Non-bank community lenders saw an increase in demand from businesses of 36% in the first quarter of 2013, according to the Community Finance Monitor survey. This bucks the trend reported in today’s Bank of England Trends in Lending report, which says demand for bank credit remained weak in quarter one, and that demand from small businesses fell. Continue reading
Tag: Business finance
Banks are making fewer loans, in spite of Funding for Lending
The Bank of England has announced that net lending fell by £2.4bn in the final quarter of 2012 compared with the previous three months.
The Funding for Lending (FLS) scheme, which began in August last year, was designed to encourage banks to lend more money, both to individuals and businesses, and boost the economy.
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EFG Scheme delivers a net benefit of £1.1 billion to the economy
New independent research on the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme published last week found that it has delivered a net benefit of £1.1 billion to the economy. Every £1 invested by the government has delivered £33.50 for the economy. Continue reading
‘Mind the Finance Gap’ – We Need to Work Together to Fill It
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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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
£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