New research finds SMEs stalling investment and growth plans

New research from independent SME funder, Bibby Financial Services (BFS), reveals that interest rates and political uncertainty are holding back many businesses from investing in the long-term business growth the economy needs. Data from BFS’s Q1 2024 SME Confidence Tracker, which surveyed 1,000 UK SMEs, shows that over half (53%) of SMEs are putting off making major investments until interest rates fall, while four in ten (43%) are delaying investment until after the next general election.

New research finds SMEs stalling investment and growth plans

Mar 18, 2024

New research from independent SME funder, Bibby Financial Services (BFS), reveals that interest rates and political uncertainty are holding back many businesses from investing in the long-term business growth the economy needs. Data from BFS’s Q1 2024 SME Confidence Tracker, which surveyed 1,000 UK SMEs, shows that over half (53%) of SMEs are putting off making major investments until interest rates fall, while four in ten (43%) are delaying investment until after the next general election.

Leaseurope report highlights the role of leasing in transition finance

Leaseurope’s new report – The role of leasing in enabling the transition to a climate-neutral and sustainable European economy - highlights case studies of transition finance, which may not be eligible under the current EU taxonomy but still demonstrate a material contribution to sustainability. The report also looks at the sets out high-level proposals for measuring and reporting this key type of finance.

Leaseurope report highlights the role of leasing in transition finance

Mar 15, 2024

Leaseurope’s new report – The role of leasing in enabling the transition to a climate-neutral and sustainable European economy - highlights case studies of transition finance, which may not be eligible under the current EU taxonomy but still demonstrate a material contribution to sustainability. The report also looks at the sets out high-level proposals for measuring and reporting this key type of finance.

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas launches Logisnext Financial Services through partnership with DLL

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas (Logisnext), manufacturer and provider of material handling, automation and fleet solutions, has announced the launch of Logisnext Financial Services, providing customers with one single point of contact for equipment purchasing and financing. The new service is offered through Logisnext’s strategic partnership with DLL, a global asset finance company for equipment and technology.

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas launches Logisnext Financial Services through partnership with DLL

Mar 14, 2024

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas (Logisnext), manufacturer and provider of material handling, automation and fleet solutions, has announced the launch of Logisnext Financial Services, providing customers with one single point of contact for equipment purchasing and financing. The new service is offered through Logisnext’s strategic partnership with DLL, a global asset finance company for equipment and technology.

Bynx June Banner 2019 1

Metro Bank records first annual profit since 2018 after cutting 1,000 jobs

Metro Bank has reported statutory profit before tax of £30.5 million for the year, the first time since 2018, with a 67% year-on-year reduction in underlying loss to £16.9 million. The return to profit came after the lender was rescued from potential collapse by a major refinancing package in October 2023.

Metro Bank records first annual profit since 2018 after cutting 1,000 jobs

Mar 13, 2024

Metro Bank has reported statutory profit before tax of £30.5 million for the year, the first time since 2018, with a 67% year-on-year reduction in underlying loss to £16.9 million. The return to profit came after the lender was rescued from potential collapse by a major refinancing package in October 2023.

Novuna Business Finance launches new sustainability business podcast

Novuna Business Finance has launched its first-ever Sustainability Business Podcast which will be available to download from 14th March. The first in a series of podcasts planned this year, it is designed to spark meaningful conversations to support SMEs in their journey towards achieving net zero targets.

Novuna Business Finance launches new sustainability business podcast

Mar 13, 2024

Novuna Business Finance has launched its first-ever Sustainability Business Podcast which will be available to download from 14th March. The first in a series of podcasts planned this year, it is designed to spark meaningful conversations to support SMEs in their journey towards achieving net zero targets.

Global equipment finance services market to reach $3.1 trillion by 2032

The global equipment finance services market was valued at $1.2 trillion in 2022, and is projected to reach $3.1 trillion by 2032, according to a recent report by US-based Allied Market Research. The equipment finance services market is set to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2023 to 2032. The Equipment Finance Services Market Report focuses on growth prospects, restraints, and trends of the equipment finance services market forecast.

Global equipment finance services market to reach $3.1 trillion by 2032

Mar 12, 2024

The global equipment finance services market was valued at $1.2 trillion in 2022, and is projected to reach $3.1 trillion by 2032, according to a recent report by US-based Allied Market Research. The equipment finance services market is set to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2023 to 2032. The Equipment Finance Services Market Report focuses on growth prospects, restraints, and trends of the equipment finance services market forecast.

Praetura secures second securitisation financing to stem fall in funding for UK SMEs

Manchester-based business lender Praetura Commercial Finance – together with sister company Zodeq – has secured a £200m asset-based lending securitisation facility provided by Barclays to boost support for SMEs across the UK.

Praetura secures second securitisation financing to stem fall in funding for UK SMEs

Mar 11, 2024

Manchester-based business lender Praetura Commercial Finance – together with sister company Zodeq – has secured a £200m asset-based lending securitisation facility provided by Barclays to boost support for SMEs across the UK.

UK manufacturer Aeromet boosts growth with £2.5m facility from Cynergy Business Finance

UK aerospace manufacturer, Aeromet International Limited (Aeromet), has secured a £2.5m asset-based lending (ABL) facility from Cynergy Business Finance (CBF). Operating over three sites in Worcester, Sittingbourne and Rochester, Aeromet has over 40 years of experience in supplying flight critical parts.

UK manufacturer Aeromet boosts growth with £2.5m facility from Cynergy Business Finance

Mar 11, 2024

UK aerospace manufacturer, Aeromet International Limited (Aeromet), has secured a £2.5m asset-based lending (ABL) facility from Cynergy Business Finance (CBF). Operating over three sites in Worcester, Sittingbourne and Rochester, Aeromet has over 40 years of experience in supplying flight critical parts.

Shire Leasing surpasses £200 million own book milestone

Shire Leasing PLC has announced a major milestone in its strategic growth plan, with gross receivables surpassing £200 million. Commenting on the accomplishment, Mark Picken, CEO of Shire Leasing, said, “For a privately-owned company to reach £200m gross receivables, and at such pace, is a testament to Shire Leasing’s position as an innovative, forward-thinking funder within the asset finance market.”

Shire Leasing surpasses £200 million own book milestone

Mar 11, 2024

Shire Leasing PLC has announced a major milestone in its strategic growth plan, with gross receivables surpassing £200 million. Commenting on the accomplishment, Mark Picken, CEO of Shire Leasing, said, “For a privately-owned company to reach £200m gross receivables, and at such pace, is a testament to Shire Leasing’s position as an innovative, forward-thinking funder within the asset finance market.”

Simply ranked in FT1000 of Europe’s fastest growing companies for third year running

Simply Asset Finance, the specialist business lending provider, has been ranked in the FT1000’s list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies. It is the third year running the business has been recognised in the list. The FT1000 list is a joint venture between the Financial Times and German research company, Statista, and tracks the 1,000 fastest-growing businesses in Europe.

Simply ranked in FT1000 of Europe’s fastest growing companies for third year running

Mar 11, 2024

Simply Asset Finance, the specialist business lending provider, has been ranked in the FT1000’s list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies. It is the third year running the business has been recognised in the list. The FT1000 list is a joint venture between the Financial Times and German research company, Statista, and tracks the 1,000 fastest-growing businesses in Europe.

PEAC and Konica Minolta partner for exclusive US dealer financing program

Multi-national asset finance platform, PEAC Solutions, has launched an exclusive financing program for select dealers of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) effective March 1, 2024. Through this partnership, Konica Minolta will provide its nationwide dealer network with new financing products from PEAC Solutions that will allow dealers to sell more of Konica Minolta’s line of products.

PEAC and Konica Minolta partner for exclusive US dealer financing program

Mar 08, 2024

Multi-national asset finance platform, PEAC Solutions, has launched an exclusive financing program for select dealers of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) effective March 1, 2024. Through this partnership, Konica Minolta will provide its nationwide dealer network with new financing products from PEAC Solutions that will allow dealers to sell more of Konica Minolta’s line of products.

United Trust Bank delivers successful 2023 performance with £87.5m operating profit

United Trust Bank (UTB) has successfully navigated a challenging economic environment to deliver an impressive financial performance in 2023. The specialist lender’s Annual Report & Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2023 show the Bank’s operating profit increased by 41% to £87.5m in 2023, operating income increased by 34% to £154.1m, and return on equity increased to 23.9%.

United Trust Bank delivers successful 2023 performance with £87.5m operating profit

Mar 08, 2024

United Trust Bank (UTB) has successfully navigated a challenging economic environment to deliver an impressive financial performance in 2023. The specialist lender’s Annual Report & Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2023 show the Bank’s operating profit increased by 41% to £87.5m in 2023, operating income increased by 34% to £154.1m, and return on equity increased to 23.9%.

Cambridge & Counties Bank partners with Sustainable X to further strengthen its sustainability credentials

To mark B Corp month, specialist lender Cambridge & Counties Bank has expanded its sustainability and ESG programme further through a new partnership with Sustainable X, a St Albans-based consultancy specialising in sustainable business practices.

Cambridge & Counties Bank partners with Sustainable X to further strengthen its sustainability credentials

Mar 08, 2024

To mark B Corp month, specialist lender Cambridge & Counties Bank has expanded its sustainability and ESG programme further through a new partnership with Sustainable X, a St Albans-based consultancy specialising in sustainable business practices.

Economic volatility remains top worry for small business owners

New data from Novuna Business Finance reveals that 75% of small business owners are experiencing sleepless nights, with market volatility being their top concern for the second consecutive year. With 35% expressing worry about this in Q1 2024, the figure has slightly decreased from Q1 2022's peak, amidst market turmoil following the then Government’s mini-budget, yet remains roughly double the level from eight years ago (18% in Q1 2015).

Economic volatility remains top worry for small business owners

Mar 05, 2024

New data from Novuna Business Finance reveals that 75% of small business owners are experiencing sleepless nights, with market volatility being their top concern for the second consecutive year. With 35% expressing worry about this in Q1 2024, the figure has slightly decreased from Q1 2022's peak, amidst market turmoil following the then Government’s mini-budget, yet remains roughly double the level from eight years ago (18% in Q1 2015).

Key wishes for small businesses in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement

Ahead of Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt delivering his Spring Statement on 6th March, Mike Randall, CEO at SME lender, Simply Asset Finance, outlines its key 'wishes' for small business. With economic pressures still inhibiting growth for thousands of small businesses across the country, Simply is calling for key changes to infrastructure planning, access to funding, and the VAT threshold to ensure firms have a clear path to success.

Key wishes for small businesses in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement

Mar 04, 2024

Ahead of Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt delivering his Spring Statement on 6th March, Mike Randall, CEO at SME lender, Simply Asset Finance, outlines its key 'wishes' for small business. With economic pressures still inhibiting growth for thousands of small businesses across the country, Simply is calling for key changes to infrastructure planning, access to funding, and the VAT threshold to ensure firms have a clear path to success.

NFU Scotland Finance launched as dedicated financial service for members

NFU Scotland, Scotland’s leading agricultural organisation, has announced a new partnership with County Durham-based business finance broker Anglo Scottish Asset Finance to create NFU Scotland Finance. NFU Scotland Finance will be a dedicated division of Anglo Scottish with the purpose of offering bespoke business finance solutions including tailored loans, commercial mortgages, asset finance, business credit cards and refinancing opportunities to NFU Scotland’s 9,000 members.

NFU Scotland Finance launched as dedicated financial service for members

Mar 01, 2024

NFU Scotland, Scotland’s leading agricultural organisation, has announced a new partnership with County Durham-based business finance broker Anglo Scottish Asset Finance to create NFU Scotland Finance. NFU Scotland Finance will be a dedicated division of Anglo Scottish with the purpose of offering bespoke business finance solutions including tailored loans, commercial mortgages, asset finance, business credit cards and refinancing opportunities to NFU Scotland’s 9,000 members.

Smaller business asset finance new deals reach record high of £23.5bn in 2023

The British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets 2023/24 report finds that asset finance grew for the third year in a row, increasing 7% in 2023 to £23.5bn, the highest level on record. This increase follows a rise of 11% in 2022 and 23% in 2021 and highlights the continued rebound in the asset class as supply chain pressures have eased and smaller businesses have looked to replace ageing vehicles and machinery.

Smaller business asset finance new deals reach record high of £23.5bn in 2023

Mar 01, 2024

The British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets 2023/24 report finds that asset finance grew for the third year in a row, increasing 7% in 2023 to £23.5bn, the highest level on record. This increase follows a rise of 11% in 2022 and 23% in 2021 and highlights the continued rebound in the asset class as supply chain pressures have eased and smaller businesses have looked to replace ageing vehicles and machinery.

SGEF SA awarded gold in the EcoVadis 2024 ratings

Societe Generale Equipment Finance has been awarded a gold rating from EcoVadis, one of the world’s most trusted and independent providers of business sustainability ratings. The following SGEF entities now have positive EcoVadis ratings: SGEF SA (Head Office in France), China, the Czech Republic & Slovakia, Germany, Spain and the UK.

SGEF SA awarded gold in the EcoVadis 2024 ratings

Mar 01, 2024

Societe Generale Equipment Finance has been awarded a gold rating from EcoVadis, one of the world’s most trusted and independent providers of business sustainability ratings. The following SGEF entities now have positive EcoVadis ratings: SGEF SA (Head Office in France), China, the Czech Republic & Slovakia, Germany, Spain and the UK.