Why the banks don’t care about SMEs
Since the last crash, the banks have been less than supportive when it comes to lending to SMEs. Alternative lenders are a great option, but why are SMEs still so nervous about borrowing?
Don’t let Brexit uncertainty bleed our SMEs dry
Brexit risks a reduction in capital investment, which will weaken SMEs’ ability to grow and prosper.
Tightening financial regulations leaves SMEs out in the cold
British politics has never been more newsworthy, but it’s about more than entertainment for SMEs.
Are financial services tribunals levelling the playing field for SMEs?
A proposal launched by MPs in parliament for a brand new tribunal should solve the problems that have beset both SMEs and banks involved in retail banking disputes.
Challenger bank Monzo launches overdrafts for eligible users
Monzo Bank has launched overdrafts for account holders after the challenger announced it had reached a milestone of 500,000 customers just one month ago.
Blockchain Bytes: The future of money and business beyond bank disagreements
In his latest Blockchain Bytes column, Barry James looks at why Bank of England governor Mark Carney made headlines last week with his speech on the future of money – headlines which made very different reading from his published speech.
NatWest launches £150m fund to boost women-owned SMEs
High street bank NatWest has announced a new £150m fund specifically for women-led SMEs throughout the UK, marking International Women’s Day 2018, on 8 March.
UK SMEs are losing over £9bn through invoice fraud every year
Recently published research states that 58 per cent of SME owners think the impact of modern-day invoice fraud on their business would be minimal and that they would lose only a small amount of money if they were targeted. Sadly, this confidence is misplaced.
Limitless spending opportunity? Contactless cards with fingerprint scanning hit the market
Contactless payment cards featuring finger-reading biometric sensors have now been introduced in what’s billed a “world’s first”, which could make shopping faster and more secure than ever.
SMEs say banks are too focused on profits over customer service
Small business owners have voiced concerns over bank branch closures, poor customer service and a lack of understanding about SME requirements.
Brexiteers unite! You have everything to gain from blockchain
In the firmament of Brexit debate emerges an article by Haakon Overli, founding partner of Dawn Venture Capital, published in the Sunday Telegraph. It argues that the use of blockchain can and should be the bedrock for the post-Brexit environment.
Five crowdfunding hacks to achieve a positive outcome
You want to grow a business or launch a new project, but banks and venture capitalists won’t give you the time of day – it’s a common predicament.