Guest blog by Dr Steve Walker
With access to finance for small businesses remaining a hot topic, it is good to see the publication of a bank-supported, comprehensive, study of the marketplace.
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Category: News
Business lending and access to finance – next steps for Government’s strategy
Westminster Business Forum is hosting a Seminar on the morning of Thursday 25th April, focusing on what more can be done to support business lending and access to finance for UK businesses. Continue reading
£6billion gap in finance for individuals and organisations outside mainstream finance
Unmet demand for finance amongst individuals and organisations that do not qualify for traditional bank funding has reached more than £6billion, according to new research published today by the Community Development Finance Association (CDFA), supported by RBS Group. Continue reading
Strong Growth in new businesses
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
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