2023, but consumer spending remains slow to recover

FTSE Retailers issued five profit warnings during the second quarter of 2023, taking the total for the first six months of the year to 10, according to...

365 Business Finance boosts funding capacity with increase to senior secured facility with Pollen Street

365 Business Finance and Pollen Street Capital (“Pollen Street”) have successfully completed a 40% increase to Pollen Street’s senior secured credit...

£1.9 billion lost in income to UK SMEs as a result of supply chain delays

3.3 million (60%) small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have experienced supply chain delays in the last year, losing an average of £625,000 in income...

UK food and drink manufacturers cut prices for first time in over three years

The prices charged by UK food and drink manufacturers fell for the first time in more than three years in June, according to the Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker,...

Corporate insolvencies rise 27% – a looming zombie apocalypse?

Corporate insolvencies in England and Wales hit 2,163 in June, up 27% year-on-year. Compulsory liquidations in England and Wales were up 77% to 260 due to...

Together and Synergy Commercial join forces to provide £2.5m commercial bridge

Specialist lender Together and Synergy Commercial Finance have teamed up to help a client pay an unexpected HMRC tax bill of £2.5million. The customer had...

Jet2 continues flight path to a greener future with Lloyds Bank’s first sustainability-linked FX agreement

Lloyds Bank has completed its first sustainability-linked foreign exchange (FX) agreement to support leading UK leisure travel company Jet2’s decarbonisation...

Arrow Global acquires Blue Current Capital, fuelling the electrification of commercial fleets

Arrow Global (Arrow), a leading European vertically integrated asset manager, announced today the acquisition of Blue Current Capital (BCC), an ESG-focused...

Just Mortgages appoints Stephen Swyny as new Midlands Area Director

National brokerage Just Mortgages has expanded its self-employed division with the appointment of Stephen Swyny to the role of area director for the Midlands....

Asset finance new business grew by 13% in May 2023

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

Seasonal businesses drive summer bounce in small business growth forecasts

This summer sees a two-year high for the proportion of seasonal businesses predicting growth for the quarter ahead. New tracking data from Novuna Business...

Engage delivers Faster Payments Service to almost 100,000 credit union customers

Engage, the community banking platform has partnered with 10 credit unions to deliver its Faster Payments service which in turn provides quicker payments for...

Atom bank cuts rates for RLS and standard secured loan range

Atom bank has announced today (10 July) significant rate reductions on its RLS and standard secured loan range to support the aspirations of more small...

Fancy a cuppa in Cumbria? Uni lecturer takes over 70-year-old tea rooms

A Tourism lecturer from Cumbria has taken over an award-winning tea room with her daughter after securing a loan from specialist lender Together. Dr Angela...

82 Jobs saved with pre-pack sale of robotics manufacturer by Quantuma

Experts from leading advisory firm Quantuma have completed a pre-pack administration sale of Somerset based robotics manufacturer, Colin Mear Engineering...

Construction PMI: Slowdown in housebuilding will lead to chronic lack of supply warns RSM UK

According to the latest PMI data by S&P and CIPS, the headline construction PMI for June fell below 50 for the first time since January to 48.9, down from...

Mandatory bank referral system failing SMEs

The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) is recommending a review of the Mandatory Bank Referral (MBR) system because it is failing to help SMEs find...

Comment: SME lending under Treasury’s focus

Commenting on The Treasury Committee’s new inquiry into SME access to finance and lending, Anna Roughley, Head of Insight at the LSB, said: “SMEs have...

UK exports enjoyed steepest rise of all G7 nations in April

In a remarkable reversal of fortune, the UK topped the list of G7 nations’ export growth figures in April. The international delivery expert ParcelHero says...

Quantuma bolsters Scottish practice with senior hire in Edinburgh

Cross-border advisory firm Quantuma has appointed restructuring expert, Craig Morrison as a managing director in its Scottish practice. Craig will be based...

New survey suggests nearly half of brokers struggle to access finance for clients and many believe technology could solve the problem

Atom bank has today released new research1 conducted amongst the commercial broker community looking at SMEs’ access to finance and what is driving small...

Bank of England Money & Credit – comment

“Today’s figures from the Bank of England serve as a time capsule back to a less tumultuous period in May – a time the Bank and Governor likely wish they...

Just 40% of UK SMEs have started on their transition to being a sustainable business

New research from Aldermore’s Green SME Index1 has revealed that two million (40%) UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have started on the road to...

Latest business survey shows a slowdown in business prospects

Economic performance in Greater Manchester has declined slightly in Q2 2023 according to the findings of the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) conducted...

Half of small businesses relying on securing finance to achieve growth plans in the next 12 months

Access to finance is becoming a critical issue for UK small businesses, with new research finding that more than half (53%) would have to put plans on hold if...

Simple customs declarations top trade priorities for Government as majority of small firms outsource paperwork to intermediaries, new research shows

A majority of small international traders do not have the dedicated manpower required to handle complex customs paperwork and need to turn to high-cost...

Bolton to welcome new forecourt with drive-thru Greggs and Burger King

Diners in Bolton are due to receive two new drive-thru restaurants after developers secured funding from specialist lender Together. Developers A&F...

Right Staff makes right move in funding for growth

A Cannock-based recruitment business specialising in providing temporary staff to the industrial, transport and logistics sectors has found an innovative way...

Reward achieves landmark £200m lending milestone

Reward Finance Group has cemented its twelfth year of continuous growth, by breaking through the £200m loan book milestone for the first time. Reward, which...

Barrow housing charity secures funding to move into its own headquarters

A community champion whose charity has helped hundreds of homeless and vulnerable people into stable accommodation has moved into her own offices – thanks to...

UK food and drink manufacturing input costs fall for the first time since 2016

UK food and drink manufacturers’ costs fell for the first time in more than seven years in May, according to the Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker, providing...

Payment defaults double in the food sector despite prices easing, warns insurer

“It’s been a challenging few years for the food industry in the UK as the sector battles with the quadruple threat of rising prices, ongoing fallout from...

Johnson Controls deploys new AI tech platform to manage commercial debts

The UK and Ireland division of Johnson Controls, a world leader in smart buildings, has found an innovative way of managing a rising volume of commercial debt...

Johnson Controls deploys new AI tech platform to manage commercial debts

The UK and Ireland division of Johnson Controls, a world leader in smart buildings, has found an innovative way of managing a rising volume of commercial debt...

Asset finance new business grew by 12% in April 2023

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

April’s GDP growth offers a measure of hope to small firms amid difficult conditions

Responding to Office for National Statistics figures showing that GDP rose by 0.2% in April 2023 compared with the previous month, and rose by 0.1% in the...

‘Incentives rather than fines’ say small businesses looking to be more sustainable

Small businesses would prefer the carrot of greater incentives, advice and support in their efforts to become more sustainable, rather than the stick of a...

Optimum Finance sales capabilities with appointment of experienced sales RM

Bristol-based invoice finance provider Optimum Finance has appointed Mike Jones as a Senior Relationship Manager (RM) to further bolster the team as they...

Lloyds Bank appoints new head of asset finance in the South

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has appointed a new head of asset finance in the South East and South West, as demand soars among businesses to invest in...

Mr Sunak Goes to Washington – but must come back with a free trade agreement, says ParcelHero

PM Rishi Sunak must discuss a full US-UK free trade deal when he meets President Biden, says the international delivery expert ParcelHero. One of the key...

Small business breather as DRS ditched – FSB

Commenting on today’s announcement that DRS in Scotland will be delayed until at least October 2025, the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Scotland...

RICS: Higher rates will be bad news for renters and buyers

In May, buyer demand, house prices and agreed sales fell again – although not as badly as previously. New instructions were up for the first time since early...

UK M&A volumes down but appetite to invest up, says RSM UK

Today’s quarterly M&A statistics by the ONS reveal that mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the UK in Q1 2023, which involved inward, outbound and...

Aldermore provides £7m commercial mortgage for two industrial properties

Aldermore has provided a £7m commercial mortgage to Yorkshire Property Rentals Limited for two industrial properties located in Cleckheaton and Batley, both...

Business optimism increases

Leaders of the UK’s mid-sized businesses are increasingly optimistic about the prospects for both the economy and their own companies. According to RSM...

8 in 10 small businesses cite barriers to growth as fears over market uncertainty rise sharply

The last year has seen a rise in the number of small business owners that say their business is being adversely affected by ongoing market uncertainty and...

Together successfully upsizes LABS Securitisation

Together Financial Services Limited (“Together” or “the Group”), one of the UK’s leading non-bank relationship lenders, is pleased to announce that...

Debt consolidation and home improvements drive consumer borrowing

Research from users of the Freedom Finance platform, one of the UK’s leading digital lending marketplaces, reveals that the growing demand for consumer...

Falling Aftersales Absorption Should be a Major Concern

These worrying statistics published by REALtime Communications, whose highly respected data analytics relies upon real-time data from many of the UK’s...

Age Partnership & Pure Retirement write total loans of £1.7bn in 2022 and announce record profits of £22.02m

The UK’s largest equity release broker, Leeds-based Age Partnership Group, and its sister company, Pure Retirement, which provides home loan mortgage...

FSB launches ‘Sunshine List’ of ideas to empower hospitality firms as tourism season kicks off

Policymakers have a golden opportunity to help small firms make the most of tourism season this summer as the holiday season kicks off, according to the...

April retail sales rise slightly more than expected

Retail sales volumes rose an estimated 0.5% in April, following a 1.2% decline in March. Sales volumes rose  by 0.8% in the three months to April 2023 when...

Praetura unveils first-of-its-kind tech platform to support brokers and SMEs

Praetura Group (Praetura), the North West-based debt and equity capital provider to small and medium sized businesses, has launched a custom-built tech...

Specialist lender’s latest quarter results show strong performance

Together, one of the UK’s leading specialist lenders has announced its loan book has grown to £6.2 billion in its results for the quarter ending 31st March...

United Trust Bank provides funding for £24m Build to Rent scheme by Oblix Living

United Trust Bank (UTB) is providing £15.3m of funding to growing Build to Rent developer Oblix Living to complete their conversion of Saxon House in central...

Personetics Recognised as Top Solution for Banks Serving Small Businesses

Personetics, the global leader in financial data-driven personalisation and customer engagement, is the best solution for banks to gain a competitive advantage...

‘What holiday?’ Small businesses working overtime during month of bank holidays

New analysis from business insurer Simply Business and Mental Health at Work has uncovered a distinct problem within the small business community that is...

Lenovo partners with Demica on distributor finance

Demica, one of the world’s largest providers of supply chain finance SaaS solutions, has partnered with Lenovo’s channel solution and service team to...

M&S – early signs of success with turnaround plan

Marks and Spencer has announced its full year 2023 results: Sales rose by 10% but inflationary pressures and the absence of UK business rates relief saw lower...

Small firms welcome drop in inflation as energy prices plateau, but food inflation still takes a bite out of margins

Responding to the news that the consumer prices index rose by 8.7% in the year to April 2023, down from 10.1% in March, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair, Federation...

Finverity Appoints Lina Brooks, Former Finastra Senior Supply Chain Finance Product Manager, as Head of Customer Success

Finverity, the trade and supply chain finance digital ecosystem, announces the appointment of Lina Brooks as Head of Customer Success. The appointment comes as...

Quantuma engaged on sixth consecutive crypto related failure as AAX collapses

Quantuma joint provisional liquidators have been appointed over Atom Holdings (“Atom”) and five of its subsidiaries. Atom, incorporated in Cayman, is a...

Teradata and FICO Partner to Reduce Fraud, Improve Business Outcomes

Teradata (NYSE: TDC) and FICO, the analytics software provider (NYSE: FICO), today announced they plan to bring to market integrated advanced analytic...

Hospitality sector bounces back to highest growth outlook in 12 months

Almost two fifths of small businesses in the hospitality sector are predicting growth in the next three months (38%), more than twice the proportion compared...

Nine members of Hope Capital qualify as Mental Health First Aiders

In line with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 15-21), Hope Capital are proud to announce its people manager’s team have qualified as Mental Health First...

Number of UK sectors hiring hits six-month high in April

The number of UK sectors hiring new staff reached the highest level for six months in April, according to the Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker. In April, ten out...

Together appoints National Account Manager for Network and Clubs

Specialist lender Together has announced the appointment of Andrew Douglas as new National Account Manager for Networks and Clubs. Andrew will be providing...

Funding deal enables Manchester property developer to expand into the new build market

A £50,000 funding deal from Reward Finance Group is providing the catalyst for a Manchester-based property developer to expand into the new build market and...

UK headline dividends increased 4.6% during Q1 2023 but growth likely to slow during rest of year, says Dividend Monitor

UK dividends rose by 4.6% on a headline basis to £15.2bn and ahead of forecasts during Q1 2023, according to Dividend Monitor, which is presented by global...

UK government’s ‘Silicon Valley’ ambition unfeasible without more tech migrants, says RSM UK

As chancellor Jeremy Hunt has once again emphasised the prime minister’s ambition for the UK to become a “science and technology superpower” last week,...

Banks unconcerned with changes to disclosure rules in trade finance

A new report by leading supply chain finance platform Demica reveals that the majority of supply chain finance professionals do not expect the new accounting...

FSB: Small businesses need more support to decarbonise

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland has called for the introduction of specific energy grant support for small businesses and says the...

Small firms in retail and hospitality in the crosshairs as GDP falls in March

Responding to Office for National Statistics figures showing that GDP fell by 0.3% in March 2023 compared with the previous month, but rose by 0.1% in the...

Small firms still hammered by inflation even as dozenth base rate rise hits

Following the decision by the Bank of England to increase the base rate from 4.25% to 4.5%, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Martin McTague...

Commercial rents rebound, climbing 9.7% in the last year

Market analysis by the debt advisory specialists, Sirius Property Finance, has revealed that commercial rents have rebounded across Britain, up 9.7% annually,...

89% of small businesses would check the sustainability credentials of a supplier before choosing to work with them

The matter of how sustainable a potential supplier, stakeholder or partner is, is a priority for as many as nine in 10 small businesses, according to new...

Average SME plans to invest £321k to grow their business

New research from Aldermore’s SME Growth Index1 has revealed the investment and growth plans of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. Despite...

Businesses are ‘operating on a knife edge’, says insolvency expert – interest rates commentary

Ahead of an expected rise in interest rates for the 12th time in a row today, Owen Bassett, underwriter and insolvency expert at Atradius UK said: “While the...

ASOS – a weak sales performance in ‘very challenging’ conditions

ASOS, the fast-fashion online retailer, has released interim results for the six months ended 28 February 2023: Revenue declined by 7% in the first half and...

Hanley Economic BS introduces fee-free 95% LTV five-year fix

Hanley Economic Building Society has introduced a fee-free 95% LTV five-year fixed rate into its residential product range. The fee-free five-year fixed rate...

SME confidence makes a cautious comeback

There are signs of confidence returning to the UK’s 5.5m small and medium-sized businesses and the lending market they rely on, iwoca’s latest SME Expert...

Asset finance new business grew by 14% in March 2023

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

New research reveals a fear of data loss is holding UK finance leaders back

Over 12,000 UK organisations are struggling with outdated accounting software, as finance decision-makers fear losing data if they move to the cloud. New...

UK exports fell more sharply than any other G7 nation’s in February

New OECD trade figures show UK exports slumped deeper than any other G7 nation’s in February. The international delivery expert ParcelHero says Britain’s...

Hope Capital drops rates on all deals over £1m

Hope Capital has today announced it has cut rates on all deals over £1m, enabling brokers and borrowers to hit the jackpot on their large loans. The...

United Trust Bank provides funding for an ambitious £60m planning gain project

United Trust Bank (UTB) Structured Property Finance has provided a £4.3m net facility to enable the owners of a trading commercial property in South-West...

Hampshire Trust Bank completes £7.4m facility for later life apartment development

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has provided an experienced developer of modern care home and assisted living facilities with a £7.4 million loan for a substantial...

Kingsway Finance secures new £10m funding facility to help fund UK SMEs

Kingsway Finance, part of Praetura Group’s lending division, has announced a new £10m block discounting funding facility from British Business Investments....

Atom bank provides £1.5m loan to South East-based steel manufacturing and welding company

Atom bank has provided a £1.5m loan to Cube Metals Ltd, a steel fabricator and welding engineer company, whose applications had previously been rejected by...

Better Business Act could transform UK economy

Last week’s Better Business Day, in support of the Better Business Act, fell under the radar with only a small buzz around it. That’s got to change...

Welcome rebound in small business confidence, but cost of living squeeze is holding back growth

Confidence among small businesses has recovered strongly in the first quarter of 2023, with FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) headline confidence measure...

Highbridge Estates refurbshes Glasgow landmark following financial support from Cynergy Bank

Commercial property developer Highbridge Estates has completed the refurbishment of 24 St Vincent Place, a mixed-use commercial building in central Glasgow,...

RSM UK welcomes ‘long-overdue’ consultation on off-payroll IR35 rules

The government has today announced a consultation on off-payroll working rules, commonly called IR35, as part of its tax admin day announcements. The rules...

Quantuma joint administrators secure the future of Wiltshire SIPP provider

A team of experts from business advisory firm Quantuma have completed a sale of Wiltshire based FCA regulated SIPP provider, Gaudi Limited and its subsidiary,...

Deal sealed to secure future of Southampton manufacturer

Quantuma Joint Administrators have sealed a deal which rescued Southampton manufacturing business, Williams Aerospace. The sale of the business and assets...

Quantuma advises Momentum ITSMA on acquisition of Grist Limited

Business advisory firm Quantuma advised Rockpool Investments-backed Momentum ITSMA to provide financial due diligence on their acquisition of...

Property, accommodation and construction driving UK sector growth

The latest research by tax specialists, RIFT Tax Refunds, reveals that total UK industry has increased by just 0.1% in the last year but, despite this, the...

UK commercial property investment down across the board

Market analysis by the debt advisory specialists, Sirius Property Finance, reveals that the amount of money invested in UK commercial property has fallen...

UK firms’ online sales doubled between 2014 and 2021, with own website sales and microbusinesses leading the way

A new Office for National Statistics (ONS) report into the digital economy has revealed UK businesses’ online sales doubled from £227.4bn in 2014 to...

More new hires for LiveMore’s sales team

LiveMore, the lender for the 50-90+ age group, continues the expansion of its sales team with the appointment of two new business development managers and a...

Glimmer of hope for self-employed after resilience takes a beating

The self-employed have lower short-term resilience than their employed counterparts. They have an average of £154 surplus income a month, compared to £170...

Family business with debt free legacy aim turns to Recognise Bank after other lenders fail to provide lending options

SME specialist Recognise Bank has agreed a £416,000 fixed rate loan solution for a family business after it was frustrated by the lack of options with other...

Profit warnings from UK-listed retailers fall to lowest quarterly total since 2020, but sector challenges remain

UK-listed retailers issued five profit warnings in Q1 2023, marking a decrease from the nine issued in both Q4 2022 and Q1 2022. Despite representing the...

Profit warnings from UK-listed companies continue to rise year-on-year and remain above average for fifth consecutive quarter

UK-listed companies issued 75 profit warnings between January and March 2023, the highest first quarter total since the early stages of the pandemic in 2020,...

Azets appoints new Director to boost Restructuring and Insolvency team

Azets, the UK Top Ten Accountancy Firm, has appointed Richard Oddy, as a Director in its restructuring and insolvency team in Yorkshire. Richard is a qualified...

Quantuma bolsters London disputes team with recruitment of forensic accounting and investigations professional

Cross-border advisory firm Quantuma has appointed leading international forensic accountant and investigations professional Chris Phillips as a managing...

United Trust Bank funds £15m airspace developments for Fruition Properties

United Trust Bank (UTB) has provided £10.4m of funding to specialist airspace developers Fruition Properties to complete two new airspace schemes in London....

Food inflation is rising nearly three times faster than wages

Food inflation is rising nearly three (2.7) times faster than wages – according to new TUC analysis published today (Wednesday). The analysis shows that food...

Number of UK Buy-to-Let businesses increases 2.1%

Market analysis by the debt advisory specialists, Sirius Property Finance, shows that the number of VAT and/or PAYE enterprises operating within the UK...

UK businesses raise prices at slowest rate in two years

UK businesses increased their prices for goods and services at the slowest pace in almost two years in March, according to the Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker,...

Tuscan Capital provides £3.7m holiday let development exit loan

Tuscan Capital, the short-term property finance specialist, has completed a £3.7 million development exit loan facility for a holiday let scheme in Devon. The...

Reward makes key promotions to restructure its client relationship operations across the UK

Leading SME funding provider Reward Finance Group has restructured its client relationship operations across its key UK regional divisions, by promoting Chris...

North West house builder Lane End Developments Construction goes into administration

Administrators from business advisory firm Quantuma have been appointed over Lane End Developments Construction Limited, a leading contracting developer for...

FSB reiterates priorities ahead of FM statement

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland has reiterated its key recommendations for getting the economy moving ahead of tomorrow’s First...

Quantuma advises on sale of Thames Valley Facilities Management Company to listed Polish FM Specialist

Adrian Howells and Richard Hill of business advisory firm Quantuma have advised the shareholders of UK-based PCB Technical Solutions Limited on its sale to...

Azets advise on the MBO of MTE Heat Treatment Ltd

Azets, the UK Top 10 accountancy firm, has advised the incoming management team on the management buy out (MBO) of MTE Heat Treatment. MTE Heat Treatment,...

Bank of England & Treasury urged to use private sector for new digital pound

The Bank of England and the Treasury are “inevitably” set to launch a digital pound and it is “critical” that they involve the private sector, warns...

UK headquartered street style brand rescued from administration

Joint administrators from Quantuma have completed a sale of UK headquartered street style retailer, Just Hype Limited (“Just Hype”). Quantuma chief...

35 Jobs saved with pre-pack sale of Safeguard SVP by Quantuma

The Brighton team of business advisory firm Quantuma has completed the pre-pack sale of Safeguard SVP Limited after it entered into administration on 29 March...

New Novuna Business Finance report uncovers small business attitudes towards sustainability

Novuna Business Finance today, publishes The Small Business Sustainability Report 2023, an annual report looking at the attitudes among small businesses...

Increase in February construction output does not reflect slowdown in housebuilding activity, warns RSM

In February 2023, the volume of monthly construction output increased 2.4%, following a 1.7% fall in January 2023, with the rise coming from increases in...

Hope Capital’s portfolio team reaches new heights with promotion of Christy Alokan

Hope Capital is proud to announce it has promoted Christy Alokan to Senior Portfolio Case Manager, following her fantastic performance since joining the...

UK faces £570m liquidity gap

The recent banking crisis has drawn into sharp focus other weak spots within the global economy and concentrated minds of businesses leaders to protect...

Prolonged increase in UK insolvencies for the next two years

Global insolvencies are set to surge by +21% in 2023 and +4% in 2024, while insolvencies in the UK are expected to increase by +16% and +9% in the same period...

Housing drags down construction sector in March but pockets of optimism

According to the latest CIPS data, the headline UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 50.7 in March, down from 54.6 in February. House...

Plans to streamline import checks welcomed as excessive customs paperwork stops small firms from international trade

Responding to the publication of the Government’s draft Border Target Operating Model, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses...

Supply chain expert comments on UK’s plan to join CPTPP

“There is a potential long-term gain from the U.K. in joining CPTPP, but for various reasons, the U.K.’s physical distance from the Pacific reduces the...

Asset finance new business grew by 20% in February 2023

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

Aston Lark opens new office in Norwich

Insurance broker Aston Lark, a Howden company, has continued its regional expansion, opening a new office in Norwich. The new premises is in addition to those...

JBR Capital’s momentum accelerates with record Q1 results and appointment of new Chief Technology Officer

JBR Capital, the UK’s leading specialist automotive finance provider, has had a flying start to 2023 posting record Q1 results, as well as the appointment of...

The CICM Teams Up with My DSO Manager to Help Members Improve Accounts Receivable Management

The Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM), the largest professional credit management body in the world, has entered into a new agreement with My DSO...

Lloyds Bank and Enigio launch new trade digitisation partnership

Lloyds Bank and Enigio have launched a new long-term partnership to support greater use of digital documentation in trade finance through the use of blockchain...

Aldermore provides multi-million pound commercial loan to refinance ESG-led property refurbishment

Aldermore has assisted with the refinance of a mixed industrial and office portfolio worth in excess of £10 million to provide a new commercial loan to...

East of England home to the highest demand for commercial real estate and rentals

Research by debt advisory specialists, Sirius Property Finance, has shown that the East of England is currently the most in demand region of Britain for both...

Care home operator trebles in size on the back of recent acquisitions

An ambitious, fast growing, North East care provider has trebled in size within the last 12 months, thanks to support from Mincoffs Solicitors and accountants...

Allica Bank ramps up SME support with refreshed credit appetite

Allica Bank has made significant changes to its commercial mortgage credit appetite with cuts to its stress-testing and Debt Service Cover Ratio (DCSR)...

BExA’s 13th UKEF Benchmarking Report – ‘Improving delivery of the 9 out of 10’

The British Exporters Association (BExA) is delighted to launch its latest UK Export Finance (UKEF) Benchmarking Report. The report, now in its 13th year,...

Finverity raises $5m equity funding as revenues grow 15x

Finverity, the digital ecosystem for trade and supply chain finance, today announces it has raised US$5 million in a heavily oversubscribed equity funding...

Cynergy Bank eyes burgeoning self-storage market

Increasing demand for self-storage fuelled by UK households, students and businesses has led Cynergy Bank to offer financing support. Businesses that want to...

Envelop adds Midlands-based BDM to growing sales support team

Envelop, one of the UK’s leading packaging partners, has further bolstered its sales support team with the addition of Neil Nisbet as business development...

New funding facility helps Sheffield automotive tools business power aheadPOWER AHEAD

A husband and wife team in Sheffield is powering ahead with the growth of their specialist automotive power tools business Kielder – and finding a way to...

Buy-to-let borrowing costs up 76% in the last year

The latest market analysis by specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, has revealed that the cost of maintaining a monthly buy-to-let mortgage...

Food supply chain late or failed payment claims up 79% as the sector faces ‘quadruple threat’

One of the UK’s largest trade credit insurers, Atradius, has reported a 79% increase in claims for late and failed payments in the food sector amid national...

Gateshead entrepreneur looks to expand property business after securing six-figure finance deal

A Gateshead-based entrepreneur and property developer is looking to drive growth and diversify into the assisted-living space after securing a six-figure...

As sales soar, it’s good news at last for High Street and online retailers, says ParcelHero

Today’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) retail figures for February have finally given Britain’s hard-pressed retailers something to smile about. The...

EY comments on today’s ONS retail sales figures for February

“Retail sales improved for the second consecutive month in February, with volumes estimated to have increased by 1.2%. “This is a welcome positive...

Aldermore provides £7.14m loan to Hollins Homes for Preston housing development

Aldermore has provided a £7.14m property development loan to well established, award winning new homes developer Hollins Homes Limited, in a joint venture...

Energy Price Increases Remain Top Threat to Businesses, According to Global Business Decision Makers

Almost half (43%) of global business leaders surveyed still see energy price increases as their biggest challenge this year, despite Western countries’ best...

Number of UK sectors in growth mode hits 10-month high in February

More UK sectors reported an increase in output than at any time in the past 10 months in February, as stronger demand and weaker cost inflation drove activity,...

Reward strengthens London and South East team with new appointment

In a bid to further enhance its clients service operations and provide greater support to SMEs seeking commercial finance across London and the South East,...

B2B credit decisioning tool Fuse offers lenders clearer insights and 97% accuracy in affordability tests

Business credit decisioning tool Fuse by Pave offers lenders 97% accuracy in affordability tests, clearer insights into consumer affordability, reduced rate of...

Hampshire Trust Bank completes £21.1m development finance facility in four weeks

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has completed a £21.1 million development exit and construction loan facility for a mixed-use development in North London. The...

Industry leaders defend the future of fintech at Parliamentary summit

The fintech industry will continue to play a crucial role in the UK economy, despite recent challenges such as the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Credit...

West One launch residential proposition to Paradigm member firms

Paradigm, the mortgage, protection and compliance services proposition, has today announced the launch of specialist mortgage lender, West One’s, residential...

Together appoints new Personal Finance Chief Operating Officer

Specialist lender Together has announced the appointment of Chloe Cotgrave to the position of Personal Finance Chief Operating Officer. Her remit will be...

Novuna Business Finance response to the Chancellor’s Budget

“With the growth outlook among small businesses remaining eerily static for the past year with just a third (32%) of small businesses anticipating some...

FSB Scotland: Budget slim pickings leave smaller firms short changed

Responding to today’s UK Budget, the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Scotland Policy Chair, Andrew McRae, said: “Today’s budget doesn’t offer...

The predicted ‘boring budget’ has given some thrills for businesses, says ParcelHero

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s predicted ‘boring’ Budget was not quite the snooze-fest some political pundits had predicted, following the roller-coaster...

Small business strivers snubbed at meagre Spring Budget

Responding to the Chancellor’s Spring Budget, Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said: “The Chancellor has set...

Construction employment expected to fall for first time since 2014, due to ‘perfect storm’ of a declining housing market

The latest research by tax specialists, RIFT, has highlighted how a cooling housing market is likely to spell trouble for the UK construction sector, with a...

Optimum Finance strengthen sales team with appointment of Regional Director for the East of England

Bristol-based invoice finance provider Optimum Finance has appointed Amir Pournasrollahzadeh to lead its regional sales team in the East of England as the...

Outstanding construction lending down for the first time since pre-pandemic

The latest market analysis by specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, has revealed that the monthly average level of outstanding lending within...

Joyless January saw Britain’s imports slump by £4.9bn and exports by £600m

The value of imports into the UK tumbled by 8.7% in January and exports also fell by 1.8%. Britain’s trade with the EU saw the steepest fall. The...

RSM UK Middle Market Business Index (MMBI) Q1 Update

Despite the largest interest rate rise in a generation, middle market businesses are demonstrating remarkable resilience, investing in people and productivity...

Hampshire Trust Bank completes £7.5m development exit deal in weeks

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has provided one of the North West’s largest property developers and private rental companies with a £7.5m development exit...

GDP figures show we’re not out of the woods yet, say small firms, with growth-focused Budget needed

Responding to Office for National Statistics figures showing that GDP rose by 0.3% in January 2023 compared with the previous month, but was flat in the three...

Loosening of foreign worker rules will help construction sector, but January output shows real challenges remain, warns RSM

In January 2023, the volume of monthly construction output decreased 1.7%, the weakest monthly growth since June 2022, and the lowest monthly value in level...

Asset finance new business grew by 8% in January 2023

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

Boost in deal activity expected in second half of 2023 says RSM UK

New figures published today by the Office of National Statistics show the volume of inward deals (foreign companies acquiring UK companies) fell 13%...

Hampshire Trust Bank appoints BDM for bridging finance

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Herbie Bone as a business development manager (BDM) within its bridging division. Herbie has over...

Successful sale of Dormeo mattress business by Mazars safeguards jobs

Mazars, the international audit, tax and advisory firm, has completed the sale of the business of Dormeo, the leading UK mattress company, to United T and C...

Some positive signs as construction activity rises at fastest rate for nine months in February

According to the latest PMI data by S&P and CIPS, the headline construction PMI rose to 54.6 in February, up from 48.4 in January and the highest monthly...

Beard Construction comments on latest CIPS PMI data

Following the release of the latest CIPS PMI construction data, which showed construction activity rose at the fastest rate in nine months in February, we have...

United Trust Bank Structured Property Finance provides 100% funding for the acquisition of commercial premises

United Trust Bank (UTB) Structured Property Finance has provided a £1.06m loan to enable an experienced property investment company to complete the purchase...

Aldermore provides multi-million pound ‘develop-to-hold’ loan for grade ii listed apartment block in Sunderland

Aldermore has provided a multi-million pound commercial mortgage to X8 Developments Limited for a recently developed apartment block in Sunderland – the Bank...

Hampshire Trust Bank appoints development finance senior portfolio manager

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Gavin Davies as senior portfolio manager within its development finance division. Gavin brings over...

SMEs choosing challenger and specialist lenders to support investment

Commenting on the British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets Report for 2022/23, Simon Goldie, Director of Business Finance at the Finance &...

Scottish start-ups reach five-month high, new R3 research shows

The number of start-ups in Scotland have reached its highest level for five months, according to new research from R3, the insolvency and restructuring trade...

Hampshire Trust Bank appoints bridging finance business development manager for London & Home Counties

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Alex McMillen as business development manager (BDM) within its bridging division. Alex has over 10...

United Trust Bank Bridging Develops Broker Support in the Midlands and North with New BDM Appointment

United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed Michael Macleod as Business Development Manager in its Bridging Sales team as the award-winning lender continues to...

Ukraine war has had a ‘profound economic impact’ says insolvency expert

“12 months on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there appears to be no end in sight. Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes and...

Over-50s fear they will not be able to afford a recession

A third of the UK’s over-50s have concerns about being able to put enough food on their tables if the UK slips into the recession predicted by the Bank of...

Christmas shopping myths shattered by shock new ONS report

New data from the Government’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that Brits spent significantly more than they planned this Christmas, and that...

Reward eyes regional growth with latest business development director appointment

Scott Wood’s appointment as a new business development director at Leeds-based Reward Finance Group accelerates its growth plans in Yorkshire and further...

Tens of thousands to pull R&D investment – small firms’ plea with Hunt to back ‘nimble upstarts’ or see UK turn to ‘innovation wasteland’

Tens of thousands of innovative small firms are set to scale back investment if Government presses ahead with plans to slash R&D tax support for SMEs,...

UK Petrol Prices Set to Rise – could this help used EV sales activity?

Trends in wholesale utility prices and planned increases in fuel duty might be a catalyst for used EV activity. This is the assessment by MotoNovo Finance,...

FCA refreshes recognition for Standards of Lending Practice for business customers

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has renewed its recognition of the Lending Standards Board’s (LSB) Standards of Lending Practice for business customers...

OCI spotted red flags in 2021 and dodged trade finance fraud, following the recent alleged TMT fraud with Trafigura for $577m

Oliver Chapman, CEO of supply chain specialists OCI, the UK’s No. 1 fastest growing company and 3rd fastest growing company in Europe, comments: “In 2021,...

FSB Scotland asks Scottish Government to think again on DRS

With 6 months remaining until the rollout of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has reiterated its call for the Scottish...

Asset finance new business grew by 16% in December 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

January retail figures – a chink of light, but too early to declare victory

The Office for National Statistics has reported retail sales figures in Great Britain for January: Retail sales volumes are estimated to have increased by 0.5%...

All UK sectors forecast output growth in 2023

For the first time in six months, all 14 sectors monitored by the Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker expect their output to grow over the next year, up from 13 in...

SmartSearch sets out to find leaders of tomorrow with new Smarter Futures initiative

SmartSearch has started the search for its next generation of leaders with the launch of the Smarter Futures initiative. The development programme will provide...

Insolvencies on the up as businesses stuggle with cash flow – Insolvency figures reaction and data

“The updated Insolvency Service figures confirming 1,671 business insolvencies were registered in January this year is concerning news, and unfortunately...

December was worst month for UK restaurant closures in four years

UK restaurant company insolvencies in December of last year were the highest in at least four years says Mazars, the international audit, tax and advisory...

High street banks cut lending to SMEs as demand for finance grows

Demand for finance from the UK’s 5.5m small and medium-sized businesses1 is on the rise at the same time as banks are reducing their lending appetite,...

Start-ups driving growth forecasts in small business sector rocked by market uncertainty

Start-ups are bringing much-needed optimism to the small business sector for 2023. Nationally, 63% of small business start-ups predict growth for Q1 2023, up...

Dismal December – 1 in 6 UK businesses impacted by strikes, while transport costs topped importers’ woes

A new Government report reveals Britain’s businesses faced a torrid December. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Business Insights survey reveal...

What permanently higher interest rates mean for the supply chain

Interest rates may be close to peaking and will probably fall, but there are reasons to believe that we are entering a period in which rates will be...

Flat GDP in Q4 is cold comfort for small businesses amid energy fears

Responding to new Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showing that GDP was flat in Q4 2022, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Policy Chair Tina...

JMT Finance funds 80% LTV first-time landlord commercial purchase and refurb

JMT Finance, the privately owned and funded commercial property lender, has announced the completion of an 80% LTV first-time landlord commercial purchase and...

Barratt Developments – improved January trading, but housing market very difficult to call

Barratt Developments, one of the UK’s largest housebuilders, has released half year results to 31 December 2022: Barratt delivered 6.9% growth in total home...

Aldermore provides 700k loan to recycling company for a gas energy recovery incinerator

Aldermore has provided a £700k loan to Environcom, a waste recycling company, for a Gas Energy Recovery Incinerator (GERI) at their Grantham site, based in...

Tipping point inevitable for construction industry as housing market takes massive hit, warns RSM UK

According to the latest PMI data by IHS Markit and CIPS, the headline construction PMI remained below 50 and dropped slightly further to 48.4 in January 2023,...

Retailer and delivery logistics company liquidations soared in 2022. More will follow this year, forecasts ParcelHero

Retailers and their delivery partners had a grim 2022. A new Government company insolvency report reveals that, compared to the previous year, there was a 90%...

Small firms hope inflation peak is passed as base rate increases for tenth time in a row

Following the decision by the Bank of England to increase the base rate from 3.5% to 4%, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Martin McTague...

RSM UK hits £4.5bn deal value in 2022, as liquidity set to drive M&A in 2023

Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK advised on over 200 deals throughout 2022, with a combined value of £4.46bn, marking the end of another standout...

Hampshire Trust Bank completes £12.9m development finance facility

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has provided an experienced housebuilder with a £12.9 million facility to complete a substantial housing development in Derbyshire....

Hope Capital boosts growing Sales team

Hope Capital has announced the recruitment of three new sales appointments to join its team, as the firm prepares for its busiest year to date. David Owen, Ben...

Reward’s London and South East office hits £15m loan book milestone

Reward Finance Group has reached a key business milestone by growing its regional loan book to £15m in London and the South East, with the SME lender also...

Profit warnings from UK-listed companies increased 50% in 2022 as rising costs prompted record levels of warnings

The number of profit warnings issued by UK-listed companies in 2022 increased by 50% year-on-year, with record levels of warnings citing rising costs,...

CPS responds to Chancellor’s speech on growth

‘The Chancellor’s speech struck all the right notes. It is clear he understands both the economic challenges we face, and the opportunities we...

Small firms react to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Speech

Responding to the Chancellor’s speech this morning, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Chief of External Affairs Craig Beaumont said: “The contents...

Increase in quick sale home sellers as they slash asking prices to beat market downturn

The latest market analysis by property purchasing specialist, House Buyer Bureau,shows that the number of home sellers looking to sell their home quickly in...

Diageo half-year results – a solid performance

Diageo, purveyor of Johnnie Walker and Guinness, has announced half year results to 31 December 2022: Organic net sales (excluding the effect of acquisitions...

Majority of UK businesses still ill-equipped for a hybrid working future according to new survey

UK businesses are firmly committed to a flexible working future but the majority are still in the planning stage of their hybrid working projects according to...

Small business confidence collapses – FSB calls for growth plan to power through

Small firms’ confidence in the final quarter of 2022 plunged to a depth almost on a par with that measured during the second Covid lockdown two years...

Businesses respond to inflation with investment in technology transformation as concerns of recession linger

San Fransisco, California – Financial decision-makers across regions are investing in automation (37%) and supply chain technology (37%)  as businesses...

More UK sectors report output growth in December

The number of UK sectors reporting output growth more than doubled in December, according to the Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker. Seven of the 14 sectors...

Small businesses frustrated with fragmented approach to sustainability call for more cooperation

New research suggests that while small businesses remain committed to tackling climate change themselves, there are frustrations about the broader community...

One in ten small businesses will struggle to meet HMRC tax deadline

For business owners in the UK, January is marked by the height of the tax return season – and the associated stress and confusion. As of November 2022,...

The CICM partners with Red Flag Alert to help members mitigate risk and accelerate growth

The Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM) has partnered with Red Flag Alert, the UK’s leading insolvency risk scoring platform to offer valuable...

Supply chain adjustment is helping alleviate inflation

“Supply chain adjustments are helping alleviate the global inflation crisis; we expect prices to continue to fall,” says the CEO of supply chain...

The Envelop Network adds Gatehouse Bank to panel

The Envelop Network has announced the addition of Gatehouse Bank to its panel. This panel addition will provide Envelop Network members with access to...

Aston University research to support SMEs and mid-sized companies to be ‘future ready’

A new report from Aston University has highlighted opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies to develop strategies...

Supply chain specialist reacts to news regarding China’s population decrease

According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, the population of China fell in 2022. But this year is also likely to see India’s population...

Tell.money attracts Payments Industry Heavyweight as Non Executive Chair

tell.money has appointed Teresa Connors as Non Executive Chair of the Board. Teresa Connors, Managing Director of Payment Matters, brings to the Board of...

Homebuyers utilising bridging loans to overcome unsettled market as lending climbs 20%

The latest market analysis by bridging finance specialists, Apex Bridging, has found that homebuyers have continued to utilise bridging loans in an...

Allica doubles maximum loan size to £10m and provides further support to care home market

Allica Bank, the fintech challenger bank dedicated to supporting established SMEs, has doubled its maximum commercial mortgage loan size from £5 million to...

Half of small businesses looking to secure finance to grow their businesses in 2023

More than half of small businesses are looking to use finance to achieve growth in the coming year (53%) finds new research from Novuna Business Finance. This...

ChatGPT might not transform the supply chain, but AI products this year might

‘Knowledge itself is power,’ or so said Francis Bacon, but knowledge on the supply chain can give organisations the power to create a more stable...

November construction output masks the real challenges faced by the industry in 2023, warns RSM

In November 2022, the volume of monthly construction output saw flat growth (0.0%) in volume, following a downwardly revised increase of 0.4% in October 2022....

Construction output slows driven by a decline in new homes

Construction output in the UK grew 4% year-on-year in November of 2022, the smallest increase since June, following a downwardly revised 5.9% gain in October....

Asset finance new business grew by 12% in November 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

‘Energy costs fuelling crisis in Europe still a critical concern for businesses globally’

San Fransisco, California – More than a third of businesses (35%) have said that the heightened cost of energy is their greatest concern, as the effects...

Sainsbury’s – a squeezed supermarket

Sainsbury’s, the UK’s second largest supermarket, has announced a third quarter trading statement: Like-for-like sales (excluding fuel) up 5.9%...

Praetura Commercial Finance backs cycling distributor ZyroFisher with £25m growth funding facility

Praetura Commercial Finance has provided leading British cycling distributor ZyroFisher with a £25m asset-based lending facility to supercharge its growth....

Cambridge & Counties Bank renews contract with Phoebus Software

Cambridge & Counties Bank and Phoebus Software Limited (PSL) have signed a new five-year contract building on a 10-year partnership. The specialist bank...

HTB appoints head of sales for bridging finance

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Lorenzo Satchell as head of sales within its bridging division. Satchell (pictured) has over 30...

Small Business Concern as Support for Energy Costs Slashed

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland has voiced concerns over the dramatic scaling back of energy bill support for small businesses, announced...

No relief for small firms as energy support slashed

Responding to the Government’s announcement to slash energy support for small firms, Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses...

Small and medium businesses call for more support as government set to reduce business energy relief

Established small and medium businesses have expressed concern about their prospects ahead of the government announcing it is set to reduce the amount of...

Ten things to look out for with the supply chain in 2023 and beyond

Outlining ten supply-chain trends to look out for in 2023 and for the rest of this decade. Shifting manufacturing away from single regions The supply-chain...

Construction industry heading towards tipping point as PMI drops below 50 and business confidence plummets, warns RSM UK

According to the latest PMI data by IHS Markit and CIPS, the headline construction PMI dropped below 50 to 48.8 in December 2022, down from 50.4 in November...

House buyer demand falls by another -9.2% in Q4

The latest Homebuyer Hotspots Demand Index by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, has revealed that buyer demand levels are on the decline in the...

Next – an impressive Christmas performance

Next plc has announced a trading statement for the Christmas period and updated its guidance: Full price sales were up 4.8% in the 9 weeks to 30 December, much...

Waiting game increases energy bill fears among small firms

Responding to the latest developments with the government energy support package, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said:...

Keep calm and carry on

Global growth is heading towards a recession, and global trade will continue to slow in 2023, according to leading trade credit insurer Allianz Trade....

Barriers to small firms’ access to finance could hold back UK economic recovery, new report warns

Two thirds of small firms (66%) plan to make some form of investment in their business by 2024, but under half (49%) feel they are fully aware of the different...

Together appoints Tanya Elmaz as Director of Intermediary Sales for Commercial Finance

Specialist lender Together has today announced the appointment of Tanya Elmaz to the role of Director of Intermediary Sales for Commercial Finance. Tanya’s...

Company directors urged to act now as cash flow pressure drive surge in insolvencies

Company directors urged to act now as cash flow pressure drive surge in insolvencies. Headwinds likely to cause issues even for better-performing businesses in...

Allianz Trade in the UK and Ireland appoints new Commercial Director

Allianz Trade in the UK and Ireland has appointed Steve Stennett as Commercial Director with effect from 12 December 2022. Steve is responsible for fostering...

UK hospitality sector hit with fastest cost increases in November

Hospitality and tourism businesses saw the fastest operating cost rises of any UK sector in November, as firms faced sharp increases in the price of energy,...

Care home insolvencies jump 52% in a year as running costs spiral

Insolvencies involving residential care businesses have increased 59% in the past year from 56 to 85*, as they struggle to cope with mounting debt servicing...

Ninth rate rise in a row leaves small businesses between a rock and a hard place

Following the decision by the Bank of England to increase the base rate from 3% to 3.5%, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Martin McTague...

Supply chain adjustment supporting beginning of the end of inflation spike

“Inflation fell in both the UK and the US in November, according to data out this week. Euro inflation is also expected to fall. But this is hardly...

FSB: Scottish Budget Must Focus on Growth

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on the Scottish Government to use tomorrow’s Budget Statement to focus on giving small businesses room to...

Latest Business Survey Shows a Marginal Improvement in Business Prospects

The economic outlook for the current quarter shows a marginal improvement although the medium-term remains weakened, according to the findings of the latest...

Redwood Bank named No. 1 high-growth company

A specialist business bank has been placed number one in a list of the top 50 high-growth companies, just five years after launching. Redwood Bank has topped...

Scottish tyre recycling business on the road to success after securing £370,000 funding deal

Scotland’s first industrial-scale tyre recycling plant aims to increase revenues by 92% over the next 12 months, after securing a £370,000 funding deal with...

Small firms fear this Christmas will be their last if energy support ends Post-March

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is warning that discontinuing government energy support at the end of March would force tens of thousands of small...

Nine in 10 SMEs intend to borrow in the next 12 months to help survive recession

Demand from SMEs for lending is set to increase in the next 12 months, as 89% of businesses look to borrow to stay afloat, cover overheads or refinance...

Can Jeremy Hunt’s stretchy mortgage idea trump rising interest rates to help homeowners?

The latest mortgage market analysis by specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, reveals that, with homeowners paying increasingly expensive...

GDP Q4 outlook conditions still ‘incredibly tough’ for small firms

Responding to new Office for National Statistics figures showing that GDP rose by 0.5% in October 2022 compared with the previous month, but fell by 0.3% for...

Government Urged to Back Britain’s Innovative Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses to Restore UK to Growth

Delegates at the National Enterprise Network Annual Conference have called on the government to prioritise support for the country’s small and micro...

UK Small Businesses Drive Change in the Sustainability of Supply Chains

New research from Novuna Business Finance shows that UK small businesses are driving ahead with a green agenda and many have already taken steps to be the...

Optimum Finance Continues Growth Trajectory with New Funding Capability

Bristol-based invoice finance provider Optimum Finance has increased its funding capability by 25% following a successful year driven by substantial growth and...

United Trust Bank Supports £15m Exeter PBSA Scheme by ACE Student Living

United Trust Bank (UTB) is supporting the construction of a new, £15m Purpose Built Student Accomodation (PBSA) development by ACE Student Living. The...

Fintech companies Froda and Treyd join forces to provide merchants better growth financing

Two of Sweden’s fastest-growing fintech companies are joining forces in a partnership to provide easier and more accessible growth financing for retailers...

Construction industry hit by recession as PMI falls to three-month low

According to the latest PMI data by IHS Markit and CIPS, the headline construction PMI fell to a three-month low of 50.4 in November 2022, down from 53.2 in...

Redwood Bank provides £8.5m loan for London business

An East London businessman has invested in new opportunities after a multi-million-pound loan from Redwood Bank paved the way for him to expand his property...

Restaurant owners forced to lend £424 million to their own businesses in past year – 12% more than last year

The amount which restaurant business owners have been forced to lend to their own businesses has increased 12% in the past year, from £377 million in 2020/21,...

Hodge offers new Professional Mortgage

Hodge is today adding a Professional Mortgage to its specialist range, bolstering its aim to serve underserved markets. The mortgage, available to a range of...

Allica Bank raises £100m Series C in funding round led by TCV, the backers of Netflix, Nubank and Revolut

Allica Bank, the leading fintech SME challenger bank, has announced a £100 million Series C funding round led by global growth technology investor, TCV, with...

Eurozone bank lending to fall for first time since 2014 as major economies slip into recession – with Germany and Italy set for sharpest declines

Bank lending across the eurozone is expected to rise 4.6% by the end of this year but will contract 1.8% in 2023 – the first decline since 2014 – as...

Christmas is a ‘lifeline’ for small business owners

Commenting on the ongoing, catastrophic impact of the cost of living crisis on SMEs, Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, said: “Many small businesses...

Eight in 10 small businesses taking action to strengthen for the year ahead

With the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasting that the UK economy will be in recession until the third quarter of 2023*, new research from Novuna...

Tuscan Capital hails from Fast Track bridge process across all metrics

Tuscan Capital, the short-term property finance specialist, has announced that its Fast Track process, introduced in July 2022, has brought major improvements...

FCA proposes ways to make financial advice more accessible – HL comment

The FCA is consulting on proposals to create a separate, simplified financial advice regime, making it cheaper and easier for firms to advise consumers about...

Bury company’s global growth ambitions accelerated by £220,000 funding deal

A Bury-based ecommerce business has been boosted in its attempts to expand globally, after agreeing a £220,000 funding deal with Reward Finance Group. Clear...

Wattbike secures £3.25m funding package from Praetura to develop digital product suite and target new international markets

Wattbike, the elite exercise equipment manufacturer, has partnered with Praetura Commercial Finance to help fund its ambitious global expansion plans. The...

New-build buyer demand keeping the property market afloat

Research by property developer, Stripe Property Group, has revealed that while the property market may be starting to cool, the appetite for new-build homes...

Stay vigilant with energy suppliers to ensure small firms are not overpaying, Government urged

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has asked the Government to intervene to stop energy suppliers from finding routes to inflate prices, as small firms...

Together appoints Annette Tilbury as South Regional Sales Manager

Specialist lender Together has appointed Annette Tilbury as new commercial finance Regional Sales Manager for the South. Her role will entail looking after key...

One in four small firms plan to close, downsize, or restructure if energy bills relief ends in April next year, new survey reveals

Small firms’ survival during the ongoing energy price crisis will depend on continued government support through Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) beyond...

Atom changes its serviceability criteria to support more SMEs

Atom bank, the UK’s first app-based bank, has today revamped its serviceability criteria for both variable and fixed rate commercial mortgage products as it...

Response to ONS figures: R&D credit crunch turns triumph to disaster as Hunt slams tech start-ups

New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today show officially for the first time that the majority of business investment in R&D comes...

Bridging loans on the increase as rising base rates causing housing market volatility

The latest market analysis by mortgage experts, Revolution Brokers, reveals that bridging loan lending has increased by nearly 50% since the Bank of England...

The value of online sales slumped -7.7% YOY in October, despite second Prime event

Retailers who are placing their faith in strong online sales this Christmas are likely to be disappointed, forecasts the home delivery expert ParcelHero. New...

United Trust Bank Increases Midlands Coverage with Two New Property Development Appointments

United Trust Bank (UTB) has made two new appointments to its Property Development Originations team to increase its support of housebuilders and developers...

Comments on today’s ONS retail sales figures for October

“Although retail sales rose slightly in October, they continued their broad downward trajectory – coming in lower than they were in August – as consumers...

Gary Bailey departs Hope Capital

Gary Bailey, Managing Director at Hope Capital, has announced his departure from the bridging finance lender. Prior to Bailey joining Hope Capital in January...

Back to the Past or towards Silicon Valley UK? The Autumn Statement and the Overlooked Inclusive Pathway to Prosperity and a Sustainable UK Future

The last few months of British politics have seen the rise and demise of ‘Trussonmics’. Today’s Autumn Statement is a return to the past rather than a...

FSB Scotland responds to tough Autumn Statement

Responding to this morning’s UK Government Autumn Statement, delivered by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, the Federation of Small Businesses’...

Stealthy tax grabs hit small firms, as more needed on growth and prosperity

Responding to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Martin McTague, said: “Today’s Budget is...

Small firms call on Chancellor to keep R&D tax credits for growth ahead of Autumn Statement

In response to reports that the Chancellor is expected to cut Research & Development (R&D) tax credits for SMEs in Thursday’s Autumn Statement,...

Third party costs tops the list of concerns for nine in 10 small businesses worried about cost-of-living impacts

Nine in ten British small business owners are concerned about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on their enterprise (92%), peaking for those businesses...

Rising inflation risks of closure for thousands of small businesses across the UK – Simply Business

“This morning’s announcement of another rise in inflation comes with a clear recession warning from the Bank of England, and poses a significant risk of...

Small businesses are entering the recession in a weak position….leaving banks exposed

Small businesses entering recession in weak position – lenders can’t ignore preparing for deterioration in portfolio performance even as traditional risk...

United Trust Bank Structured Property Finance provides £3.76m loan to Nacropolis to seize an off-market acquisition opportunity

United Trust Bank (UTB) Structured Property Finance has provided a £3.76m sales period facility to the Nacropolis Group to complete a time sensitive...

Hampshire Trust Bank appoints development finance lending director

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Barney Iles as Lending Director within its development finance division. Barney brings over nine...

Berg Money and iwoca to fuel small business growth with expansion of business loans

Berg Money, the UK payments provider, announced today that it will work with small business lender, iwoca, to roll out their Flexi-loan product to Berg...

91% of unemployed UK professionals over 50 are considering returning to the job market

An exclusive survey of over 50s by the UK’s leading independent job board, CV-Library, has revealed that an overwhelming 91% of inactive workers in the age...

FSB Scotland: Shrinking economy underlines need for pro-growth measures

Following the announcement that the UK economy contracted by 0.2% between July and September, the Federation of Small Business’ (FSB) Scotland Policy Chair...

Fall in GDP heralds start of recession and the risk of serious economic decline, small firms warn

Responding to new Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showing that GDP fell 0.2% in Q3 2022, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair...

From Pledging to Implementing: Third of small businesses have formal Net Zero plan in place

Together for Implementation: With COP27 this week bringing world leaders together to accelerate global efforts to confront the climate crisis, there is a...

Asset finance new business grew by 9% in September 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

Ready For Recession: UK business leaders bracing themselves for economic crisis

The recent turmoil within the UK financial markets, combined with global inflationary pressures has led many UK business leaders to believe recession is...

Personal loans see second biggest monthly spike on record as cost of borrowing surges

Analysis of the latest Bank of England figures1 from Freedom Finance, one of the UK’s leading digital lending marketplaces, shows that the average quoted...

Berg Money launches Fintech platform for start-ups and SMEs

Berg Money, the UK payments provider, launched its new platform targeting SMEs across Europe and the Middle East. Berg’s platform enables small and...

United Trust Bank makes New Director – Intermediaries Appointment to Support Broker & Debt Advisory Firms in the Real Estate Sector

United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed experienced real estate finance professional Piragash Sivanesan as Director – Intermediaries, Property Finance to...

Construction PMI: Surprising rise in construction PMI does not paint true picture of industry disruption, says RSM

According to the latest PMI data by IHS Markit and CIPS, the headline construction PMI rose to 53.2 in October 2022, up from 52.3 in September, continuing the...

OCI clinches Overall Scale-Up business Award 2022 at the scale-up awards

The scale-up awards, which have been called the Oscars of the business world, celebrate UK high-growth companies and their entrepreneurs – OCI fought off...

The delivery crisis before Christmas – 19.2% of transport companies have no cash reserves left

New Business Insights figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that transport & storage sector companies are facing a...

Bank of England rate rise will leave small businesses between a rock and a hard place

Following today’s decision by the Bank of England to increase the base rate from 2.25% to 3%, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Martin...

RSM UK bolsters restructuring offering in London with new partner

Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has appointed Tom Straw as restructuring partner in its growing London team. Tom joins RSM after spending nine...

Study determines UK businesses are blind to the critical value-add opportunities delivered by their data governance programmes

New figures from Nephos Technologies, a specialist data services integrator, has revealed that the majority of UK businesses that took part in its recent study...

FSB on Scottish Emergency Budget Review

Commenting on the emergency budget review (EBR), unveiled by Deputy First Minister John Swinney in Holyrood this afternoon, Federation of Small Businesses’...

UK Small businesses call for greater Government leadership in the race to become Net Zero

New research suggests small businesses are maintaining a commitment to tackling the climate emergency despite the immediate economic challenges they face...

Hampshire Trust Bank appoints managing director for specialist mortgages

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Chris Daly as managing director of its specialist mortgages division. Chris was most recently head...

Specialist SME lender celebrates strong performance and growth

A specialist business bank, celebrating its fifth anniversary, has pledged to continue investing in its people and customers as it targets the next five years....

Saltare Secures Listing for Early Pay on Crown Commercial Service’s G-Cloud 13 Procurement Framework

UK Fintech Saltare has secured its first listing on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) G Cloud 13 framework under Lot 2: Cloud software category. By securing...

Cash injection provides Caernarfon events theatre and restaurant with springboard for post-pandemic growth

A £435,000 cash injection provided by Reward Finance Group will help a unique entertainment and events venue in Caernarfon to expand its live events programme...

Froda and Yabie sign partnership to democratize small-business financing and entrepreneurship

Froda and Yabie are two of Sweden’s fastest-growing fintech companies. Now, they are entering into a new partnership to launch Yabie Loans, a new service for...

Recognise Bank agrees £1.16m loan for complex multi-property portfolio deal

Recognise Bank has financed the complex purchase of a portfolio of mixed buy-to-let properties with a £1.16 million Professional Buy-to-Let (PBTL) loan, after...

Tim Thompson joins Hodge as new chief information officer

Tim Thompson has joined Hodge’s Executive team as its chief information officer. Tim takes up the role from his previous post as head of technology with...

Bombshell new figures highlight collapse of exports to the EU Big Four – plus the USA and China!

New export figures from the Government’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) paint a stark picture of the reality of post-Brexit trade. They show how UK...

RSM UK sees 40 new promotions to director as drive for organic growth continues

Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has announced 40 new promotions to director. The move marks another significant milestone in its continued bid to...

RSM UK Restructuring warns recession starting to bite as all industries see increased insolvency numbers

According to the latest company insolvency data from Gov UK, there were 5,595 seasonally adjusted registered company insolvencies, including 4,800 creditors’...

Sundeep Patel set to Join United Trust Bank as Director of Bridging on 1st November 2022

United Trust Bank (UTB) recently revealed that it had appointed Sundeep Patel to the key role of Director of Bridging, with a mandate to significantly grow the...

United Trust Bank funds £13.6m Rippon Homes development at Lea, Lincolnshire

United Trust Bank (UTB) is supporting the construction of a new £13.6m housing development at Lea near Gainsborough by successful housebuilder Rippon Homes....

Cash flow becomes top priority for small businesses as economic storm brews

With inflation hovering at a 40-year high, managing day to day cash flow has become the primary reason for small business applications for finance, according...

Saltare Secures Listing for Early Pay on Crown Commercial Service’s G-Cloud 13 Procurement Framework

UK Fintech Saltare has secured its first listing on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) G Cloud 13 framework under Lot 2: Cloud software category. By securing...

End the turmoil and focus on policies for prosperity, small firms tell new PM

Responding to Rishi Sunak officially becoming the UK’s new Prime Minister, the Federation of Small Business’ Scotland Policy Chair Andrew McRae said:...

End the turmoil and focus on policies for prosperity, small firms tell new PM

Responding to Rishi Sunak officially becoming the UK’s new Prime Minister, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Martin McTague, said:...

HTB structured asset finance complete £3m asset refinance

HTB structured asset finance has completed a £3,000,000 asset refinance to assist a well-known container hire group of businesses. The case was introduced to...

Do they know it’s Crisis Time at all? It’s beginning to look a lot like an Austerity Christmas, warns ParcelHero

The home delivery expert ParcelHero says Christmas cheer will be in short supply this year. It warns rising prices and supply chain disruption mean that we are...

Profit warnings issued by UK-listed companies in Q3 up 69% year-on-year

Profit warnings issued by UK-listed companies in Q3 2022 reached their highest third-quarter total since 2008, according to EY-Parthenon’s latestProfit...

Online sales finally reach equilibrium, while High Street stumbles

Online sales peaked at 37% of the entire retail market in February 2021, during the height of Covid lockdowns, but then started to fall back. How far they...

Together re-launches its fixed-term personal and commercial ranges

Together has today re-launched its fixed rate personal and commercial finance products to help clients who may be underserved by mainstream lenders. The...

Comments on today’s ONS retail sales figures for September

“Today’s ONS retail sales data reflect the challenges facing consumers, with inflationary pressures and falling confidence leading to a decline in sales...

‘Fall in retail sales shows SMEs are at breaking point’

Following the release of the retail sales figures published by the ONS this morning, Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business said: “The unsurprising fall in...

Talenthouse to partner with and invest up to $7 million in cash and shares in US-based digital SME banking provider, Nerve

TalentPlus, Talenthouse’s one-stop-financial app built for Creators, has partnered with and Talenthouse will invest up to $7 million in cash and shares...

Liz Truss resignation will not steady markets easily

“Markets are unforgiving. We have seen this in recent weeks when the pound hit historic lows against the dollar, gilt yields jumped, and stock markets dipped...

On five year anniversary Redwood Bank announces strong performance and growth

A specialist business bank, celebrating its fifth anniversary, has pledged to continue investing in its people and customers as it targets the next five years....

Allianz Trade announces CEO leadership change

Allianz Trade, the world leader in trade credit insurance, announces today that Aylin Somersan Coqui, currently Group Chief Risk Officer of Allianz SE, will...

FSB unveils five ways Scottish Government budget can boost business

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has today unveiled five steps the Scottish Government can take to address the cost of doing business crisis. The plan...

Paradigm Protect partner with Assured Futures for new protection referral solution

Paradigm Protect, the directly authorised protection proposition – which is part of Paradigm Mortgage Services – has today announced a new...

Aldermore provides loans of £20.9m for two-phase student accommodation development in Leeds city centre

Aldermore has provided loans totalling £20.9m to Study Inn Group for a 400 room, two phase student accommodation development, in the heart of Leeds city...

Allica Bank launches 10-year fixed rate commercial mortgages to help SMEs combat uncertainty

Allica Bank, the fintech challenger bank dedicated to supporting established small and medium-sized businesses, has today announced the launch of a ten-year...

Tourism and recreation output falls as consumers tighten spending

Tourism and recreation experienced the sharpest fall in output of any UK sector in September, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker. Output in...

Scottish small business confidence falls again as cost of doing business crisis bites

Scotland’s small business confidence fell again in the third quarter of 2022, latest figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) show. The small...

Open Letter to Prime Minister challenges lack of Government Support for 6 Million Small Businesses

Business Support organisations from across the country have written to the Prime Minister in an open letter pointing out that the Government’s current...

Rising costs and falling revenues causing worst small business pessimism outside lockdowns, new figures reveal

Cost pressures, falling revenues and a growing reliance on debt to prop up cashflows are among the gloomy findings of the latest Small Business Index (SBI)...

LSB drives financial inclusion for business banking customers with access needs, with new research

A report launched today by the Lending Standards Board (LSB) drives forward financial inclusion for disabled customers and those with other access needs who...

Hampshire Trust Bank appoints head of portfolio management

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has today announced the appointment of John Archbold as head of portfolio management for its development finance division. John, who...

‘Handbrake-turn’ emergency statement is tough medicine for retail, industry and logistics

Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget caused market chaos, driving down the FTSE 100 and the pound while raising interest rates. Just over three...

Time for stability and delivery on energy and National Insurance after weeks of turmoil, small firms say

Responding to the Chancellor’s emergency statement, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Martin McTague, said: “The Chancellor is...

Reward makes key hires in the Midlands and South East to drive further growth

Reward Finance Group has further bolstered its ambitious growth plans in the Midlands, London and the South East by appointing Adam Jolley and Sam Percival as...

55% of UK estate agents worried about current market outlook

Research by property purchasing specialist, House Buyer Bureau, has revealed that more than half (55%) of estate agents are worried about the current outlook...

Recognise Bank Supports Automotive Business with Commercial Mortgage

Recognise Bank has agreed a £555,000 commercial mortgage to help an automotive business purchase its own premises. Ralph & Co. Limited, which specialises...

Hampshire Trust Bank appoints development finance lending directors

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Rob Syrett and Jason Wilmot as lending directors within its development finance division. Rob joins...

Hope Capital launches land without planning permission bridging loan

Hope Capital has announced it will now lend on land without planning permission, offering up to 50% LTV. Up until now, Hope Capital has only provided a loan...

Comment: ONS Construction output – “Encouraging in an increasingly challenging economy”

“It is encouraging to see two consecutive months of growth during July and August – however small – in an increasingly challenging economy. “The fact...

Small businesses help environment with sweeping cut backs to business travel

Two in five small businesses (43%) are keeping the ‘lockdown mindset’ towards business travel in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint and support...

Begbies Traynor Group launches suite of B2B services for accountants

Leading business recovery, financial advisory and property services consultancy Begbies Traynor Group plc has launched an added value service offering which...

Hodge strengthens its board with the appointment of Penny Bickerstaff

Hodge has strengthened its Board with the appointment of a new Senior Independent Director. In addition to the main Board, Penny will sit on the Audit, Risk...

Government regeneration to boost UK’s housing market by £188 billion

Research by property developer, Stripe Property Group, reveals that planned regeneration projects across the UK will increase the value of the national housing...

Majority of managers feel ill-equipped to talk about money worries

A survey of 762 managers within UK businesses has found: 39% do not have a clear strategy in place for how they will support staff during the cost-of-living...

Asset finance new business grew by 10% in August 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

Consumer car finance new business volumes grew by 5% in August 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer car finance new business volumes grew in August 2022 by 5%...

National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) partners with Finverity to grow supply chain and receivables finance book in MENA

London & Fujairah – Finverity, the platform enabling the trade finance ecosystem in emerging markets to do better, and  National Bank of Fujairah...

Hampshire Trust Bank appoints Deputy Managing Director for Development Finance

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Uliana Kuzmis as Deputy Managing Director within its Development Finance division. Uliana joins HTB...

Banks must step up payment services to support small and medium businesses as the backbone of the economy

Paris – New payment methods (instant payments, e-money, mobile and digital wallets, account-to-account, QR codes) are leading the charge with consumers, but...

68% of European SMEs to implement real-time payments next year

A new independent survey of more than 2,000 European SMEs has found: 68% plan to adopt real-time payment processing in the next 12 months At present, just 10%...

More than half of UK businesses are concerned about the impact of payment sanctions

More than three quarters of UK businesses (78%) expect the use of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) to increase as the cost of living and inflation rises, according to...

The property maintenance sector begins bounce back after difficult pandemic period

Research by property maintenance solution provider, Help me Fix, reveals that the property maintenance trade industry is finally bouncing back after a...

Optimum Finance joins the Good Business Charter

Specialist invoice finance provider Optimum Finance is delighted to announce it has signed up to the Good Business Charter (GBC), an accreditation that seeks...

HTB relaunches bridging proposition

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has relaunched into the bridging market following the creation of its new bridging team. The new team is in place to provide a truly...

Reward raises £30,000 for charities in Manchester and Leeds

A year-long fundraising effort by staff at Reward Finance Group has raised £30,000 to be equally shared between Manchester-based charity Barnabus and Aching...

Businesses Defy Gloomy Outlook with Plans to Succeed in Next Three Months

Despite the considerable headwinds of soaring energy prices, recession forecasts, and soaring inflation, small business leaders in the UK nonetheless remain...

Latest Business Survey Shows Sharp Downturn in the Economy

The economic outlook has dramatically weakened in the last few weeks according to the findings of the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) conducted by...

Reward provides £5.2m of funding to SMEs in first year of launching in the Midlands

Reward Finance Group has helped boost the region’s economy by providing £5.2m of funding to SMEs in the first year of launching in the Midlands, to enable...

Kingsway celebrates 25 years of funding SMEs

This week marks the 25th anniversary of Kingsway Finance funding UK SMEs. Established by Adrian Anthon originally as a leasing brokerage business in 1995,...

Plummeting pound is good news for US sales, says ParcelHero

Following Chancellor Kwarteng’s mini-budget, the pound tumbled to its lowest value against the dollar since decimalisation was introduced. Some analysists...

Quantuma appointed Administrators of Birmingham Inner Circle Community Credit Union Limited

Dina Devalia and James Varney of business advisory firm Quantuma have been appointed as Joint Administrators of financial cooperative Birmingham Inner Circle...

Small firms welcome Labour’s commitment to reduce business rate burden

In response to the speech by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said: “Small firms...

Retailers and manufacturers will be wary of ‘Devil’s bargain’ mini-budget, says ParcelHero

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s ‘slasher movie’ mini-budget has taken a chainsaw to planned tax increases, EU environmental and regulatory rules and limits...

New funding aims to spark growth of regional SME housebuilders

A new development finance fund to help regional SME housebuilders thrive has been launched by Newstead Capital in partnership with the government’s...

Mini Budget: UK needs inclusive economic growth, not isolated hot spots

“We are living in unprecedented times, but all times are unprecedented. The mini-budget may seem like a return to the past, or perhaps it is a tabula rasa...

Truss Government off to flying start – Chancellor delivers small business policy in mini Budget

Responding to today’s fiscal event, Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “The Truss Government is off to a...

British Business Bank agrees ENABLE Build guarantee with Hampshire Trust Bank

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has secured an ENABLE Build guarantee via the British Business Bank and The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities...

Reversal of jobs tax hike welcomed by small firms

Responding to the announcement by the Chancellor today that National Insurance Contributions increase is to be reversed, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)...

Bank of England rate rise means more margin pressure for small firms

Following today’s decision by the Bank of England to increase the base rate from 1.75% to 2.25%, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Martin...

OCI bolsters its team with the appointment of industry veteran Neil Edwards

OCI has bolstered its senior management team with the appointment of Neil Edwards as Trade Director. Mr Edwards is an experienced trade and supply chain...

Aldermore appoints Richard Jones to lead MotoNovo Finance

Aldermore, the specialist lending and savings bank, has appointed Richard Jones to be the new Managing Director of its MotoNovo Finance business. MotoNovo –...

UK Consumers Seeking Greater Access to Credit, With Demand for Credit Cards on the Rise

Only half of UK consumers currently feel that they have sufficient access to credit, according to figures revealed in TransUnion’s latest Consumer Pulse...

Reach helps Tuber Group in a major acquisition

Reach Commercial Finance has secured three different funding solutions worth £4.8 million for Tuber Group to help accelerate business growth, the latest of...

Pressure grows for UK companies invoicing in US dollars as pound drops to 37-year low

“UK companies who invoice their customers in US dollars should be placing an even greater emphasis on their cash collection processes to ensure invoices are...

Hodge launches new refurbishment bridging product for experienced and active developers

Hodge has launched a new Refurbishment Bridge Finance product to help experienced property developers in making improvements or changing the layout of an...

UK SMEs owed an annual average of nearly £150,000 – almost double compared to 2019

Britain’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are owed on average £147,141 in late payments – nearly £74,000 more than in 2019 – according to the...

United Trust Bank appoints Jack Heath as BDM as it continues to grow its Bridging business

United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed Jack Heath as Business Development Manager as the Bank continues to expand its Bridging Sales Team and grow its Bridging...

More UK sectors report falling demand in August

The number of UK sectors reporting falls in demand increased for a fourth successive month in August, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker. Of...

Landbay lowers rates on its two-year buy-to-let range

Landbay is bucking the trend of rising rates, by today (Tuesday 20th September) lowering interest rates on its two-year fixed rate buy-to-let mortgages. This...

Housing development takes shape following £3.6million funding package

Established specialist lender Together has agreed a £3.6million funding facility for a luxury family-orientated homes development in South Yorkshire. Bespoke...

The impact of the Queen’s death on business and retail

Retailers and businesses across the UK are bracing themselves for a period of uncertainty following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The long-term impact could...

Sundeep Patel to Join United Trust Bank as Director of Bridging

United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed Sundeep Patel to the key role of Director of Bridging, with a mandate to significantly grow the Bank’s short term...

Asset finance new business grew by 2% in July 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

£200,000 cash injection helps construction social enterprise win record contract

A home counties-based social enterprise, which provides training and employment opportunities for young people in the construction industry, has secured a...

FSB Calls for Small Business Help to be Centrepiece of Programme for Government

Ahead of tomorrow’s unveiling of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland has written to...

Majority of European SMEs forced to take a loan due to missing payments

A new independent survey of more than 2,000 European SMEs has found: 54% have been forced to take out a loan as a result of missing and delayed payments 62%...

Growing number of SMEs seek finance to achieve sustainability goals

New research from Allica Bank shows SMEs have a heightened focus on finding finance to boost their sustainability, with 65% of commercial mortgage brokers and...

Rising energy bills to eat up 11% of your salary

Research by RIFT Tax Refunds reveals that, by March 2023, rising energy prices and stagnant income means household bills will cost 11% of the average...

Mercantile Trust expand bridging proposition into Northern Ireland

Mercantile Trust, the specialist bridging, buy-to-let and commercial lender, has today expanded its bridging proposition into Northern Ireland with immediate...

‘Summer of Discontent’ port, post and Amazon strikes will impact on £1bn of trade and cause severe delays, says ParcelHero

Faced with rising household energy costs and soaring inflation, workers at ports, postal organisations and warehouses are staging strikes in a bid to improve...

Bibby Line Group returns to profit and primed for future growth

Liverpool-based Bibby Line Group has reported a strong return to profit following the strategic realignment of the Group’s portfolio. Accounts filed at...

UTB Structured Property Finance supports substantial refurbishment of a £10m office building

United Trust Bank (UTB) Structured Property Finance has provided a £5.7m commercial investment loan to refinance and subsequently refurbish a 29,000 sq.ft....

Recession? What recession? Retail sales buck the trend, says ParcelHero

Reports of a fall in consumer confidence this summer may be exaggerated, says the home delivery expert ParcelHero. Today’s Office for National Statistics...

Number of sectors showing fall in output reaches 18-month high

The number of UK sectors reporting falling output approached levels not seen since periods of lockdown, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker....

Sustainable Small Businesses are More Likely to Predict Growth

Small businesses that were anticipating either significant or modest growth in the next three months were also the most likely to be prioritising sustainable...

Small Business Commissioner Warns Late Payments Could Slow Investment From SMEs Into Staff and Equipment Development or Even Lead To Insolvency

In a recent podcast, The Small Business Commissioner, Liz Barclay, issued a warning that without confidence in cash flow, the UK’s small and micro...

No, the housing market didn’t dive in June: ONS

Average house prices were up just 7.8% in the year to June – a big drop from 12.8% in May. However, they rose an average of £3,000 during the month. The...

Hodge bolsters Commercial Lending team with three key appointments

Hodge has added three new experienced managers to its Commercial Lending team. Andy Buss has joined as a senior business development manager along with David...

Invoice Finance provider Optimum Finance reaches half-a-billion-pounds advanced milestone

Specialist invoice finance provider Optimum Finance has continued with its consistent growth trend into 2022 making the first half of the year the most...

The lessons of 2008 that retailers, manufacturers and hauliers must learn as the UK enters recession

This month, the Bank of England forecast the UK economy will fall into a recession by October. Governor Andrew Bailey warned the unexpected recession will be...

Together announces two new senior hires in Wales and Scotland

Specialist lender Together has today announced the appointment of two new Business Development Managers. Ian Hoggart and Martin Bloe will both be bolstering...

Holiday let mortgage enquiries still strong despite lifting of Covid restrictions

A webinar poll conducted by Hampshire Trust Bank, the specialist bank, has revealed that the holiday let mortgage market is still extremely popular with...

Digital provider Atom bank achieves full registration to the business Standards

Digital provider Atom bank has become the latest financial services firm to commit to the Standards of Lending Practice for business customers, which drive...

£250,000 funding deal helps Scottish company develop pioneering musical accessories

A Scottish designer and manufacturer of musical accessories is looking to repeat the global success of its first product launch in 2021 with two new...

Asset finance new business grew by 2% in June 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

Cashflows welcomes industry Heavyweights to C-Suite to Drive Further Growth

Cashflows, the platform that makes it easy for merchants to accept payments, today announces four additions to its C-suite to drive its ambitious growth...

Small businesses switch to domestic UK market as perceived growth opportunities in EU stagnate

The proportion of small businesses that see growth opportunities from the domestic UK market has risen sharply from 66% to 80% in just 12-months, whilst those...

Excellion Capital arranges £110m credit facility for pub operator Red Oak Taverns

Excellion Capital, a boutique investment and advisory firm focussed on real estate and asset-backed investments, has arranged a six-year £110 million whole...

Norton Home Loans promotes David Binney

Norton Home Loans has promoted David Binney to the role of Head of Sales. David has been at the Norton Group for nearly seven years, having previously worked...

Delays, shortages and strikes: how is the aviation industry coping?

It’s fair to say the travel industry hasn’t had the easiest year so far, and with the summer holiday season – which is now well underway – comes a...

UK growth forecast to be one of the worst for advanced economies

Leading trade credit insurer, Atradius, has published its latest Economic Outlook report analysing the performance of global markets. The quarterly report...

Hodge launches two new commercial finance options

Hodge has launched two new commercial finance options, an Acquisition Bridge and a Sales Bridge, aimed at helping experienced SME developers and brokers who...

Wiltshire butchers carves up growth strategy with new multi-million pound site

A renowned Wiltshire butchers that supplies Michelin-star restaurants and superyachts, expects to grow its sales by a third after expanding into bigger...

Aldermore announces new appointment in Asset Finance team

Aldermore bank has appointed David Hughes as business development manager in its asset finance team. David has 26 years of experience in the asset finance and...

Praetura Commercial Finance supports Cheshire-based Egertons’ growth with £5.3m funding facility

Praetura Commercial Finance has provided £5.3m of funding to support Egertons, one of the UK’s leading vehicle rescue and recovery operators, to enable...

Allica Bank appoints Ian Flaxman to new Head of Growth Finance role

Allica Bank – the fintech challenger bank dedicated to serving and supporting Britain’s established small and medium businesses – has appointed Ian...

Aldermore provides £6.4m commercial mortgage to Saxon Square Christchurch shopping centre

Aldermore has provided Saxon Square Christchurch with a £6.4m commercial mortgage, refinancing their key multi-let retail and hotel centre from a high street...

Together announces senior business development hires across the UK

Specialist lender Together is growing its team across the country, with a series of new senior appointments. Danielle Potter, Pall Thorarinsson and Jamie...

FIMBank and Finverity partner to offer global SCF and factoring solutions to mid-market companies

Finverity, the mid-market supply chain finance platform focused on emerging markets, and FIMBank, a leading provider of trade finance, factoring and forfaiting...

SME growth predictions hold firm despite soaring price rises and political uncertainty

UK small business growth forecasts for the next three months remain remarkably robust, despite soaring inflation and price rises. Further, a monthly comparison...

SFP completes the sale of Northamptonshire-based specialist insulation business

Nationwide insolvency practitioner, SFP, has successfully completed the sale of the business and assets of TPM Contracting Limited, a...

Hampshire Trust Bank appoints lending manager for the North West of England

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Malone Roberts as Lending Manager for the North West within its Specialist Mortgages Lending...

Reward Finance Group supports kitchen worktop retailer’s growth plans with £150,000 funding deal

A Yorkshire-based kitchen worktop retailer is targeting further growth after agreeing an additional £150,000 funding deal with Reward Finance Group. Gemini...

Almost half of UK airport staff are considering leaving but survey and job market data reveal solution could simply be better pay

With the first week of the school holiday starting for UK schools today and the peak period for UK airports beginning, an exclusive survey of industry workers...

Scottish firms tested by rising costs and staff shortages

Mounting overheads, skills shortages and concerns about the economy punctured Scottish business confidence over the last three months according to new...

Relaunch of residential investment loan incentivises greener homes

A popular residential investment loan has been relaunched with the aim of incentivising small to medium sized investors to invest in energy efficient homes....

As the UK’s No.1 fastest growing company continues to expand, OCI appoints banking expert, Geoff Parry, as Commercial Director

Commercial Process Outsourcing company OCI, which has seen its revenue increase one hundred-fold in half a decade, has once again strengthened its senior...

Hampshire Trust Bank bolsters development finance team with lending director appointments

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of three new lending directors within its Development Finance division. Colin Ness, Richard Payne and...

Crystal Specialist Finance makes senior appointment

Mark Hutchings has joined Crystal Specialist Finance as Head of Innovation and Strategy. In this newly created role Mark will expand Crystal’s proposition...

Majority of sectors show output up, despite weakening customer demand

The number of UK sectors reporting greater output increased in June, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker. However, businesses across the...

Half of small business owners forced to increase prices – amongst other survival tactics – to cope with crippling rising costs

Almost half (49%) of all small business owners in the UK are set to increase their prices as they look to battle rising costs, a new report reveals. The SME...

One year end of the Trade Credit Reinsurance Scheme: Why should UK businesses continue to invest?

One year on from the end of the Government Trade Credit Reinsurance Scheme, leading trade credit insurer Atradius has confirmed that businesses are continuing...

From working men’s club to luxury apartments; Together finances project delayed by COVID

Specialist lender Together has provided a £7.9 million bridging loan for the development of a six storey block of luxury apartments. The developer purchased...

Praetura provides £5.1m to support management buy-in at Vac-Ex Hire

Praetura has provided £5.1m of funding to support serial entrepreneur Dan Bown on his successful management buy-in of Vac-Ex Hire, a specialist plant hire...

Recognise Bank provides £670k loan for residential children’s home deal

Recognise Bank has agreed a £670,000 commercial mortgage for an experienced care home provider. The loan will enable the client, The Lewis Group, to purchase...

North West SMEs bounce back after pandemic, yet trail behind regional leaders

SMEs in the North of England are ranked in the middle of the pack when it comes to growth prospects compared to other regions in the UK, according to a new...

United Trust Bank Asset Finance chooses Workato to power connectivity and integration to its new Alfa digital platform

United Trust Bank (UTB) has chosen leading enterprise automation platform Workato to provide the software integration layer which will enable the Bank to...

Saltare expands with hire of second Commercial Manager

UK based Saltare, the Early Payment FinTech, has appointed its second commercial manager to grow customer base with a primary focus on enrolling larger...

Finverity announces launch of its Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP)

Finverity, the mid-market supply chain finance platform focused on emerging markets, today announces the launch of its Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP). The...

Packaging specialist to invest for growth following £250,000 Reward Finance Group deal

A Leeds-based custom-made transit packaging supplier is embarking on the next stage of its growth plans after agreeing a £250,000 flexible funding deal with...

Aldermore provides £6.8m loan to Russell Armer Homes for Lancashire housing development

Aldermore has provided a £6.8m property development loan to Russell Armer Homes for its Bowland Fold housing development in Halton, Lancashire just a few...

Keen small businesses outline significant sustainability barriers

Despite the vast majority of small businesses saying they are focussed on addressing green issues, around nine in 10 small business owners (89%) say a...

Asset finance new business grew by 5% in May 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

Newly launched Bergen Finance provides £29m of secured loans in first half year from a standing start

Secured lending newcomer Bergen Finance has lent more than £29m in its first six months of trading, with a further £40m in legal diligence. Bergen, which is...

Syscap relaunches lending with Hampshire Trust Bank

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has today announced that it is relaunching HTB Syscap, the lender of short-term loans to professional firms and SMEs, following its...

Female financial confidence is growing – but significant knowledge gaps remain

New research, launched today by independent financial education platform SmartPurse, has discovered that while female financial confidence is growing,...

Cash injection from Reward Finance Group helps South Yorkshire accountants unlock growth potential

An accountancy and business support firm with offices in Sheffield and Doncaster is set for growth after agreeing a funding deal with Reward Finance Group. The...

Pandemic and global security shocks shake up supply and demand

Economists from leading trade credit insurer, Atradius, have published their predictions on the future of global value chains and warned against businesses...

Aldermore provides £16.5m loan to Citu for next phase of Sheffield housing development

Aldermore has provided a £16.5m development finance loan to Citu for the next phase of its Kelham Central housing development in Kelham Island, Sheffield....

Lack of supply chain resilience and redundancy is the cause of the inflation crisis, says the CEO of supply chain specialist OCI

UK inflation is now running at 9.1 per cent, in the US, it is at 8.6 per cent, and in the euro area, it stands at 8.1 per cent. “Supply chain shocks,...

RSM UK raises £3.8m for automation project in Staffordshire

Leading audit, tax and consulting firm, RSM UK has completed a deal to raise a £3.8m debt package for PPS Equipment. Based in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, PPS is...

United Trust Bank continues to develop its Structured Property Finance team with appointment of Adam Ware

United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed Adam Ware as a Business Development Director in its growing Structured Property Finance division. Adam joins UTB from...

Tuscan Capital revamps short-term proposition with introduction of fast-track process

Tuscan Capital, the short-term property finance specialist, has announced the relaunch of its Residential Bridging proposition with the addition of its new...

Optimum Finance Signs SME Charter

Optimum Finance, the Bristol-based Invoice finance business has signed the UK Government’s SME Finance Charter, showing its commitment to supporting small...

Hampshire Trust Bank appoints development finance lending director

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Andrew Dignum as Lending Director for the North West within its Development Finance division. He...

BuildLoan launches the first Help to Build Mortgage

The government’s long-awaited Help to Build Equity Loan Scheme becomes a reality with the launch of the first ever Help to Build Mortgage. Created by...

Stuart Benge appointed as senior business development manager for Commercial Lending at Hodge

Hodge has appointed Stuart Benge as its senior business development manager for Commercial Lending. Stuart brings more than 25 years of finance sector...

Aldermore provides £6.1m loan for Whiteburn’s Viewforth Scottish housing development

Aldermore has provided a £6.061m development finance loan to Whiteburn Viewforth Development Limited for phase one of a housing development in Kirkcaldy,...

Atradius supports leading exporter to navigate new markets

As leading New Zealand meat exporter, Alliance, puts its new strategy into operation and begins its infiltration into new markets, it continues to return to...

Small Business Sustainability Knowledge Gap

Around nine in 10 small business owners (89%) admit they could be doing more on sustainability – with lack of knowledge on the key issues and financial...

Rising inflation “weighing heavily” on household budgets

The latest UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI) figures, published today by the Office for National Statistics, show that CPI rose to 9.1 percent in the twelve...

Funding provider Optimum Finance ‘Business of the Year’ finalist in National Awards

Invoice finance provider Optimum Finance has been successful in reaching the finals of the SME National Awards in two categories. Business of the Year less...

Student apartment deal saved by Together’s £7.5m short-term finance

Specialist lender Together has provided a £7.5million bridging loan for an experienced student landlord to expand his portfolio. The entrepreneur, who owns...

Asset finance new business fell by 16% in April 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) fell...

Number of sectors reporting falling output doubles amid slowing demand

The number of UK sectors reporting a fall in output doubled in May, as inflation continued to drive down demand for goods and services, according to the latest...

Together lends a record £300m in a single month

Specialist lender Together today announced it has broken its all-time lending record for the second month in a row. The finance group, which provides personal...

Quantuma partners with the UK’s first and only corporate credit ratings advisory service

Business advisory firm, Quantuma, has partnered with the UK’s first corporate credit ratings advisory service, Lightbulb Credit, to expand the range of...

A greener future for SMEs

New research from Aldermore has found that UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) invested an average of £61,250 on their own sustainability during the...

Turning the Great Resignation into the Great Retention

The ‘great resignation’ – otherwise known as ‘The Big Quit’ and ‘The Great Reshuffle’ – has been a cause of great concern in many industries...

Central Trust launches consumer buy-to-let into Northern Ireland

Central Trust, the first and second charge lender, has today (20 June 2022) extended the availability of its Consumer Buy-to-let (CBTL) mortgage proposition by...

United Trust Bank partners with Alfa and commences digital transformation of its Asset Finance business

United Trust Bank (UTB) has chosen leading software specialist Alfa to transform the Bank’s Asset Finance operations with an integrated digital solution...

4most Wins Government Funding to Develop Green Lending Proposition for SMEs

The UK’s largest independent credit risk and actuarial consultancy, 4most, has won a competitive, SBRI government funded award from Innovate UK, to build a...

Lending start-up led by young entrepreneurs takes off with green agenda

A lending business run by two former City brokers, expects to double its loan book in the next few years by providing finance to developers and landlords...

Reward makes key senior hire to drive further growth in London and the South East

SME lender, Reward Finance Group, has further expanded its team in London and the South East, by appointing Mark Swindell as its new business development...

Hope Capital welcomes new Marketing and Products Manager

Specialist short-term lender, Hope Capital, has appointed Sarah Butler as the firm’s new Marketing and Products Manager. Sarah, who has over 22 years’...

Two and Allianz Trade partner to develop ‘b-commerce’ market

Two, the pioneering business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce payments platform, and Allianz Trade, the world leader in trade credit insurance, have formed a...

Supply chain crisis costs UK SMEs £3.9bn

New research from Aldermore has found that over half (54% or 2.1m) of all UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been impacted by the ongoing supply...

Biggest Business Groups Unite in Call to Take The ‘Wait Off’ SMEs

Good Business Pays is spearheading an alliance involving the Small Business Commissioner and leaders from the UK’s biggest business groups including the...

Atradius Global celebrates 25th anniversary

Atradius Global, the international unit that supports the unique needs of multinational corporations turns 25 this year. To celebrate their silver anniversary,...

Jubilant June’s prospects fail to cheer transport & storage sector

June’s Jubilee plans failed to boost the spirits of the transport & storage sector, with 23.5% of operators fearing their turnover will decrease this...

Britain’s fastest growing small businesses in urgent need of finance

Seven in 10 small businesses (70%) that predict significant growth in the next three-months say they will have to put plans on hold if they were unable to...

Nearly one million UK SMEs fail to access finance using traditional means of borrowing in the last year – could open banking hold the key to extra investment for small businesses?

One in three UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who sought access to finance were denied in the last year, according to new research from Yolt,...

Aldermore provides £2.45m loan for Southernwood Residential Northampton apartment purchase

Aldermore has provided a £2.45m loan to Southernwood Capital to assist with the purchase of a block of apartments in Northampton, East Midlands. Southernwood...

Recognise Bank Provides £550k commercial mortgage for the hospitality sector

Recognise Bank has agreed a £550,000 commercial mortgage for a property investment firm to acquire a retail unit in the popular seaside town of Bournemouth,...

Brexit and Ukraine dent UK exporters’ optimism

A cocktail of uncertainty caused by ’long Brexit’, the Ukraine invasion, and disrupted supply chains has left UK exporters the least optimistic in Europe,...

Small businesses to see short-term boom during Queen’s Jubilee weekend

It’s been a challenging few years for UK businesses. Small, independent enterprises in particular have had to endure one setback after another, often with...

Economist comment: EU bans Russian oil imports

“The banning of Russian oil imports by the European Union will likely put further pressure on prices and the world’s economy. As the world’s largest oil...

The Government’s plans to reform the audit market are encouraging, says The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland

Corporate governance ensures appropriate decision-making processes and controls are in place in the interests of all stakeholders including shareholders,...

Together hires new business development manager in the South

Specialist lender Together has appointed Dan Narwal as a Regional Account Manager covering London and Essex to support the lender’s ambitious growth...

Rising energy costs drive green agenda among UK small businesses

Soaring energy prices have forced 89% of small businesses to review their energy use – with many becoming greener enterprises as a result –...

Recognise Bank Provides Bespoke Blended Approach to Portfolio Refinancing Deal

Recognise Bank has announced the agreement of a £4.2 million-plus refinance package for a portfolio investment client. The loan was provided to allow the...

Hope Capital propels growth strategy with four new appointments and two internal promotions

Specialist short-term lender, Hope Capital, has again bolstered its growing team with the appointment of four new hires across various roles in the...

Together Financial Services Limited – Q3 Results

Together Financial Services Limited (‘Together’ or ‘the Group’), one of the UK’s leading specialist mortgage and secured loan providers, is pleased...

New open banking-powered invoice financing service launched to support businesses during tough economic times, and help more to get paid instantly

More UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) will be able to get their invoices paid instantly, better manage their cashflow and improve their overall...

Smaller retailers set to struggle as inflation continues to rise

Delayed payments and insolvencies are predicted to rise in the consumer durables retail sector this year, reveals leading trade credit insurer Atradius. In its...

Businesses hit the brakes on people and business investment as economic headwinds take hold

Middle market businesses have hit the brakes on crucial people and business investment as inflationary pressure, recessionary fears, wage pressures and staff...

Central Trust and Mercantile Trust strengthens sales team

Specialist lending brands Central Trust and Mercantile Trust have expanded their internal operation with the appointment of a new Senior Business Development...

South West SMEs outperforming rest of UK when it comes to growth

The South West is the leading region in the UK when it comes to growth prospects for SMEs, according to Clarity, a new data asset from business advisory firm...

Herts Challenger Bank plants trees for the jubilee

A Hertfordshire Challenger Bank has celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by donating 600 trees as part of a royal initiative. Redwood Bank is marking Her...

Hampshire Trust Bank bolsters development finance business development team with trio of appointments

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of a business development director and two business development managers (BDMs) in its Development...

Aldermore provides £10.7m loan to Russell Armer Homes for Kendal housing development

Aldermore has provided a £10.7m loan to Russell Armer Homes to deliver a housing development in Kendal. The Meadow Rigg site is located on the northern edge...

Businesses brace for impact but are better prepared, says RSM UK

The RSM UK Supply Chain Index (SCI) continued to improve in March, but the firm’s preliminary reading for April showed the first signs of supply chain...

Together hires new business development manager

Specialist lender Together has appointed Gemma Roberts as a business development manager covering the North of England. Gemma, who has more than 20 years’...

Bergen Finance lends £9m to back expansion of Welsh film studios

Secured lending newcomer Bergen Finance, founded by Andrew Ward and Adrian Hogan and launched in December 2021, has backed Shadow Holdings, the company behind...

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine throws sand in the wheels of the global economy

The global economy remains challenged by supply chain issues and high energy prices, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict further increasing commodity prices and...

UK sector growth slows as rising inflation weighs on demand

According to the Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker, output growth in most UK sectors slowed in April as rising inflation weighed on demand for goods and services....

Hampshire Trust Bank unveils Bridge EPC Refurb product

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has enhanced its offering for landlords with the introduction a new product for clients looking at improving the Energy Performance...

Forums International Welcomes a New Consultant Partner to the Team

Forums International is delighted to welcome Kerry McKevitt to the team as our Consultant Partner, Forums Development and Kerry will bring an abundance of...

Call tracking specialist dials up growth with US acquisition

Call tracking software specialist iovox has acquired the marketplaces division of California-based call tracking provider, CallSource. The acquisition assists...

Saltare Expands Team with Key Appointment of New Commercial Manager

Saltare, the UK’s Early Payment FinTech, has bolstered its commercial team with the appointment of Tracy Grazioli, as Commercial Manager formerly with the...

Saltare Expands Team with Key Appointment of New Commercial Manager

Saltare, the UK’s Early Payment FinTech, has bolstered its commercial team with the appointment of Tracy Grazioli, as Commercial Manager formerly with the...

UK SMEs to invest £633m in growth in the next year

New research from Aldermore shows further signs of growing confidence and investment plans from small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK. Despite...

Acquis Equipment Leasing Index: UK companies start 2022 strongly despite looming headwinds

In the face of significant macroeconomic issues that look set to dent business confidence in the UK, the Acquis Index for Q1 2022 reveals that businesses are...

Recognise Bank benefits from £8.7m capital raise

Commercial lender, Recognise Bank, will benefit from £8.7 million in new capital following the latest successful round of fund raising announced today by the...

Hodge launches new Stretch Senior Development Finance option for experienced property developers

Hodge has launched a new Development Finance option, Stretch Senior, to provide experienced property developers with the opportunity to access additional...

Asset finance new business grew by 13% in March 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

Value of UK business loans written off by banks almost doubles in last quarter in 2021 – up to £356m from £190m

The value of UK business loans written off by banks nearly doubled in the last quarter of 2021, rising 87% from £190m in the third quarter to £356m in the...

Small business growth forecasts hit two-year high

Nationally, 37% of small business owners predict growth for the next three months, the highest figure since the pandemic started more than two-years ago. The...

CSA receive Ofsted GOOD rating in first official inspection

The Credit Services Association (CSA), the voice of the UK debt collection and debt purchase industry, has received the highly sought-after Ofsted GOOD rating...

New Customer Experience Debate Is Launched

A new round-table debate is set to allow senior professionals to share information and advice regarding customer experience in these changing times. The...

Applications for personal guarantee backed small business loans up 50%

Demand for personal guarantee backed finance from small businesses doubled in March 2022, as firms grappled with rising costs according to Purbeck Personal...

Taulia and EcoVadis partner to help build sustainable supply chains

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Taulia, a leading provider of working capital management solutions, has today announced its partnership with the business...

Monument strengthens Lending team

Monument, the challenger bank and specialist buy-to-let lender, has strengthened its Lending team with the recruitment of Craig Middleton. Craig, who joins as...

New ‘social hub’ opens in Castleford following major funding support

A Featherstone-based property developer has created a new social hub featuring an artisan coffee shop and sandwich bar, as well as a high-specification hair...

Quantuma continues to grow UK presence with new director hire

Business advisory firm, Quantuma, has appointed Lee Brocklehurst as director at its Nottingham office. Lee is the latest in a series of appointments by...

Gerasimov returns to Foundation Home Loans as Regional Account Manager

Foundation Home Loans, the intermediary-only specialist lender, has today announced the return of Jack Gerasimov as a Regional Account Manager. Jack will cover...

HTB boosts Specialist Mortgages team with two senior appointments

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has made two senior appointments – Head of Intermediary Distribution and Head of New Business. Sally Wright has been promoted...

United Trust Bank Assists Lillian Stanley Finance to Create a Customer Supercar Meet-Up

United Trust Bank (UTB) Asset Finance and specialist high value car finance broker Lillian Stanley, worked together to create Lillian Stanley’s first...

West One significantly reduces rates on buy-to-let lifetime tracker range

Specialist lender, West One Loans is reducing rates on its buy-to-let lifetime tracker product range. The largest reduction is on the Lifetime Tracker Standard...

Crystal Specialist Finance unveil enhanced CrystalHub Dashboard

Crystal Specialist Finance, the specialist finance distributor, has today launched a range of enhanced features to its CrystalHub Dashboard portal. Crystal...

Tuscan Capital provides large BTL portfolio funding

Tuscan Capital, the short-term property finance specialist, has announced that it has secured new funding for buy-to-let portfolio landlords looking to secure...

Thousands of logistics and courier companies reach the end of the road, as closures rise by 75%

New industry figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a huge rise in logistics company closures. In all, 15,005 freight transport businesses...

Together appoints highly-experienced banker as national development director

Together has hired commercial financial expert Joanne Fletcher to support the lender’s ambitious growth plans across the UK. Joanne, who worked for Natwest...

Hodge eyes strategic growth in commercial lending market with product shake up

Hodge has made significant changes to its commercial property products, with a new commercial investment product launched and criteria changes to its...

R3 responds to Q1 2022 insolvency statistics

There were 4,896 underlying corporate insolvencies in Q1 2022 – an increase of 6.1% from Q4 2021’s figure of 4,615, but a rise of 112% on Q1 2021’s...

2022 brings record Q1 lending levels for Praetura

Praetura Group’s lending division has celebrated a record-breaking start to the year, with strong growth across all aspects of the portfolio in Q1. Through...

Monument strengthens Bridging team

Monument, the challenger bank and specialist buy-to-let lender, has strengthened its Bridging team with the recruitment of Fatlum Lushi. Fatlum joins Monument...

Supply chain specialist OCI is the No.1 fastest-growing company in the UK

The supply chain is creaking under the strains of Covid19 and the Russian/Ukrainian crisis, creating strong inflationary pressures, but OCI is helping...

Alternative Bridging Case Manager appointment

Alternative Bridging Corporation has further bolstered its support function with the appointment of a new Case Manager. Radhika Patel joins the specialist...

Reward boosts Yorkshire’s SMEs with an additional £50m in 12 months

Reward Finance Group has helped boost the Yorkshire economy in the last 12 months by providing over 140 SMEs with an additional £50m of funding, to enable...

Impact Specialist Finance appointed onto Quantum Mortgages packager panel

Impact Specialist Finance, the leading specialist packager and distributor, has been appointed to the Quantum Mortgages packager panel. Impact’s brokers will...

Impact Specialist Finance appointed to Buy to Let Packager Panel by United Trust Bank

Impact Specialist Finance, the leading specialist packager and distributor, has been appointed by United Trust Bank (UTB) to their newly formed buy-to-let...

Alternative Bridging appoints Internal BDM

Alternative Bridging Corporation has expanded its sales operation with the appointment of a new Internal Business Development Manager (BDM). Sam Bailey joins...

Aldermore provides additional seven-figure facility for the growth of Yorkshire-based family investment office

Aldermore has provided Real Estate Investment Group 1 Limited with a seven figure facility, to enable them to further grow their commercial property portfolio...

Recognise Bank Launches Easy Access Savings Account For Small Businesses

Recognise Bank has entered the business savings market with the launch of an Easy Access Savings Account paying 0.55% AER. The Bank says that UK SMEs could be...

Praetura grows lending division with acquisition of Zodeq

Praetura Group (“Praetura”), the North West-based debt and equity capital provider to UK SMEs, has grown its lending portfolio with the acquisition of...

Lloyds Bank UK Recovery Tracker – UK recovery accelerates, as manufacturers shoulder inflation pressure

The number of UK sectors reporting output growth rose in March, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Recovery Tracker. However, while UK services businesses...

United Trust Bank announces three new appointments in further growth of its Property Development Sales Team

United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed three new Property Development Directors and Managers as it continues to expand its Property Development Division and...

Fleet Mortgages’ Q1 2022 Rental Barometer shows steady quarterly yield returns

Fleet Mortgages, the buy-to-let specialist lender, has today (18th April 2022) released the latest iteration of its Buy-to-Let Rental Barometer covering Q1...

Exporter confidence plummets post-Ukraine

How is the current international environment affecting exporters and their willingness to trade? Allianz Trade, the world leader in trade credit insurance,...

Together announces broker sales team shake-up

Together has reorganised its intermediary relations team into two dedicated specialist support teams for personal finance and commercial finance cases. The...

Industry reaction from Tommaso Aquilante

Following today’s news that the UK economic growth has slowed down sharply in February, Tommaso Aquilante, UK Lead Economist at Dun & Bradstreet said:...

Recognise Bank Provides £5m Commercial Loan to Property Developer

Recognise Bank has agreed a £5 million commercial loan with property company Grangewood Investments Ltd. The loan was made so that the developer could...

Central and Mercantile Trust expands BDM team

Central and Mercantile Trust have expanded their field sales operations with the appointment of a new Business Development Manager (BDM). Harriet Merriman has...

Construction output comment

Following the latest ONS construction figures which found a slight decrease in output in February, Fraser Johns, finance director, Beard said: “The February...

United Trust Bank completes £1.3m Bridging facility for an acquisition and refurbishment project

United Trust Bank (UTB) has completed a £1.3million non-regulated Bridging facility to enable an experienced developer to acquire and improve a unique...

Essex manufacturer focuses on growth after securing future in area

Eric Wilson & Co, an Essex-based manufacturer of fabrications and solid surfaces, has secured its long-term presence in the area by buying its Witham...

Hope Capital and Charles Louis Commercial Finance team up to deliver over £1m funding for former pub complex

Specialist short-term lender, Hope Capital has completed a £1.1 million commercial loan on a magnificent former pub complex located on the outskirts of...

Seven-year spike in small businesses looking to hire set against backdrop of caution

With the worst of COVID largely behind us and with continuing economic uncertainty, new research from Novuna Business Finance suggests a mixed picture of...

Phoenix Cellular plans international expansion with £10m funding facility from Praetura Commercial Finance

Europe’s leading distributor of refurbished mobile phones, Phoenix Cellular, secures a £10m funding facility for international expansion from Praetura...

Alternative Bridging Corporation provides £1.5m bridging loan for buy-to-let investment

Alternative Bridging Corporation has provided a sizeable bridging loan so a client could quickly take advantage of a buy-to-let investment opportunity. The...

United Trust Bank Asset Finance completes £511,000 Refinance

United Trust Bank (UTB) Asset Finance has successfully completed a £511,000 refinance facility to assist a well-established civil engineering company in the...

The self-employment resilience gaps – and why they may not be as bad as they seem

Self-employed people are far less likely to have the insurance they need, and face worrying pension gaps. Only 22% are on track with their retirement savings,...

PayPoint announces investment in Optus Homes

PayPoint has today announced a £750k investment in Optus Homes, a leading app for tenants to manage their home rental account. The deal will see the PayPoint...

Recognise Bank Tops £100m in Lending

Little more than six months after achieving its full banking licence in September 2021, Recognise Bank has announced that is has delivered over £100 million...

Hope Capital springs into the new financial year with product overhaul

Riding on the success of the previous year, Hope Capital has announced it has overhauled its product proposition to support brokers and their clients looking...

United Trust Bank targets growth in Non-Regulated Bridging with expanded Fast Track limits and AVM enhancements

United Trust Bank (UTB) has announced it is targeting growth in Non-Regulated Bridging business in 2022 and revealed a raft of Fast Track and AVM criteria...

Chorley window and door business plans for growth with £1m cash injection from Reward Finance Group

Nationwide Frame Services, which supplies and installs windows and doors for leading housebuilders, is targeting strong business growth in 2022 and beyond with...

Latest business survey shows that economic growth has levelled off

Despite a slight upturn in domestic trade, Omicron related disruption and high inflation fuelled by rising energy prices and the situation in Ukraine have...

Shawbrook Attracts More Top Talent To Corporate Lending Team in The Midlands

Shawbrook Bank continues to attract top talent as demand for its corporate lending proposition continues to grow across The Midlands. Ian Bath joined Shawbrook...

Energy top concern as small businesses make sustainability a priority for 2022

The majority of UK small business owners (58%) have started 2022 looking to improve their sustainability credentials – with small businesses in the...

Hampshire Trust Bank improves semi-commercial lending criteria

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has enhanced its semi-commercial lending criteria following feedback from brokers. The bank has revised the ratio of commercial to...

Demand for trade credit insurance on the rise as future remains uncertain

Two years ago, the country shut down. We all got very used to using the word ‘unprecedented’; no one knew what direction the economy was going to take. The...

FICO Collections Expert Bruce Curry Named to Credit 500 for Third Straight Year

Global analytics software provider FICO is pleased to announce that Bruce Curry, senior principal consultant in Collections and Recovery in EMEA, has been...

A double appointment for Hope Capital

Specialist short-term lender, Hope Capital has announced a further boost to its growing sales team with a dual appointment. Sam Lea has taken up the role of a...

Hampshire Trust Bank selects MagiClick for Wesleyan Bank digital project

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has chosen digital agency MagiClick to support the business in a number of digital banking projects. The initial project saw...

Together provides £20m funding package for low carbon home building

A pioneering sustainable developer has secured a £20million finance package to kick-start the next phase of its low-carbon city centre residential scheme....

Landbay joins White Rose’s lender panel

Landbay, one of the UK’s leading buy-to-let lenders, has joined White Rose’s lender panel. White Rose will now provide its appointed representatives with...

Ukraine crisis and rising fuel prices overtake covid as top concern for small businesses

Overnight, the outbreak of war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on UK small business owner confidence. Nationally, 78% of small business owners say...

United Trust Bank funds £30m South London development by Featherstone Homes

United Trust Bank is funding a £30m mixed use residential and commercial development in Bermondsey, South London, by Featherstone Homes which will create 61...

Reward Finance Group expands its North West operations with double appointment

Alternative finance company, Reward Finance Group, has strengthened its Manchester team with the appointment of two new relationship managers. Paula Robertson...

Retail, construction insolvencies surge with war in Ukraine set to worsen UK supply chain problems

Data released today by the Insolvency Service show that insolvencies of retailers and construction businesses have surged in the past year as the UK’s supply...

Hampshire Trust Bank makes key asset finance hire

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the appointment of Bill Moffat as sales manager within its Asset Finance division. Moffat’s appointment highlights...

Together selects Thought Machine to modernise technology stack

Together, one of the UK’s leading specialist mortgage and secured loan providers, today announces it has selected Thought Machine, the core banking...

PayPoint hires Jason Levy to drive digital progress in charities

To accelerate its investment into the charities sector, digital payments expert, PayPoint, has named Jason Levy to lead the Strategic Development and...

Over two-fifths of business leaders are not aware of asset-based lending

As government support winds down and UK SMEs consider alternative methods of financing for their business, new research from Nucleus Commercial Finance finds...

Asset finance market grew by 11% in January 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew...

Recognise Bank Completes £2m Commercial Loan in 23 Days from Credit Approval

Recognise Bank has completed a £2 million loan for a city centre office premises in just 23 days from credit being agreed to the funds being drawn down. Tight...

Paradigm launch semi-exclusive as Vernon Building Society added to lender panel

Paradigm Mortgage Services, the mortgage services proposition, has today added Vernon Building Society to its lender panel launching to members with a new...

BuildLoan launches new low-fee self-build products with guaranteed stage payments

Self build expert BuildLoan has added two new low-fee products to their range in conjunction with Hinckley & Rugby Building Society. The two products offer...

Praetura secures £100m lending facility

The Praetura Asset Finance (PAF) Group, comprising of Praetura Asset Finance and Kingsway Finance, part of Praetura Group’s lending division, has announced...

Embedded Finance Network mmob Closes £5 million Seed Round

mmob, the UK’s first embedded finance network has today announced the successful completion of a £5m seed round. The investment was raised from a group of...

Kolleno raises £4M seed to help businesses solve their cash flow struggles

Kolleno, a London-based fintech start-up specializing in Accounts Receivable (AR) management for SMEs, has attracted £4M ($5.4M) in seed funding led by...

Pink Pig Loans secures swift commercial loan to help local firm avoid closure threat

Pink Pig Loans, the specialist finance packager and distributor, has today announced it has secured a £210,000 commercial loan for a local business, ensuring...

United Trust Bank increased New Lending to £1.5bn in 2021, driving Profit after Tax to £35.4m

United Trust Bank (UTB) increased new lending to a record £1.5bn in 2021, increasing Operating Income by 20% to £95.2m and Profit after Tax by 42% to...

Construction PMI: Easing supply chain pressures set to roll into reverse says RSM UK

The rapidly changing geopolitical landscape will fuel a re-emergence of supply chain pressures within the UK construction sector, reversing what has been a...

Proportion of small businesses predicting organic hits 2 year high

Almost a third of small business owners (32%) have started 2022 predicting organic growth for the next three months. Now in its ninth year, the tracking study...

Aldermore Group half year results to 31 December 2021

Aldermore Group has delivered profit before tax of £110.1m, up 91% on the prior year (31 December 2020: £57.6m). The Group continues to deliver growth in...

Reward Finance Group receives an additional £50m to lend to SMEs as it aims to double the size of the business in the next three years

SME funder, Reward Finance Group (“Reward”), has received a £50m increase in its credit line from alternative investment manager, Foresight Group...

Asset Finance recognised as a key choice for firms seeking to reduce carbon emissions

Commenting on the Small Business Finance Markets 2021/22 report, published today by the British Business Bank, the Finance & Leasing Association welcomes...

Finverity appoints Ahanna Anaba as Head of Sales – Digital Solutions & Partnerships

Finverity, the mid-market supply chain finance platform focused on emerging markets, today announces the appointment of Ahanna Anaba as Head of Sales –...

United Trust Bank provides £3.5m funding for Burrington Estates’ first new Plymouth commercial development

Burrington Estates has recently completed the construction of 30 high quality business units at Eurotech Park in Plymouth with £3.5m of funding from United...

Aldermore announces new appointment in asset finance team

Aldermore bank has appointed James Harrowsmith as business development manager in its asset finance team. James has 29 years’ experience in financial...

Foundation Home Loans launch new buy-to-let Expat product range

Foundation Home Loans, the intermediary-only specialist lender, has today announced a new buy-to-let product range exclusively for Expat landlords. From today,...

Mortgage 1st appoints Paul Lewis as head of growth

Mortgage and protection adviser Mortgage 1st today announces the appointment of Paul Lewis as head of growth. The senior management position at Mortgage 1st...

Aldermore launches ‘ground rents finance’ proposition

Aldermore has today launched a new Ground Rents Finance proposition, aimed at experienced owners or operators of freehold ground rent portfolios and assets....

Ingenious set to finance more sustainable real estate schemes with new funding

Ingenious Real Estate is now focused on supporting more sustainable commercial and residential property schemes in the UK following the latest funding...

A hat-trick of award nominations for Optimum Finance

Specialist invoice finance provider, Optimum Finance, has started the year as they mean to go on with award nominations in three separate business awards. The...

Quality data proves critical to business performance

75% of businesses who improved data quality in 2021 exceeded annual objectives, but data quality and skills shortage leave 56% of businesses still not able to...

Tradeplus24 launches into UK with close of £30M debt facility from PFG

Global SME lending fintech Tradeplus24 is launching into the UK with the close of a £30 million debt facility provided by San Francisco-headquartered global...

CICM creates new Professional Standards to champion and benchmark excellence in credit management

A new set of Professional Standards that defines the unique skills and contribution that credit and debt collection professionals deliver in protecting and...

Funeral homes company on acquisition trail with help from Reward Finance Group

Husband and wife team, James and Charlotte Gardner, of Rebiere Holdings in Kent, have completed the purchase of their second funeral home, with the...

Recognise Bank works with Central and Regional Estates (CARE) Healthcare Team on Ground-Breaking New Project

Recognise Bank is working with the Central and Regional Estates (CARE) Healthcare Team to fund a ground-breaking new approach to dementia care. The Bank has...

UK recovery accelerates as supply chain pressures ease

The number of UK sectors reporting output growth rose in January as supply conditions improved, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Recovery Tracker....

New India Country Report by Atradius shows robust recovery but risks remain

India’s economy is forecast to continue its economic growth in 2022, having rebounded by 8.2% in 2021 after a severe 7.0% contraction in 2020. But downside...

Hodge appoints Rob Regan as new chief operating officer

Rob brings a wealth of experience to the role having previously held roles as chief operating officer at Legal & General (L&G) and group operations...

Asset finance market fell by 2% in December, but grew by 14% in 2022

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) fell...

Over a third of SMEs kept calm and carried on in 2021

A new survey amongst the employees of SMEs by Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance, the UK’s only provider of personal guarantee insurance has found that...

Leading UK finance provider becomes Novuna today following merger of two global financial firms

Today marks the start of a new era for one of the UK’s leading financial services companies, as Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC becomes Mitsubishi HC Capital UK...

Recognise Bank Builds Loan Partnership with Galliard Homes and Reflex Bridging

Recognise Bank has agreed a multi-million pound “loan on loan” partnership with bridging loan specialist, Reflex Bridging, which is run by property...

Together appoints a new BDM for the South coast

Specialist lender Together has hired experienced finance professional Andy Neo as a business development manager covering the South of England. The...

ONS comment: On the path to recovery

Following the latest ONS construction stats which found output increased by 2.0% in December 2021, Fraser Johns, finance director at Beard commented: “The...

British Chambers of Commerce – 3 in 4 businesses already raising prices

This morning, a survey by the British Chambers of Commerce suggested that rising energy bills and staff wages are pushing most businesses to increase prices...

Alternative Bridging Corporation expands servicing team with two hires

Alternative Bridging Corporation has bolstered its service function with the appointment of a new Underwriter and a Case Manager. Robert Seymour has been...

A decade of excellence marked by record year for Hope Capital

Hope Capital has revealed that the 2021/22 Financial Year marked its strongest year in its 10-year history. The specialist short-term lender has announced...

Shawbrook makes life faster and easier for asset-finance brokers with new digital portal

Shawbrook Bank has launched a new digital portal that will help brokers provide clearer, faster decisions to their business customers on asset finance...

Praetura kickstarts 2022 with £18.5m to support the growth ambitions of UK SMEs

Praetura Commercial Finance has provided more than £18.5m of funding to support the growth ambitions of two northern SMEs in the first month of 2022. The...

Construction PMI: Activity and sentiment pick up as supply chain pressures fade, but labour shortages and project delays will persist says RSM

Business activity in the UK construction sector saw an uptick for the twelfth consecutive month in January. The rate of growth also picked up on the previous...

Alternative lender SME Capital closes funding round

British alternative lender SME Capital scooped a new investment from three family offices to expand its offering in the under-served lower middle market. The...

Reward Finance Group steps up expansion with new Scottish office

Reward Finance Group is continuing with its ambitious UK expansion plan with the opening of a Scottish office, led by hugely experienced business finance...

HTB bolsters development finance division

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has invested in its development finance proposition by almost doubling the team size to deliver greater levels of support for...

Finverity raises $2m Pre-Series A to accelerate growth

Finverity, the mid-market supply chain finance platform focused on emerging markets, today announces the completion of a USD 2m Pre-Series A equity funding...

“It feels like I’ve come home!” Regional Director Mike Stevens returns to Optimum Finance

Regional Director, Mike Stevens, re-joins the team at Bristol-based specialist invoice finance provider, Optimum Finance, ready to support the business’s...

Teamwork and expertise lead West One to complete £3m, complex bridging loan

Industry leading specialist lender, West One Loans, has successfully completed a large, complex, regulated bridging loan for a HNW property professional. The...

Former pilot’s lending business flying high with increased bank backing

A speciality finance company based in Greater Manchester and founded by an ex-airline pilot expects to double its loan book within 12 months after securing...

Enra Specialist Finance completes second securitisation from its Elstree programme

UK mortgage lender Enra Specialist Finance has announced today, that it has completed its second public securitisation, backed by a portfolio of buy-to-let and...

December retail sales: Omicron’s arrival rudely interrupted high street recovery

Retail sales volumes fell by 3.7% in December 2021. Non-food stores sales volumes fell by 7.1% in December 2021,;as the Omicron variant had an impact on retail...

Challenger Bank shortlisted in three categories in UK’s largest business finance awards

A UK Challenger Bank set up less than five years ago has been named as a finalist in three categories in the largest business finance awards ceremony...

Garden centre grows its food offering and creates jobs with £1.3m help from Reward Finance Group

Crimple Garden Centre, in Harrogate, has invested £4 million to create a 20,000 square foot food hall, incorporating a 160-seat restaurant, leading to the...

New year, new hires for Hope Capital

Hope Capital has welcomed Danielle Evans and David Weir to further strengthen its sales team. Danielle has over 14 years’ experience in the specialist...

Pace of UK recovery slows as Omicron impact bites

10 of 14 sectors monitored saw an expansion in output, but the overall pace of the UK’s recovery slowed in December. Consumer-facing businesses felt the...

United Trust Bank Asset Finance aims to build on a record-breaking 2021 with investment in people, new products and technology

United Trust Bank (UTB) is aiming to build upon its record-breaking 2021 Asset Finance performance by continuing to grow its team, developing innovative...

Rents are rising far faster than 1.8%, and renters may not be resilient enough to cope

Officially, rents rose 1.8% during 2021, and excluding London they were up 2.7%. This is the fastest overall rise since August 2016. UK rental prices have...

SPACs: On their way to the UK?

Nobody likes to miss out on what could be the next big thing. So when the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) made substantial changes to its rulebook last year...

Allica Bank supports new entrant to the care home market in first healthcare deal

Allica Bank has delivered its first commercial mortgage within its recently launched healthcare division, enabling the purchase of a 21-room, Shropshire-based...

Fiduciam secures £400 million of additional funding for 2022 and lowers interest rates

Fiduciam, the market place lender specialising in short-term and development loans, has secured £400 million of new funding to be deployed in 2022.  As a...