The percentage of UK small businesses predicting growth has fallen for the fourth consecutive quarter, plummeting to the low levels seen during the lockdown era of 2020, according to new research from Novuna Business Finance. A year on from the Labour Government taking office, the immediate ‘Election Bounce’ in small business confidence (35%) has fallen…
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The overuse of personal guarantees in borrowing is hindering UK business growth, according to a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Research by the business group shows that six in ten (60%) limited company directors would borrow to grow their business, if they did not have to put hard-earned assets like savings or…
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A new Dun & Bradstreet report has highlighted the lowest level of business optimism for the upcoming quarter since late 2023. Following a 12.9% drop in optimism for Q1 and a modest 1.3% drop for Q2, the Global Business Optimism Index declined another 6.5% amid continued macroeconomic uncertainty and mounting supply chain concerns around the world. The…
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Asset-based lending solution, Independent Growth Finance (IGF) has announced the appointment of Graham Leaney as ABL Director for the South West of England and South Wales. Leaney has extensive experience in the ABL and working capital financing industry, having worked in roles of increasing responsibility over the past 20+ years at HSBC, Close Brothers Invoice…
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Digital credit marketplace, LoanTube has announced the launch of its SME brokerage platform, bringing the speed, intelligence and transparency of its consumer lending platform to small and medium-sized businesses. Emerging from two years of stealth development, LoanTube’s SME brokerage matches applicants to a diverse panel of more than 50 finance providers including major high street…
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New research by Capital on Tap has found that 46% of business owners don’t have a business credit card, with 54% of consumers actively avoiding them The data also showed that 36% of business owners have never owned a business credit card, and 54% of consumers said they actively avoid using credit cards. For business…
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Latest data from Purbeck Insurance Services has found SME loans for working capital fell 24% in Quarter 1 (Q1) 2025. The number of SMEs needing finance to keep their business on an even keel has not been this low since Q3 2024, based on Purbeck’s data. In contrast, refinancing deals grew dramatically year on year…
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Deloitte’s latest survey of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) reveals that finance leaders view the UK as the most attractive destination for investment, alongside India, with 13% describing it as very or somewhat attractive. Richard Houston, Senior Partner and Chief Executive of Deloitte UK, said “These results reveal a shift in sentiment with the UK now…
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Total like-for-like retail sales in discretionary categories (fashion, homewares and lifestyle) remained below inflation in June, compared to a positive base of +3.2% in June 2024, according to the latest High Street Sales Tracker from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. The disappointing performance was driven largely by low sales growth in stores, at just +0.6% compared…
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Confidence among British businesses has significantly declined due to Labour’s tax policies, according to a survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), revealing that 56% of firms are worried about their tax burden. While price rise expectations have eased back from near historic highs in Quarter 1, tax remains the biggest concern cited by…
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A survey from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) indicates that private sector businesses anticipate a decline in activity over the next three months. The companies expect activity to fall at a firm pace in the three months to September (weighted balance of -18%). Expectations are less negative relative to May, but extend a period…
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The Institute of Directors (IoD) has announced the appointment of Liz Barclay as Special Adviser for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Barclay will work with the IoD to advise on ways that SMEs can adopt technology to help create a growth mindset and risk appetite which will allow them to succeed. Jonathan Geldart, Director General of…
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UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are being significantly impacted by the upending of the global trading environment, propelled by the US administration’s tariff policies, according to new research from independent funder Bibby Financial Services (BFS). BFS’s Trading Places report, which surveyed over 500 UK SMEs that trade overseas, found over half (55%) see…
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