HSBC launches new £8bn fund for Britain’s small businesses
The UK's largest bank has announced it is setting aside £8bn for lending to small and medium-sized businesses around the UK.
The Real Coffee Bag Company: Reinventing the tea bag by giving it a java makeover
Jeanne and Paul Day wanted a way of getting the taste of real coffee but without the normal preparation time. With their venture, The Real Coffee Bag Company, the couple are hoping to secure early mover status and are using crowdfunding as a mechanism to fund this.
UK banks are the biggest barrier to SME growth
The economy is picking up, businesses are hiring more people and entrepreneurial spirit is rife. So why is it so difficult for startups and small businesses to secure the vital funding they need to prosper?
Are UK businesses taking too many funding risks?
In turbulent times for business finance, the words "risk" and "funding" are inevitably connected. David Hing looks at what to watch out for in each SME funding option.
UK businesses give banks the thumbs-up
No bank bashing in sight: businesses were generally happy with the financial support and advice from their banks in 2012. However, cautions about raising finance in the new year remain.
Why you are demanding old-fashioned business banking
Business leaders want the UK's challenger banks to be personal, localised and transparent – in other words, back-to-basics banking.
Challenger banks: Can they make a difference to business lending?
They're challenging the Big Five with a return to face to face banking, with continuity, relationships, and flexibility. Can the rising names of UK banking offer a new form of bank lending?
Alternative funding: The pursuit of other people’s money
The City Grump sorts the wheat from the chaff in the debate around alternative funding for business.
The growing gap between mainstream lenders and business
The relationship between the mid-market and high street banks is changing, Anthony Cooper finds after speaking to 2,500 FDs.
BankToTheFuture.com: The first financial institute social network
It's also a crowdfunding platform which aims to make business funding a lot easier. We spoke to CEO and founder Simon Dixon.
Bank funding remains top choice for SMEs
Entrepreneurs are choosing bank funding over other forms of finance. Is this a realistic approach?