New funding scheme

Swaps for Businesses - It's not just daft today, it was always daft!

I am a little bit bemused that we suddenly have a discussion that it was “miss-selling” when banks offered swaps to small businesses. I am bemused because I have no idea why this has only been discovered now. These types of products were never suitable for small businesses. They simply do not suit the planning...

Barclays Bank and LIBOR

By now most of you have read all the details of this absurd saga. I think that all the important questions have already been asked: We all know who will pay the fines, we all know that had clients of Barclays acted like this they would have been crucified, we all know that senior management...

The Bank Manager has disappeared - ASC are still here

In this week’s blog we have decided to share with you an image that captured our imagination. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words.

Do your clients think you are a Bank?

Does the following sound familiar?   Our client operates a successful and expanding business. Unfortunately some of his customers tend to think of him as more of a bank and don’t always pay their invoices as quickly as they should – most likely because their banks were cutting their working capital and overdraft. This caused...

Interest rates for Small Business Loans

The sad truth is that whilst we have a very low base rate the cost of borrowing for small businesses has increased substantially. I am not saying that it is the banks’ fault because clearly when you get 3-4% on your deposits a bank cannot lend at a lower rate. However, what that means is...

Innovative ways in the search for funding

Bank Bashing Continues - But is it fair?

I read in an article recently that complaints from small businesses against bank loans have risen by 10%. That sounds awful. However, when you read more you find out that the actual numbers have increased from 394 to 435. I am sure that the businesses involved have a good reason to complain. But 435 out...

Business Finance & Banks - it is not a joke

It is easy to say to banks: lend more, but in fairness Bankers are probably as confused about the economic outlook as the rest of us. The government has been hoping that loads of confusing initiatives will do the trick to motivate Banks to lend more to SME’s; we all know this has not happened....

Do you like Banks?

I think by now there is hardly any business person or entrepreneur who would answer this question with a yes. Bank bashing continues in full swing but we don’t believe that this is the solution – it may just help us to get things off our chest. Yes, banks are still operating with extremely confusing...