BoE data shows SME lending is still a big problem

New data show that accessing finance is still a big problem for SMEs despite the continued expansion of the alternative finance sector.

While the latest figures from the Bank of England reveal a deceleration in the decline of small business lending through the Funding for Lending scheme, SME funding still fell by £400 million in the second quarter. Furthermore, a new Credit Conditions survey from the Federation of Small Businesses claims that credit availability has fallen for SMEs, with over half of those companies questioned finding the availability of credit poor or very poor.

A new survey from OnePoll on behalf of Xero further highlights the degree to which maintaining cashflow remains a challenge for SMEs, with accessing funding and late payment identified as major obstacles to reinvestment and development.

The new data put the spotlight back on traditional lenders and their lending practices, and the attitude of SMEs towards them. Alternative finance services, from challenger banks to invoice finance and peer-to-peer lending, have been filling the gap in lending and are increasingly acting as a lifeline to small businesses that are either being frustrated by or are fed up with big banks.

However, as the news from the Bank of England, the Federation of Small Businesses and OnePoll underlines, there is still some way to go to meet SME lending demand. Given how the small business lending landscape has changed in recent years, it seems clear what sector will be playing a central role in driving SME growth going forward.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact us on 01903 602211 or info@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

Why alternative finance is an SME lifeline

New data shows that accessing finance is still a problem for the majority of SMEs. That’s why alternative finance services, such as invoice finance, are a lifeline.

According to the new figures from professional services organisation EY, securing capital remains a major barrier for SMEs in the UK, despite the various high-profile schemes introduced in recent years to stimulate small business lending. Half of all entrepreneurs questioned stated that concern over accessing finance was the biggest obstacle to building a business.

These findings underline the importance of alternative finance and explain why its emergence as a mainstream SME funding source has reshaped the small business finance landscape. As traditional lenders have remained cautious, services such as invoice finance, peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding have stepped in to fill the lending gap, and have now established themselves as essential products, becoming integral to government SME funding strategy.

Illustrative of this sea change is the inclusion of alternative finance in the Forum of Private Business’ new Cost of Doing Business report. In the document, it gives advice for reducing costs and growing your business, and among its seven core steps is a recommendation for exploring alternative finance, explaining that from invoice finance, peer-to-peer lending and angel investment, there is a type of finance for every stage of business.

As the economic recovery enters a crucial period, in which building momentum behind business growth is essential to realising wider growth goals, it is clear that alternative finance will play role for SMEs and entrepreneurs.


To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact us on 01903 602211 or info@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

£2,000 Grants for Energy Saving Projects For West Sussex businesses with less than 50 employees Grants of up to £2,000 are available to small businesses based in West Sussex* to install energy saving projects at their premises. >> Download an Application Form What can the grants be used for? Grants can be used to install measures that will demonstrably reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Eligible projects may include: LED lighting Lighting sensors Heating controls Draught proofing Insulation Up to £2,000 is available and no match funding required. There is £20,000 in the funding pot. If over-subscribed applications will be judged anonymously by a panel.   >> Full details and Application Forms Deadline: 17:00, Friday 24th October. The grants are funded by West Sussex County Council, and administered by the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC, a not-for-profit company as part of the ERDF part-funded RE:Start Local programme. Contact the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC on 01273 964239 or info@sustainablebusiness.org.uk More than 50 employees? We hope this email isn't a nuisance. Please do however pass on details of the grants programme to clients, suppliers or neighbouring businesses. A second grants scheme is also open to businesses with up to 250 employees, typically offering up to around 40% total project cost. Run by a third party. Low Carbon Workspaces. Why are grants available? West Sussex County Council recognises that initial capital outlay can often be the barrier to businesses implementing energy efficiency measures. The grant is designed to help overcome this, and provide a catalyst for on-going improvement as energy cost savings can be re-invested in further energy efficiency measures.   *Who can apply? Grants are available to small businesses with commercial premises in West Sussex where the project will be installed. The business must: Employ fewer than 50 people; Have a turnover no greater than £35 million; Have not received more than €197,000 state aid in the past three years; Not be owned by a group or larger company that does not meet these criteria. Charities and public sector organisations are not eligible for funding. Please contact us if you are unsure as to whether or not your organisation is eligible to apply. Application deadline: 17:00, Friday 24th October.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at the South Business Awards.

The awards ceremony took place in the glittering Grand Hotel in Brighton and welcomed businesses from Portsmouth, Worthing & Adur, Chichester, Littlehampton, Eastbourne Hastings and Horsham.

We would of course like to say congratulations to our CEO Tina Tilley who won the Business Personality of the Year Award. Congratulations Tina, you are a worthy winner and we are all very proud!!!

Don't miss the deadine to enter the Adur & Worthing Business awards this year, all winners automatically get entered into the South Business Awards. Deadline is Friday 3rd October.

The winners were:

Manufacturing & Construction - John Brown Architecture
Green Business - Basepoint
Place to Eat - Brios
Retailer - W Bruford & Inspired by Bruford
Customer Service - Ghodsi Barbers
Innovation - Ragale Microwave Ovens
Employee/team of the Year - C&T Radmall Funeral Services
Employer of the Year - 1st Central
Young Achiever - Brandon Bowman, BAE Systems
Outstanding Contribution to the Community - Hurst Green Shop & Cafe
Business Personality - Tina Tilley
Lifetime Achievment -  Mick Williams
Overall Business - Dynamite Recruitment
Training & Development - Creations
Start Up - Sheck Recruitment
Small Business - Dynamite Recruitmenr
Medium Business - Regis Removals
Large Business - B&W Group
Hospitality Tourism & Leisure - Druisillas Park

Energy Efficient Grants for West Sussex Small Businesses

Changes to the Growth Vouchers scheme that will mean more businesses will be eligible for this funding opportunity.

Due to the popular nature of the programme, Growth Vouchers will now be available to any business that is actively trading, has fewer than 250 employees, is based in England and has a turnover of less than €50m.

This means that businesses that previously could not apply may now be eligible.

This fantastic development means that more businesses will now have access to £2,000 match funding available to finance strategic business advice and reap the benefits that this brings. *More than 240,000 businesses in England use external advice and 94% of those using advice have seen benefits.

The five advice areas remain the same; finance and cash flow, recruiting and developing staff, improving leadership and management skills, marketing, attracting and keeping customers and making the most of digital technology.

The initiative will continue to be promoted through networking events, via social media and now via national press and radio too.

Growth Vouchers are part of a Random Control Trial research initiative being run by Government until at least March 2015. The first research initiative of this scope to be run in the UK, the project will inform future Government policies to ensure funding is targeted to achieve business growth. Enterprise First is proud to be delivering this scheme which places advice choice in the hands of business.

To apply for Growth Vouchers visit www.gov.uk/apply-growth-vouchers

For more information visit www.cavendishconsortium.co.uk/gv

Or contact sheryl.tipton@enterprisefirst.co.uk

It's time to celebrate with Adur & Worthing Business Awards 2014

Enter now and don't miss out on a great opportunity - Nominations extended to Friday 3rd October

It will enhance your business, encourage your customers and your clients, and energise you to do better. It doesn't cost you anything – except your time your efforts

Read more here .....

Sussex Police would like to bring this scam to the attention of Business Owners:

A tattoo studio in Worthing, have reported that they received a phone call from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be from Sussex Police and that they were pulling together a crime prevention magazine and asked if the studio would like to contribute financially to this to help keep vulnerable people safe. They called asking this twice, each time asking for £400 and they would take payment via credit card.

This is a scam and not something that Sussex Police would do.

Please make your staff and colleagues aware.

40 Years of Caring Celebrated at Highgrove House

Sally and Clive Neil-Smith celebrated a Ruby Anniversary at the weekend. Not that unusual you might think, but this Ruby celebration was for the couple’s 40th anniversary of working in and owning care homes in Worthing.
A Ruby themed garden party was held at Highgrove House Care Home in Winchester Road, one of two care homes owned by Sally and Clive. All the residents and their families were invited and many dressed in red to honour the ruby theme. Guests were treated to a hog roast and live entertainment, plus a raffle was held in aid of dementia charities, raising £200 on the day.
Sally Neil-Smith originally trained as a nurse and then specialised in care for the elderly. This led to the setting up of the couple’s first care home. Sally says, “When we started out, there was no real home from home specialised care, it was all very clinical. The ethos at both Heaton House and Highgrove House has always been to provide the absolute best care possible, to make the residents feel as happy as if they were still living at home.”
Sue Lamb, the Homes’ Registered Manager, has worked with Sally and Clive for many years and is continuing this same ethos today, ensuring our Residents are at the centre of everything.
“This is why our Ruby Anniversary celebration has involved as many of our residents and their families and our wonderful caring staff as possible. I think we had attendees aged between 3 months and 98 years at the party.”
The party was attended by both the Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Vic  and Rosemary Walker, who gave a short speech congratulating Sally and Clive on their achievements, both in Care and in Business and Bob Smytherman, the Town Crier, who rang in the official celebration with his very loud bell!
You can find out more about Sally and Clive’s care homes on their websites: www.heaton-house.net and www.highgrove-house.net or call them on 01903 700251 to arrange a visit.

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