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Deciding on your financing needs

Last month, we looked at whether the banks really were...
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The UK’s biggest banks pledged to lend £190 billion to businesses in 2011

The reality of bank loans in 2011

The banks say they are lending; businesses see otherwise. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to both sides about the reality of financing hopes for enterprise this year.

Bank loans for small businesses

Banks are beginning to post healthy profits again, but SMEs say they are still being hit hard by lending terms. Here we speak to entrepreneurs, analysts and bankers to find out the reality of credit conditions.

Claim Back Mis-Sold Loan Protection

Have you taken out a loan or a credit card in the last 10 years? If so, you may have been mis-sold loan insurance, and could claim compensation for this.

Banks in the main still seem reluctant to lend

Banking on assistance

Many businesses are still having no luck in obtaining bank loans.

Banks may still be tough on lending but taking the right action could boost your chances of getting funding

Getting financing from banks

SmallBusiness.co.uk presents the dos and don'ts of approaching banks for funding.

Small businesses say they are still taking a pounding from the banks

Bank lending: small change for SMEs

Lending to businesses has hit an all-time low, which the banks are claiming is due to a lack of demand. Here we speak to experts and entrepreneurs to get the full story

Don't Miss

Choosing the right financial investments

Get investing

When cash savings rates are low, some people start thinking about putting their money into investments and there are plenty to choose from.

Loans scheme for start-ups falls flat

Last month the government launched a finance package to help struggling small businesses access bank loans, but SMEs say they aren’t seeing the benefits.

Your first business loan

If your business plan and financial forecasts are sound, you may be feeling brave enough to approach a bank for funding.

Business Banking News

Venture funds to assist in credit easing support?

Fund managers should be given a role to play alongside the high street banks in delivering the government’s £40 billion credit easing scheme support, says venture capital firm EV.

Venture funds to assist in credit easing support?

Fund managers should be given a role to play alongside the high street banks in delivering the government’s £40 billion credit easing scheme support, says venture capital firm EV.

FSB calls for increased competition in banking

The Federation of Small Businesses is urging the government to consider competition in the banking sector in its response to the ICB's final report next week.

RBS in bid to boost lending

The Royal Bank of Scotland has said it will aim to boost small business lending by at least 15 percent in three months as part of a drive to get behind the economic recovery.

FPB: Business Finance Taskforce not there yet

The Business Finance Taskforce has not yet achieved its aim of repairing the relationship between banks and small businesses, says the Forum of Private Business.

SMEs increasingly shun bank lending margins

Three quarters of small businesses think that bank lending margins on loans are too high, up from 73 per cent last year, research finds.

FSB welcomes banking reform

The Federation of Small Businesses has welcomed the recommendations set out by the Independent Commission on Banking on reform of the banking sector.

FSB: Government must not 'water down' banking reforms

The national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses has written an open letter to the prime minister urging him not to ‘water down' proposals on banking reform.

Free loans offered to riot-hit businesses

A major bank is set to help out businesses hit by rioting by offering fee-free loans.

BoE: Project Merlin on track

More than £20 billion was lent to small businesses by the nation’s leading banks over the past quarter, figures from the Bank of England show.

Project Merlin banks 'on track' for lending targets

The five banks involved in the government-backed Project Merlin initiative say that they are ‘on track’ to meet business lending commitments.

Events Calendar

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FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

What Investment

What Investment is the leading and longest-established investment magazine in the UK.

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Bank loans Questions & Answers

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Business funding advice

Mark Endersby, Funding Solutions

4 posts

Latest questions answered

Q: Financial allowances and grants Q: Business bank account Q: Banks and the SFLG scheme Q: Interest levels on business loans Q: Where can I find extra funding?

Natwest fixed rate business loan for small businesses

At NatWest, we’re committed to backing British business. That’s why we’re giving small businesses the opportunity to borrow from £25,001 up to £250,000 fee-free, until 5 February 2012. Find out what our Fixed Rate Business Loan gives you today.

Barclays Business Start Up Account

Get everything you'd expect from a Barclays Business account…Free business banking for up to 2 years (Ts&Cs apply). Free day-to-day support from our Barclays Business Team by phone 24/7 and Mobile Banking, manage your account quickly and easily from a web-enabled phone. Apply online.

A business credit card with 0% interest on purchases for 3 months*

That’s on top of up to 56 days of interest-free credit**. When it comes to supporting your cashflow, it all adds up to a lot of extra breathing space. Also, by separating your business and personal spend it helps you keep track of your costs and identify areas where you can save money. Find out more today. *From date of account opening. **When you pay off your balance in full and on time each month.

Blogs

Winners and losers

Ben Lobel 24/01/2012

It seems that despite the government’s assurance that the Olympics will provide a long-lasting economic legacy for the UK, businesses remain unconvinced. Have your say »

Deciding on your financing needs

Small Business Finance 06/12/2011

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, looks at the ramifications of getting a bank loan to fund growth opportunities. Have your say »

Winning new business in 2012

Guest Blogger 02/02/2012

Shaun Thompson, CEO of Sandler Training, explains how growth is possible in frugal times. Have your say »

Bank loans Resource Centre

Fund your business' growth with factoring

Balance your cash flow with factoring and use the funds to help grow your business. The funding grows with your sales: the more you invoice the more you can borrow. Use the reliable funds to purchase machinery or to pay your staff.

Business loans and mortgages from evo finance

Evo finance offer business loans or commercial mortgages for a wide range of small, medium and startup business needs.

Get a small business loan to kick start your small business

Visit Teneric to see their guide to your small business loan, written by business planning professionals.

The Small Firms Loan Guarantee scheme

The Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG) provides lenders with a government guarantee against default on loan repayments in certain circumstances.

More Bank loans Resources

Other Business Banking Resources

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Video

Selling on eBay

Ebay trader Chris Dawson gives his tips to selling through the trading website.

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Free Sage Planning for Business software

We can also introduce you to a local business manager who can provide insight and guidance to help you get your business started and find the right finance options to suit your needs. Find out more.

QuickBooks. It’s about time.

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