Finance

EFG lending improves

New government figures have revealed that lending to SMEs through its Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme is showing improvement.

SMEs still gloomy on credit and cash flow

Almost a quarter of recent overdraft pleas from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across sectors fell on deaf ears, new figures reveal.

Walstead wins praise for profitable progress

Walstead Investments has posted maiden profits, with chairman Mark Scanlon hailing "excellent progress" in 2012 following extensive restructuring at the business.

Late payment inquiry reveals plight of SMEs

Business organisations have given evidence at a parliamentary inquiry into the practice of late payment and its impact on UK SMEs.

Bank of England 'heavily skews' FLS in favour of SME lending

The Bank of England and HM Treasury have announced an extension to the Funding for Lending scheme (FLS) that is "heavily skewed" to support net lending to SMEs.

Applications inivited for new innovation hub in Scotland

The applications process to become part of a pioneering innovation centre in Dundee that will support start-ups in the digital, technology and creative media sectors has opened.

Semper survey shows dramatic Q1 plunge in print profits

US printers had a sharp drop in first quarter profits despite a modest rise in sales revenues, the Semper International survey for Q1 2013 has found.

Chancellor expected to extend FLS

George Osborne is expected to announce an extension to the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS), which is due to expire in January 2014.

Late payments subject of parliamentary inquiry

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) will be among a raft of business and industry representatives giving evidence at a cross party meeting next week examining the impact of late payment on SMEs.

First phase of Business Bank announced

The government has launched the first phase of its much anticipated Business Bank with a 300m investment programme for SMEs.