HM Treasurys Bridging the finance gap consultation includes the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) programme initiative from the US. It allows SBICs to borrow money at low rates on the capital market, which they can then use alongside privately raised money to invest in SMEs.

BPIF public affairs officer Laura Jackson said it was in contact with the Small Business Legislative Council in the US to learn more about printers experiences across the Atlantic.

UK-based venture capitalists are interested in the SBIC scheme, and the BPIF is awaiting the Treasurys formal response to the consultation in the autumn.