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Guides & Tips

Banks can be on another planet when it comes to growth capital

Finance options for start-ups

Rose Lewis, a partner at financial consultancy Pembridge Partners, explains the various financial alternatives for the intrepid small business owner when a bank decides to play hardball.

The numbers have to add up if you're looking to borrow from a bank

What banks want to see from SMEs

So why aren’t banks lending to small businesses? Rose Lewis, a partner at financial consultancy Pembridge Partners, outlines what banks want to see from SMEs before agreeing to show the money.

Business bank account checklist

Charges and services vary a great deal from bank to bank so it pays to do your homework and find out what suits you and your business.

Business Banking basics

In order to open a bank account, even a basic one, all banks and other financial institutions must go through a series of checks to try to minimise the effects of money laundering.

In a recent SmallBusiness.co.uk poll, 65 per cent of small business owners were shown to be dissatisfied with the service they were getting from their business bank, with answers ranging from ‘It’s pretty inadequate’ to ‘It’s terrible’. SmallBusiness.co.uk and banking consultancy Lochroe point to this list of key issues to consider when assessing your business bank.

Opening a Euro account

Whether or not to open a Euro account depends on your individual circumstances. It may or may not be in your best interests.

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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Best banks for business Questions & Answers

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Business funding advice

Mark Endersby, Funding Solutions

3 posts

Latest questions answered

Q: Securing an overdraft Q: Bad banking practice Q: Franchise banking

FREE Legal, Financial, Accountancy & HR Help

Aska Professional understands the challenges faced by small businesses. That’s why we provide instant access to professional advice and legal templates. FREE access to Solicitors, Accountants, Financial Advisors & HR Specialists. Ask our experts a question and get a personal response within 60 minutes. Sign up now to ask a question - FREE.

If you’ve decided to go it alone, we can help you get started.

18 months free* day-to-day business banking
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.

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.

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 »

A promising venture

Small Business Finance 06/02/2012

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores how small businesses should approach venture capital. 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 »

Best banks for business Resource Centre

Are banks lending to start-ups and small companies

This quick guide from small business outlines what banks want to see from small businesses before agreeing to lending them the finance.

Credit cards from Virgin Money

Virgin Money credit cards are ideal if you’re looking to transfer a balance, or if you need a credit card to make easy online purchases.

Changing your bank account

Switching your business account could help you get a better deal. Here's a guide to changing business bank accounts from Business Link.

Compare business bank accounts

If you're looking for the best bank you can compare small business bank accounts at the Review Centre.

More Best banks for business Resources

Other Business Banking Resources

Polls

Video

Selling on eBay

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

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.

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.

Grow your business with factoring, an alternative to business loans

Balance your cashflow with factoring and use the funds to grow your business. The more you invoice the more you can borrow, no need to re-negotiate with the bank. Compare factoring quotes online.