News

Business demand for community loans soars

New figures on business lending from community finance providers show they are lending to more businesses unable to access finance from banks than ever before – but demand outstripped supply by over seven times. Continue reading

Demand for Community Finance soars as ethical lenders take on the Wongas

04.10.2012 Enquiries to ethical ‘community finance’ providers have more than doubled in the last year as individuals seek routes out of high interest debt traps, according to new figures released by the CDFA today. Continue reading

£60m small business scheme launched by Regional Growth Fund

Business Secretary Vince Cable today launched a £60 million pot of Regional Growth Fund investment and bank finance at the Community Development Finance Association’s (CDFA) annual conference. Continue reading

New Business Bank welcomed – but must work with CDFIs

CDFA today welcomed Vince Cable’s announcement of £1bn backing for a British Business Bank – but said the new body must work with community finance providers otherwise starved small businesses won’t benefit. Continue reading

Payday loans soar

17.09.2012 BBC News Personal Finance Correspondent, Simon Gompertz, writes on his blog today that loans and profits at high interest lender Wonga have soared in the last 12 months. Continue reading

UK business: ambitions up, capital down, says survey

08.09.12 The Investec Entrepreneur Confidence Index shows encouraging ambitions for business growth – but found that only six per cent of respondents to a survey expected accessing capital for their growth plans to be easy. Continue reading