
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...
July 26th, 2023

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)...
July 26th, 2023

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)...
July 26th, 2023

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...
July 21st, 2023

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...
July 21st, 2023

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...
July 20th, 2023

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...
July 19th, 2023

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...
July 19th, 2023

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...
July 19th, 2023

£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...
July 19th, 2023

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,...
July 19th, 2023

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...
July 19th, 2023

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...
July 18th, 2023

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...
July 18th, 2023

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...
July 13th, 2023

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....
July 13th, 2023

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...
July 13th, 2023

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...
July 12th, 2023

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...
July 11th, 2023

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...
July 10th, 2023

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...
July 10th, 2023

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...
July 10th, 2023

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...
July 7th, 2023

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...
July 6th, 2023

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...
July 3rd, 2023

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...
June 30th, 2023

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...
June 30th, 2023

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...
June 30th, 2023

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...
June 30th, 2023

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...
June 30th, 2023

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...
June 28th, 2023

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...
June 28th, 2023

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...
June 27th, 2023

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...
June 27th, 2023

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...
June 23rd, 2023

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...
June 21st, 2023

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...
June 21st, 2023

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...
June 20th, 2023

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...
June 20th, 2023

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...
June 19th, 2023

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...
June 16th, 2023

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...
June 14th, 2023

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...
June 14th, 2023

‘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...
June 13th, 2023

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...
June 12th, 2023

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...
June 12th, 2023

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...
June 8th, 2023

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...
June 8th, 2023

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...
June 7th, 2023

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...
June 7th, 2023

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...
June 6th, 2023

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...
June 6th, 2023

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...
June 5th, 2023

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...
June 5th, 2023

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...
May 31st, 2023

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...
May 31st, 2023

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...
May 31st, 2023

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...
May 30th, 2023

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...
May 26th, 2023

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...
May 25th, 2023

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...
May 25th, 2023

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...
May 25th, 2023

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...
May 24th, 2023

‘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...
May 24th, 2023

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...
May 24th, 2023

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...
May 24th, 2023

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...
May 24th, 2023

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...
May 23rd, 2023

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...
May 22nd, 2023

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...
May 19th, 2023

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...
May 19th, 2023

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...
May 19th, 2023

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...
May 19th, 2023

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...
May 17th, 2023

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...
May 16th, 2023

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...
May 16th, 2023

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,...
May 15th, 2023

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...
May 15th, 2023

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...
May 15th, 2023

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...
May 15th, 2023

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...
May 11th, 2023

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,...
May 11th, 2023

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...
May 11th, 2023

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...
May 11th, 2023

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...
May 11th, 2023

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...
May 10th, 2023

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...
May 10th, 2023

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...
May 10th, 2023

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...
May 9th, 2023

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...
May 9th, 2023

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...
May 9th, 2023

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...
May 9th, 2023

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...
May 9th, 2023

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...
May 4th, 2023

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....
May 3rd, 2023
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...
May 2nd, 2023

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...
May 2nd, 2023

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...
May 2nd, 2023

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,...
April 28th, 2023

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...
April 28th, 2023

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,...
April 27th, 2023

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...
April 27th, 2023

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...
April 26th, 2023

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...
April 26th, 2023

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...
April 25th, 2023

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...
April 25th, 2023

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...
April 25th, 2023

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...
April 24th, 2023

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...
April 24th, 2023

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...
April 24th, 2023

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,...
April 24th, 2023

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...
April 24th, 2023

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...
April 24th, 2023

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....
April 24th, 2023

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...
April 19th, 2023

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...
April 19th, 2023

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,...
April 19th, 2023

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...
April 18th, 2023

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...
April 18th, 2023

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...
April 18th, 2023

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...
April 17th, 2023

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...
April 17th, 2023

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,...
April 17th, 2023

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...
April 17th, 2023

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...
April 17th, 2023

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...
April 13th, 2023

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...
April 13th, 2023

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...
April 13th, 2023

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...
April 13th, 2023

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...
April 12th, 2023

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...
April 11th, 2023

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...
April 11th, 2023

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...
April 6th, 2023

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...
April 6th, 2023

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...
April 5th, 2023

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...
April 5th, 2023

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...
April 4th, 2023

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...
April 4th, 2023

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...
April 4th, 2023

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...
April 4th, 2023

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...
April 4th, 2023

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...
April 4th, 2023

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)...
April 3rd, 2023

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,...
April 3rd, 2023

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...
March 30th, 2023

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...
March 30th, 2023

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...
March 30th, 2023

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...
March 29th, 2023

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...
March 29th, 2023

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...
March 29th, 2023

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...
March 29th, 2023

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...
March 27th, 2023

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...
March 24th, 2023

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...
March 24th, 2023

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...
March 22nd, 2023

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,...
March 22nd, 2023

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,...
March 21st, 2023

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...
March 21st, 2023

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...
March 21st, 2023

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...
March 21st, 2023

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...
March 20th, 2023

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...
March 17th, 2023

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...
March 17th, 2023

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...
March 16th, 2023

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...
March 16th, 2023

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...
March 16th, 2023

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...
March 15th, 2023

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...
March 14th, 2023

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...
March 14th, 2023

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...
March 14th, 2023

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...
March 14th, 2023

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...
March 14th, 2023

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...
March 10th, 2023

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...
March 10th, 2023

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...
March 9th, 2023

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%...
March 8th, 2023

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...
March 7th, 2023

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...
March 7th, 2023

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...
March 6th, 2023

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...
March 6th, 2023

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...
March 6th, 2023

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...
March 6th, 2023

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...
March 3rd, 2023

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 &...
March 1st, 2023

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...
February 28th, 2023

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...
February 28th, 2023

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...
February 28th, 2023

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...
February 23rd, 2023

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...
February 23rd, 2023

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...
February 22nd, 2023

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...
February 21st, 2023

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,...
February 21st, 2023

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,...
February 21st, 2023

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...
February 20th, 2023

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,...
February 20th, 2023

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...
February 17th, 2023

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...
February 17th, 2023

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%...
February 17th, 2023

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...
February 17th, 2023

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...
February 16th, 2023

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...
February 15th, 2023

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...
February 14th, 2023

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,...
February 14th, 2023

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...
February 13th, 2023

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...
February 10th, 2023

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...
February 10th, 2023

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...
February 10th, 2023

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...
February 10th, 2023

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...
February 8th, 2023

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...
February 7th, 2023

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,...
February 6th, 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%...
February 3rd, 2023

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...
February 2nd, 2023

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...
February 2nd, 2023

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....
February 2nd, 2023

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...
January 31st, 2023

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...
January 31st, 2023

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,...
January 30th, 2023

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...
January 30th, 2023

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...
January 30th, 2023

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...
January 26th, 2023

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...
January 26th, 2023

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...
January 26th, 2023

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...
January 26th, 2023

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...
January 25th, 2023

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...
January 20th, 2023

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...
January 20th, 2023

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,...
January 20th, 2023

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...
January 19th, 2023

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...
January 18th, 2023

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...
January 18th, 2023

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...
January 18th, 2023

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...
January 17th, 2023

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...
January 17th, 2023

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...
January 17th, 2023

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...
January 16th, 2023

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...
January 16th, 2023

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...
January 13th, 2023

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....
January 13th, 2023

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....
January 13th, 2023

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...
January 12th, 2023

‘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...
January 11th, 2023

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%...
January 11th, 2023

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....
January 11th, 2023

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...
January 10th, 2023

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...
January 10th, 2023

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...
January 10th, 2023

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...
January 10th, 2023

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...
January 9th, 2023

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...
January 9th, 2023

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...
January 9th, 2023

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...
January 5th, 2023

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...
January 5th, 2023

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:...
January 4th, 2023

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....
January 3rd, 2023

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...
January 3rd, 2023

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...
December 20th, 2022

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...
December 20th, 2022

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...
December 20th, 2022

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,...
December 20th, 2022

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...
December 19th, 2022

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...
December 15th, 2022

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...
December 15th, 2022

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...
December 14th, 2022

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...
December 14th, 2022

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...
December 14th, 2022

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...
December 13th, 2022

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...
December 13th, 2022

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...
December 13th, 2022

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...
December 12th, 2022

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...
December 12th, 2022

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...
December 8th, 2022

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...
December 8th, 2022

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...
December 7th, 2022

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...
December 7th, 2022

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...
December 7th, 2022

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...
December 6th, 2022

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...
December 6th, 2022

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,...
December 5th, 2022

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...
December 5th, 2022

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...
December 5th, 2022

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...
December 5th, 2022

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...
December 2nd, 2022

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...
December 2nd, 2022

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...
December 1st, 2022

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...
November 30th, 2022

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...
November 29th, 2022

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...
November 29th, 2022

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...
November 29th, 2022

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...
November 28th, 2022

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...
November 28th, 2022

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...
November 23rd, 2022

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...
November 23rd, 2022

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...
November 23rd, 2022

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...
November 22nd, 2022

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...
November 18th, 2022

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...
November 18th, 2022

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...
November 18th, 2022

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...
November 18th, 2022

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...
November 17th, 2022

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’...
November 17th, 2022

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...
November 17th, 2022

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,...
November 16th, 2022

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...
November 16th, 2022

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...
November 16th, 2022

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...
November 16th, 2022

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...
November 15th, 2022

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...
November 15th, 2022

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...
November 14th, 2022

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...
November 14th, 2022

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...
November 11th, 2022

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...
November 11th, 2022

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...
November 11th, 2022

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...
November 10th, 2022

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...
November 9th, 2022

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...
November 9th, 2022

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...
November 8th, 2022

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...
November 8th, 2022

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...
November 4th, 2022

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...
November 4th, 2022

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...
November 4th, 2022

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...
November 3rd, 2022

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...
November 3rd, 2022

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...
November 3rd, 2022

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’...
November 3rd, 2022

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...
November 3rd, 2022

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...
November 2nd, 2022

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....
November 2nd, 2022

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...
November 2nd, 2022

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...
November 1st, 2022

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...
November 1st, 2022

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...
November 1st, 2022

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...
October 31st, 2022

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...
October 31st, 2022

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...
October 31st, 2022

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’...
October 31st, 2022

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...
October 28th, 2022

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....
October 27th, 2022

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...
October 27th, 2022

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...
October 26th, 2022

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:...
October 25th, 2022

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:...
October 25th, 2022

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...
October 25th, 2022

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...
October 25th, 2022

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...
October 24th, 2022

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...
October 21st, 2022

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...
October 21st, 2022

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...
October 21st, 2022

‘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...
October 21st, 2022

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...
October 20th, 2022

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...
October 20th, 2022

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....
October 20th, 2022

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...
October 20th, 2022

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...
October 20th, 2022

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...
October 20th, 2022

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...
October 20th, 2022

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...
October 20th, 2022

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...
October 20th, 2022

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...
October 19th, 2022

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...
October 19th, 2022

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)...
October 19th, 2022

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...
October 18th, 2022

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...
October 18th, 2022

‘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...
October 17th, 2022

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...
October 17th, 2022

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...
October 17th, 2022

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...
October 17th, 2022

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...
October 17th, 2022

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...
October 14th, 2022

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...
October 14th, 2022

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...
October 12th, 2022

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...
October 12th, 2022

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...
October 12th, 2022

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...
October 11th, 2022

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...
October 10th, 2022

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...
October 10th, 2022

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...
October 10th, 2022

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%...
October 10th, 2022

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...
October 10th, 2022

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...
October 6th, 2022

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...
October 6th, 2022

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%...
October 6th, 2022

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...
October 6th, 2022

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...
October 4th, 2022

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...
October 4th, 2022

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...
October 4th, 2022

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...
October 3rd, 2022

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...
September 29th, 2022

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...
September 28th, 2022

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...
September 27th, 2022

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,...
September 27th, 2022

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...
September 27th, 2022

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...
September 27th, 2022

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...
September 27th, 2022

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...
September 23rd, 2022

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...
September 23rd, 2022

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...
September 23rd, 2022

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...
September 23rd, 2022

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...
September 23rd, 2022

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)...
September 23rd, 2022

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...
September 23rd, 2022

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...
September 22nd, 2022

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 –...
September 22nd, 2022

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...
September 22nd, 2022

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...
September 22nd, 2022

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...
September 22nd, 2022

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...
September 22nd, 2022

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...
September 22nd, 2022

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...
September 22nd, 2022

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...
September 21st, 2022

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...
September 20th, 2022

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...
September 16th, 2022

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...
September 14th, 2022

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...
September 13th, 2022

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...
September 9th, 2022

£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...
September 6th, 2022

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...
September 5th, 2022

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%...
September 2nd, 2022

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...
August 31st, 2022

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...
August 31st, 2022

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...
August 31st, 2022

‘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...
August 23rd, 2022

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...
August 23rd, 2022

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....
August 23rd, 2022

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...
August 19th, 2022

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....
August 19th, 2022

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...
August 18th, 2022

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...
August 17th, 2022

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...
August 17th, 2022

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...
August 17th, 2022

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...
August 16th, 2022

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...
August 16th, 2022

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...
August 16th, 2022

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...
August 15th, 2022

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...
August 9th, 2022

£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...
August 9th, 2022

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...
August 4th, 2022

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...
August 4th, 2022

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...
August 4th, 2022

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...
August 2nd, 2022

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...
August 2nd, 2022

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...
August 1st, 2022

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...
August 1st, 2022

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...
July 29th, 2022

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...
July 29th, 2022

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...
July 28th, 2022

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...
July 28th, 2022

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...
July 27th, 2022

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...
July 27th, 2022

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...
July 26th, 2022

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...
July 26th, 2022

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...
July 26th, 2022

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...
July 26th, 2022

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...
July 26th, 2022

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...
July 25th, 2022

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...
July 25th, 2022

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...
July 25th, 2022

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....
July 25th, 2022

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...
July 21st, 2022

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...
July 20th, 2022

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...
July 20th, 2022

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...
July 20th, 2022

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...
July 20th, 2022

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...
July 20th, 2022

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...
July 19th, 2022

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...
July 19th, 2022

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...
July 19th, 2022

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...
July 15th, 2022

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...
July 15th, 2022

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...
July 15th, 2022

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...
July 13th, 2022

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...
July 11th, 2022

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...
July 7th, 2022

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...
July 6th, 2022

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...
July 6th, 2022

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...
July 6th, 2022

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...
July 6th, 2022

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,...
July 6th, 2022

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...
July 6th, 2022

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...
July 4th, 2022

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....
July 1st, 2022

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,...
June 29th, 2022

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...
June 29th, 2022

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...
June 29th, 2022

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...
June 28th, 2022

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...
June 28th, 2022

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...
June 24th, 2022

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...
June 24th, 2022

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...
June 24th, 2022

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,...
June 23rd, 2022

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...
June 23rd, 2022

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...
June 23rd, 2022

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...
June 22nd, 2022

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...
June 22nd, 2022

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...
June 21st, 2022

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...
June 21st, 2022

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...
June 21st, 2022

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...
June 21st, 2022

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...
June 21st, 2022

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...
June 21st, 2022

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...
June 21st, 2022

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...
June 20th, 2022

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...
June 16th, 2022

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...
June 16th, 2022

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...
June 14th, 2022

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...
June 13th, 2022

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’...
June 13th, 2022

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...
June 9th, 2022

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...
June 8th, 2022

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...
June 8th, 2022

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,...
June 8th, 2022

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...
June 7th, 2022

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...
June 7th, 2022

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,...
June 6th, 2022

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...
June 6th, 2022

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,...
June 6th, 2022

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,...
June 1st, 2022

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...
June 1st, 2022

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...
June 1st, 2022

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,...
May 31st, 2022

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...
May 31st, 2022

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 –...
May 31st, 2022

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...
May 30th, 2022

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...
May 30th, 2022

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...
May 27th, 2022

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...
May 27th, 2022

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...
May 27th, 2022

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...
May 26th, 2022

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...
May 26th, 2022

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...
May 26th, 2022

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...
May 26th, 2022

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...
May 25th, 2022

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...
May 25th, 2022

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...
May 25th, 2022

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’...
May 24th, 2022

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...
May 24th, 2022

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...
May 23rd, 2022

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....
May 23rd, 2022

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...
May 23rd, 2022

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...
May 19th, 2022

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...
May 18th, 2022

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...
May 18th, 2022

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...
May 17th, 2022

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...
May 17th, 2022

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...
May 17th, 2022

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...
May 17th, 2022

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...
May 17th, 2022

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...
May 16th, 2022

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...
May 16th, 2022

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...
May 13th, 2022

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...
May 13th, 2022

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...
May 12th, 2022

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...
May 12th, 2022

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...
May 11th, 2022

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...
May 11th, 2022

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...
May 11th, 2022

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...
May 10th, 2022

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...
May 10th, 2022

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...
May 6th, 2022

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...
May 5th, 2022

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...
May 5th, 2022

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...
May 4th, 2022

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...
May 3rd, 2022

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...
April 29th, 2022

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...
April 29th, 2022

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...
April 29th, 2022

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...
April 28th, 2022

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...
April 28th, 2022

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...
April 28th, 2022

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...
April 27th, 2022

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...
April 27th, 2022

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...
April 26th, 2022

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...
April 25th, 2022

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...
April 22nd, 2022

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...
April 21st, 2022

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...
April 21st, 2022

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...
April 20th, 2022

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...
April 20th, 2022

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...
April 20th, 2022

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...
April 20th, 2022

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...
April 19th, 2022

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,...
April 13th, 2022

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...
April 13th, 2022

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:...
April 12th, 2022

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...
April 11th, 2022

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...
April 11th, 2022

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...
April 11th, 2022

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...
April 8th, 2022

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...
April 7th, 2022

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...
April 7th, 2022

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...
April 7th, 2022

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...
April 5th, 2022

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...
April 4th, 2022

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...
April 4th, 2022

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,...
April 4th, 2022

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...
March 31st, 2022

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...
March 31st, 2022

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...
March 31st, 2022

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...
March 30th, 2022

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...
March 29th, 2022

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...
March 29th, 2022

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...
March 29th, 2022

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...
March 29th, 2022

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...
March 28th, 2022

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...
March 25th, 2022

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...
March 25th, 2022

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...
March 24th, 2022

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...
March 22nd, 2022

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....
March 21st, 2022

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...
March 21st, 2022

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...
March 21st, 2022

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...
March 17th, 2022

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...
March 16th, 2022

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...
March 16th, 2022

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...
March 15th, 2022

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...
March 15th, 2022

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...
March 15th, 2022

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...
March 14th, 2022
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...
March 11th, 2022

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...
March 11th, 2022

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...
March 11th, 2022

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...
March 10th, 2022

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...
March 9th, 2022

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...
March 9th, 2022

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...
March 9th, 2022

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...
March 8th, 2022

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...
March 8th, 2022

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...
March 4th, 2022
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...
March 3rd, 2022

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...
March 3rd, 2022

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...
March 2nd, 2022

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...
March 1st, 2022

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 –...
March 1st, 2022

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...
March 1st, 2022

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...
February 24th, 2022

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,...
February 24th, 2022

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...
February 24th, 2022

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....
February 23rd, 2022

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...
February 22nd, 2022

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...
February 22nd, 2022

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...
February 22nd, 2022

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...
February 22nd, 2022

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...
February 22nd, 2022

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...
February 21st, 2022

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...
February 21st, 2022

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....
February 17th, 2022

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...
February 16th, 2022

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...
February 16th, 2022

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...
February 14th, 2022

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...
February 14th, 2022

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...
February 14th, 2022

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...
February 14th, 2022

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...
February 11th, 2022

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...
February 11th, 2022

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...
February 10th, 2022

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...
February 10th, 2022

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...
February 10th, 2022

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...
February 9th, 2022

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...
February 9th, 2022

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...
February 4th, 2022

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...
February 4th, 2022

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...
February 3rd, 2022

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...
February 3rd, 2022

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...
February 3rd, 2022

“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...
February 1st, 2022

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...
February 1st, 2022

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...
February 1st, 2022

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...
January 27th, 2022

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...
January 21st, 2022

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...
January 21st, 2022

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...
January 20th, 2022

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...
January 20th, 2022

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...
January 20th, 2022

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...
January 19th, 2022

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...
January 19th, 2022
