The more the merrier!

If you’re worried about the big banks having a monopoly on the commercial finance world, here’s some good news for you. According to the Bank of England, as of 31st August there were 155 banks incorporated in the UK, as well as 160 more that are outside the EEA but can accept deposits from the...

Thinking about buying a nursery? Have a look at our guide to what you need to be thinking about!

Brokers vs the Bank Referral Scheme

The Government has just released some statistics relating to its Bank Referral Scheme that really show how much more worthwhile it is to ask a broker when looking for Business Finance. Under the scheme, launched in 2016, the UK’s main banks are required to pass details of small businesses they rejected loan applications for down...

People, not numbers

Here at ASC, we feel that finance has too many numbers. Now that might sound odd coming from a business that’s all about getting the numbers you need, but hear us out. If you go to a bank to try and get finance for your business, you get given a case number which you have...

The value of a name and number

I had to call up my bank last week. So I rang the number on their website, and (after getting through their ever-growing maze of security questions), I spoke to someone who was surprisingly helpful. I didn’t have all the information which I needed, so I went away, and once I had the right information...

Personal Service is disappearing…

There’s an episode of the Simpsons where one of the characters is witnessing a murder, and goes to call the police. Instead of being greeted by a phone operator he’s met with an automated answering service: “Hello, and welcome to the Springfield Police Department Rescue Phone. If you know the name of the felony being...

Does tipping encourage better service?

We wanted to talk today about tipping. In our previous blogs you’ve read about how important we think providing a personal service is, and we wanted to raise a question. If tipping was more widespread across other industries, would that lead to better or worse service? On one hand it would encourage a personal approach,...

What is the benefit of using a broker?

We were recently asked this question by a client. Yes, you can arrange finance without a finance broker. In the same way that you can defend yourself in court without a lawyer. But what is the benefit of using a broker? Take this recent example. ASC were recently introduced to two clients. They were looking...

The Bank Manager has Disappeared

The bank manager is now on annual leave. Does that sound familiar? And I’m not just talking about the recent August Bank Holiday Monday. (Even bank managers are after all entitled to a break). But it does seem that there are more and more bank managers who aren’t just disappearing for the bank holiday, but...

The right time to apply for finance

So you’re looking at buying a business. When is the right time to start thinking about business finance? Before you look? After you have made an offer? After the initial visit? Obviously, it is important to have an understanding of what finance might be available before you begin your journey. There is no point spending...