Financing business

Small and medium-sized enterprises across the EU are still struggling to secure the financing they need, according to a survey carried out by the European Commission and the European Central Bank.

The first round of funding for the investment arm of the Government's Business Bank, designed to stimulate the flow of finance to small businesses, has been announced by the Business Secretary Vince Cable.

Net lending to UK businesses rose by £2.5 billion in the month to September - the biggest monthly rise in lending since January 2009 - figures from the British Banking Association (BBA) have shown.

Scotland is to invest £60 million into businesses supporting economic growth and employment bolstered by EU funding, First Minister Alex Salmond has announced.

A fund to support investment in small and innovative businesses will receive a £25 million boost from the Government, the Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced.

There will be 'tougher requirements' for payday lenders and 'stronger protection' for consumers when the Financial Conduct Authority takes over regulation of the consumer credit industry in April 2014.

UK entrepreneurs are to benefit from an additional £69 million of Government funding to help start-up and grow small businesses, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.

New guidance for businesses on securing bank finance has been released by two leading membership organisations from the business and banking sectors.

Net lending to businesses and households under a flagship Government scheme increased by £1.6 billion in the second quarter of 2013, latest figures from the Bank of England have shown.

Small business confidence is at an all-time high, with more than half (51 per cent) of SMEs looking to grow their business in the next 12 months, according to findings from the BDRC Continental Finance Monitor for SME lending.