Kicking off our latest Bulletin, a report from UHY Accountants finds that the UK is in a business start up boom. The figures from HMRC reveal that more businesses were started in 2020 compared to 2019 as people had the opportunity to start up the business of their dreams. Staying with start ups, we look at the announcement form the Start Up Loan Company that it has hit a new milestone in terms of money lent out and the number of new businesses supported. To close, a survey from TSB highlights how few people are either aware of what a credit score is or of their score. When it comes to borrowing money, we look at how important your credit score is.

To start this week’s Business Finance Bulletin podcast, research from Hitachi Capital Business Finance has revealed that businesses are now less fearful of contraction or collapse compared to last year. The swing in confidence is a signal that businesses are seeing growth prospects again. When businesses get back into a growth phase, that typically brings with it a need for additional working capital. This has been borne out in a survey from unsecured business finance provider Iwoca. We look at the findings which highlight an increase in demand for short term, unsecured finance. Wrapping up this Bulletin, we have our monthly review of the latest insolvency figures. We look at how the number of firms entering into some form of insolvency arrangement is on the increase.

Opening this Business Finance Bulletin, after being the key source of finance for 12 months the final figures are out for the Bounce Back Loans and CBILS schemes. The figures reveal the extent of finance taken on by businesses and now it is payback time. For start ups and smaller businesses getting on the ladder to build a credit score can be difficult, but a new service announced by Tide Bank will ease this problem. Tide’s Credit Builder is designed to help smaller businesses create a credit footprint thereby making future access to finance easier. To close, we review the latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association which reveals a significant return to usage of asset finance facilities such as leasing and HP. This is a good sign of the continuing return of confidence among businesses.

Although the moratorium on Statutory Demands and Winding Up petitions was recently extended, the moratorium on Wrong Trading was not. Opening this latest Bulletin, I look at how the reintroduction of Wrongful Trading with effect from 1st July could impact company Directors. Late payment continues to be concern for small businesses, but I have good news with changes to the Prompt Payment Code now coming into effect. We look at the new commitment signatories to the Code made have in terms of paying small business invoices quicker than before. To wrap up this edition, a look at how with sales increasing for many businesses, now more than ever is the time to plan your cashflow requirements for the next few months.

Economic recovery can often bring another set of challenges to manage and being able to spot and tackle financial distress is important. Opening the latest Business Finance Bulletin podcast, we look at a new guide from R3 on identifying financial distress and the options available to deal with it. Having access to support and guidance from industry experts is always welcome. A number of credit experts have launched a support group to assist businesses with questions on how to manage credit-related problems. Could this resource help you avoid falling foul of late payment and bad debts? Managing cashflow is a key priority for any business. To wrap up this Bulletin, we review the forthcoming launch of Tide Bank’s Cashflow Insights app which is designed to help businesses better forecast and control their cash position.

Companies entering an insolvency arrangement is starting to increase. Opening this Business Finance Bulletin podcast, we review the latest insolvency figures and the government’s extension to the Statutory Demand and Winding Up Petition moratorium. Will this continue to keep insolvencies low? As part of the government’s strategy of ‘levelling up’, we have news of the launch of The UK Infrastructure Bank. Whilst it won’t directly lend to small business, will there eventually be a positive knock-on effect? To close, a review of the latest annual Small Business Equity Tracker report reveals that 2020 saw the largest amount of equity investment made in small and medium-sized businesses.

With the economy starting to get back on track, we open this Business Finance Bulletin with news from the Finance and Leasing Association of large increase in leasing and HP deals written in April. Although still well off the 2020 figures, encouragingly the gap is beginning to close as business investment activity increases. Business confidence also continues to grow with a survey from the British Chambers of Commerce and Funding Circle revealing business activity levels and sentiments for the future. The survey findings highlight how resilient businesses have been. To close, analysis from online accountants Mazuma uncovers how many businesses are concerned about their ability to pay back their Bounce Back Loan. What are your options if your cashflow is still tight?

When the Recovery Loan Scheme was launched in April, the number of accredited lenders on the panel was limited. With the panel lenders now expanding, in our latest Business Finance Bulletin podcast we review the new lenders focused on specific regions of the country and how they are broadening the Scheme’s reach. Business is tough enough as it is but identifying and dealing with fraud can be an unwarranted distraction. HSBC has announced the launch of an app designed to flag new scams and keep you up to date with trends in fraud and cyber crime. Could this app help you keep away from the fraudsters? To close this Bulletin, we review the latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association which reveal that HP and Leasing deals are on the increase. Following the easing of restrictions, it seems that businesses are again beginning to re-invest.

According to the latest Lloyds Bank Business Barometer report, business owners are continuing to feel increasingly optimistic about their future prospects. With optimism and confidence levels reaching new highs we look at one key peril to watch out for. If you have a idea for a great new business and you need an incentive to get started then check out a business start up competition launched by Tik Tok, the video sharing platform. With a cash prize and an array of support and mentoring could this be the push you’re looking for? Bank charges are often a bone of contention. To close this Bulletin, we look at the announcement from TSB of an offer of up to two years free banking. One to look at if you wish to reduce the cost of running your day-to-day business banking.

Kick starting this week’s Business Finance Bulletin podcast, the Recovery Loan Scheme has had a quiet start since its launch but the number of lenders on the panel is now slowly increasing. We look at the latest additions and what continues to hold the Scheme back. The Start Up Loan Company is encouraging younger people to think about becoming entrepreneurs. This is off the back of an analysis of the 80,000 loans they have distributed which reveals a large portion have gone to new business owners in the 18 to 24 year old age range. How could the loan assist you? To close, a look at findings from the latest Lloyds Bank UK Recovery Tracker, which uncovers that the UK’s key sectors are back on the path to growth.

Are you soon facing your first Bounce Back Loan repayment? Many businesses have just paid their first repayment or soon will and are concerned with cashflow still tight. Opening our latest Bulletin, we look at repayment options under the Pay as You Grow Scheme designed to ease your cashflow burden. A government Bill has been proposed to close a loophole in the insolvency process where Directors can dissolve their company with the aim of walking away from their Bounce Back and CBILS loan liabilities. The Bill, if passed, could see Directors facing sanctions if found guilty of fraudulently dissolving businesses. To close, a new report highlights that after losing a share of the business lending market, High St banks are again becoming dominant lenders over the alternative lenders and Challenger banks. Is that a good thing?

Opening our latest podcast, we look at how a survey from Bibby Financial Services confirms that business owners continue to feel increasingly confident about the future. What’s driving their confidence and what’s the one thing which could hold them back? Tide, the mobile business account provider, has announce the forthcoming launch of Tide Invoice Assistant. We look at how the new service can save business owners time in handling their invoicing tasks. To wrap up, we review the latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association which, for the first time in nearly a year, report an increase in Asset Finance deals written. Is this a sign that businesses are beginning to reinvest?

Opening our latest Business Finance Bulletin podcast, as businesses get back on the path growth, what are their top priorities and actions? We look at the findings from the recent Hitachi Capital Business Finance Business Barometer report. It’s not all good news for businesses though. We review the most recent Red Flag Alert report from Begbies Traynor which reveals a jump in the businesses which class themselves as in ‘significant financial distress. What actions can you take to keep on the right side of the track? To wrap up this edition, a report from Dun and Bradstreet highlights that a continuation in late practices could hinder the hoped-for business recovery and growth during the remainder of this year.

As the economy kicks back into action, it’s not only businesses which are feeling more confident. Opening this latest Bulletin, we look at a number of lenders who are offering increased support to small businesses with new funding pots and enhanced terms. Have you tried opening a business bank account during the last 12 months? If you have then no doubt it was a frustrating experience. The government seems to think so as well with the launch of a Treasury Select Committee investigation. What are they asking of the High Street banks? To close, in the latest Lloyds Bank Recovery Tracker further good news about an improvement in business recovery. One sector stands out in seeing the signs of an early bounce back.

We open our latest Business Finance Bulletin with the good news that business confidence levels are on the up. The latest Business Barometer report from Hitachi Capital Business Finance reveals that an increasing number of business owners are predicting improved months ahead. Cashflow can be tight for many businesses, but particularly for start ups. Just Cashflow, the short term finance lender, has announced that alongside their new Business Account, qualifying start ups can now access their Revolving Credit Facility. To wrap up this podcast, we review the latest company insolvency figures which highlight that businesses potentially in trouble continue to be protected by the various government support schemes.

On 6th April the Recovery Loan Scheme was launched. Replacing the Bounce Back Loan and CBILS the new scheme is designed to support businesses in need of growth funding. We look at how the scheme works and how it could benefit your business. As businesses focus on getting back on track no one can ignore the level of debt firms accessed in 2020. We review a report from UK Finance which lays bare the extent of debt businesses have taken on and how some owners are beginning to worry about their ability to start repaying. To close this Bulletin, news from Metro Bank on a new addition to their mobile banking app. The function will allow users who don’t wish to use an online accounting software package to create their own branded invoices.

According to the latest research from Barclays Bank, there has been a notable increase in the number of business scams. Opening the latest Business Finance Bulletin, we highlight five scams to watch out for. Alongside the extension of other support measures, we look at the government announcement extending the period of a range of measures designed to protect those businesses in precarious financial position. To close, a new report from Experian reveals that many people are not checking their credit files. We look at why this is important if you are thinking of applying for business finance.

We open this Business Finance Bulletin podcast with a review of the latest business insolvency figures. The most recent figures released by the Insolvency Service reveal that insolvencies are still declining. It is acknowledged that the figures will eventually increase so what can you do to protect yourself from customers not paying? The latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association show that use of Asset Finance in January continue its downward trend. Will the new Super Deduction investment tax break encourage businesses to invest? Wrapping up, a look at a finding in the recent SME Finance Monitor report which highlights that some business owners have big plans and are still happy to take risks to achieve growth.

Opening the latest Business Finance Bulletin, we review a report from the British Business Bank looking at the business borrowing market in 2020. Not surprisingly the report reveals that businesses took on an unprecedented level of debt. With businesses going full out on CBILS and Bounce Back Loans the alternative finance sector, which was booming up until 2020, has taken a hit with falling demand. We look at news of one of the first casualties with Nat West’s announcement that ESME Loans is closing its doors. To close, the roll out of Open Banking takes a step forward with news that 9 of the main High Street banks are to join forces to spearhead a joined-up approach to deliver a consistent offering.

We devote the whole of this week’s Business Finance Bulletin podcast to the new Recovery Loan Scheme. In his Budget last week, the Chancellor announce that CBILS and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme would not be renewed but instead would be replaced by the Recovery Loan Scheme. We look at features of the new Scheme; the key differences between it and CBILS and the Bounce Back Loan; and the actions you should take now in terms of the 31st March deadline for the existing schemes and preparation for the Recovery Loan.