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
Tag: Business finance
Vince Cable at Community Finance > Forward Thinking
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
£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
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
Banking Reform proposals do not adequately support economic growth
07.09.2012: The UK’s banks need to re-focus on the core business of ‘lending to the real economy so as to contribute to balanced and sustainable growth’ according to a submission to the Banking Reform White Paper, issued today. Continue reading
New figures show collapse in bank lending, and unsung heroes filling gaps
The Bank of England’s latest Trends in Lending report (pdf) has confirmed that lending to UK businesses fell by £3bn in the three months to May, with small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) especially hard hit. Continue reading
£80bn scheme a missed opportunity for businesses who won’t see a penny
The government has missed a vital opportunity to help the most vulnerable businesses in the UK, said CDFA’s Ben Hughes today, adding “small local businesses starved of bank finance won’t see a penny of this fund.” Continue reading
Dave lends where banks don’t – just like CDFIs
He likes bananas and he’s not a fan of banks. So plain-speaking David Fishwick decided he wanted to launch a bank with a difference. A new 2-part series on Channel 4, which began last night, told his story. Continue reading