The GDP figures today showing a decline of 0.3% may not inspire confidence in recent performance or assurances about the future, however as well as the good news concerning rising employment there is a surge in entrepreneurial activity bubbling beneath the surface. Continue reading
Category: News
Tories propose creation of local business banks across Wales
A network of local “banks” should be created across Wales to invest in SMEs, according to the Welsh Conservatives. The party’s Invest Wales policy is launched today and aims to reverse low access to finance for SMEs in Wales
CDFIs join expanded Start-Up Loans scheme to create the next generation of entrepreneurs
A consortium of community finance providers has received up to £1.3million to give the next generation of entrepreneurs finance and support to start their own business, , through the Start-Up Loans programme. The consortium is led by the Community development Finance Association (CDFA) with a group of its members delivering business support, mentoring and loans to young entrepreneurs across England. Continue reading
Tackling Britain’s high cost credit problem
The Centre for Responsible Credit is holding a conference to discuss the latest developments in the high cost credit sector and consider what now needs to be done. Continue reading
£30 million boost for young entrepreneurs as Start-Up Loans Scheme expanded
Over £110 million now available and age range increased from 24 to 30 to meet demand and help more new businesses get affordable finance Continue reading
CDFA welcomes future cap on payday lenders’ rates
CDFA has welcomed a Government commitment to amend the Financial Services Bill which will give the new financial regulator the power to cap interest rates on payday loans. Continue reading
OFT warns payday lenders they could be shut down if they don’t clean up their act
The Office for Fair Trading has said that most of the 50 major payday lenders it has scrutinised since launching an investigation earlier this year failed to comply with legal obligations and expected standards. The OFT told the 50 biggest firms that they may face enforcement action, which could mean putting them out of business. The regulator has also warned the UK’s 240 payday firms about growing evidence of poor practices in the sector. Continue reading
Government commits to disclosure of ‘postcode level’ lending data
The Government has made a commitment to collate and publish bank lending data on a postcode-level basis – and says legislation will follow if “negotiations with industry fail to deliver.” Continue reading
One in four 18-24 year olds likely to seek a payday loan
The number of British adults who say they are likely to seek a payday loan in the next six months has risen from 3.5 million individuals to 5 million since this time last year, with 26% of the 18-24 age group likely to do so. Continue reading
BBC Wales discovers community finance
BBC Radio Wales recently reported from the Alternative finance for Welsh micro businesses conference. The Wales at Work programme featured the CDFA’s Harry Glavan talking about community finance and the role of CDFIs in meeting the demand for credit. Continue reading