Regulators must prioritise growth impact

The next government must ensure regulators consider the impact of regulations on economic growth as well as market stability, according to Bim Afolami, the City minister and economic secretary to the Treasury, as new research from accountancy firm BDO shows that regulatory risk is now the number one concern for businesses.

Regulators must prioritise growth impact

Jun 10, 2024

The next government must ensure regulators consider the impact of regulations on economic growth as well as market stability, according to Bim Afolami, the City minister and economic secretary to the Treasury, as new research from accountancy firm BDO shows that regulatory risk is now the number one concern for businesses.

Making regulation work for everyone

The asset and auto finance sector faces a tsunami of regulatory activity which risks drowning out the industry’s own efforts to ensure best outcomes for consumers, unless all parties join together to build an infrastructure that protects everyone.

Making regulation work for everyone

Jun 10, 2024

The asset and auto finance sector faces a tsunami of regulatory activity which risks drowning out the industry’s own efforts to ensure best outcomes for consumers, unless all parties join together to build an infrastructure that protects everyone.

UK small businesses set sustainability agenda for a post-election government

On the run up to the General Election on July 4th, small businesses across the UK are calling on the incoming government to prioritise sustainable and green initiatives. Research by Novuna Business Finance highlights the key demands made by small businesses.

UK small businesses set sustainability agenda for a post-election government

Jun 07, 2024

On the run up to the General Election on July 4th, small businesses across the UK are calling on the incoming government to prioritise sustainable and green initiatives. Research by Novuna Business Finance highlights the key demands made by small businesses.

 
 

Asset Finance Europe 50 2023 - maintaining growth in turbulent times

The annual ranking of Europe’s leading asset finance providers today reveals the leasing companies that delivered industry growth during a year in which the asset finance industry continued to face a period of economic uncertainty. The Asset Finance Europe 50, sponsored by Alfa, is the unique European annual ranking survey of business equipment and fleet lessors that provides an objective overview of all parts of the European leasing market.

Asset Finance Europe 50 2023 - maintaining growth in turbulent times

Nov 09, 2023

The annual ranking of Europe’s leading asset finance providers today reveals the leasing companies that delivered industry growth during a year in which the asset finance industry continued to face a period of economic uncertainty. The Asset Finance Europe 50, sponsored by Alfa, is the unique European annual ranking survey of business equipment and fleet lessors that provides an objective overview of all parts of the European leasing market.

 

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Solifi Global Leasing Report 2023 reveals growth as the leasing industry emerges from the pandemic

The new Solifi Global Leasing Report 2023 reveals a promising 9.3% increase in new business volumes in 2021, as the global leasing industry emerged from the pandemic and equipment investments rebounded. The report highlights that the top 50 countries reported new business volume of US$1.463 billion in 2021, up from US$1.338 billion in 2020.

Solifi Global Leasing Report 2023 reveals growth as the leasing industry emerges from the pandemic

Mar 01, 2023

The new Solifi Global Leasing Report 2023 reveals a promising 9.3% increase in new business volumes in 2021, as the global leasing industry emerged from the pandemic and equipment investments rebounded. The report highlights that the top 50 countries reported new business volume of US$1.463 billion in 2021, up from US$1.338 billion in 2020.

 

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Asset finance new business grew by 31% in April 2024

New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew in April 2024 by 31% compared with the same month in 2023. In the first four months of 2024, new business was 7% higher than in the same period in 2023.

Asset finance new business grew by 31% in April 2024

Jun 07, 2024

New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew in April 2024 by 31% compared with the same month in 2023. In the first four months of 2024, new business was 7% higher than in the same period in 2023.

Consumer car finance new business volumes grew by 8% in April 2024

Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) figures show that consumer car finance new business volumes grew in April 2024 by 8% compared with the same month in 2023. The corresponding value of new business was 7% higher over the same period. In the first four months of 2024, new business by both value and volume fell by 1% compared with the same period in 2023.

Consumer car finance new business volumes grew by 8% in April 2024

Jun 07, 2024

Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) figures show that consumer car finance new business volumes grew in April 2024 by 8% compared with the same month in 2023. The corresponding value of new business was 7% higher over the same period. In the first four months of 2024, new business by both value and volume fell by 1% compared with the same period in 2023.

Navigating key trends and challenges in the UK asset finance market in 2024

The Asset Finance Outlook Report for H1 2024 from Asset Finance Connect provides critical insights into the auto and asset finance market, emphasizing key trends shaping the UK industry over the next six months. While high interest rates and inflation might be waning, other significant challenges remain. These include escalating global conflicts, political and geopolitical uncertainties, regulatory and government policy interventions, and the potential impacts of a new government and election campaign on the industry's current direction. Additionally, the regulation-led marketplace continues to influence the UK auto and asset finance sector.

Navigating key trends and challenges in the UK asset finance market in 2024

Jun 06, 2024

The Asset Finance Outlook Report for H1 2024 from Asset Finance Connect provides critical insights into the auto and asset finance market, emphasizing key trends shaping the UK industry over the next six months. While high interest rates and inflation might be waning, other significant challenges remain. These include escalating global conflicts, political and geopolitical uncertainties, regulatory and government policy interventions, and the potential impacts of a new government and election campaign on the industry's current direction. Additionally, the regulation-led marketplace continues to influence the UK auto and asset finance sector.

 
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Resilient construction SMEs weather stormy business landscape

UK construction SMEs are ambitious to grow, but are held back by the impact of inflation, supply chain challenges and reduced access to capital. That’s according to Bibby Financial Services’ (BFS) SME Confidence Tracker, based on a survey of 1,000 UK SME owners and decision makers, including over 200 in the construction industry.

Resilient construction SMEs weather stormy business landscape

Jun 07, 2024

UK construction SMEs are ambitious to grow, but are held back by the impact of inflation, supply chain challenges and reduced access to capital. That’s according to Bibby Financial Services’ (BFS) SME Confidence Tracker, based on a survey of 1,000 UK SME owners and decision makers, including over 200 in the construction industry.

Mercia Fleet Management offers free educational and myth-busting EV workshops

Mercia Fleet Management, the fleet management division of EV salary sacrifice specialist Fleet Evolution, is offering a summer series of free educational and myth-busting EV workshops designed to put every aspect of running EVs under the microscope. The workshops, available throughout June and July, will draw on the company’s experience of managing EVs for fleet customers and will aim to address all the current fleet concerns involved in running EVs.

Mercia Fleet Management offers free educational and myth-busting EV workshops

Jun 07, 2024

Mercia Fleet Management, the fleet management division of EV salary sacrifice specialist Fleet Evolution, is offering a summer series of free educational and myth-busting EV workshops designed to put every aspect of running EVs under the microscope. The workshops, available throughout June and July, will draw on the company’s experience of managing EVs for fleet customers and will aim to address all the current fleet concerns involved in running EVs.

Teamwill acquires ARC Global Services

French IT services and consulting company, Teamwill, has announced the acquisition of ARC Global Services. Founded in 2004 by Anis Chakroun, Teamwill is dedicated to credit and specialised financing. The move to acquire ARC Global Services highlights its ambition for leadership in the European leasing market.

Teamwill acquires ARC Global Services

Jun 05, 2024

French IT services and consulting company, Teamwill, has announced the acquisition of ARC Global Services. Founded in 2004 by Anis Chakroun, Teamwill is dedicated to credit and specialised financing. The move to acquire ARC Global Services highlights its ambition for leadership in the European leasing market.

 
 

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New car market holds steady as fleets drive growth

The UK new car market marked its 22nd consecutive month of growth as registrations rose 1.7% in May, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). With 147,678 units reaching the road, it was the best May market performance since 2021, although it remains down some -19.6% on 2019.

New car market holds steady as fleets drive growth

Jun 05, 2024

The UK new car market marked its 22nd consecutive month of growth as registrations rose 1.7% in May, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). With 147,678 units reaching the road, it was the best May market performance since 2021, although it remains down some -19.6% on 2019.

Paragon records growth in new SME lending

Paragon Banking Group’s SME lending business increased new lending during the first half of its financial year, the company announced today. Paragon reported the SME lending business delivered new lending of £230.2 million for the six months to 31 March 2024, a 4.6% increase on the same period last year. Overall, Paragon Banking Group recorded a 13.5% increase in underlying profits to £146.3 million for the first six months.

Paragon records growth in new SME lending

Jun 05, 2024

Paragon Banking Group’s SME lending business increased new lending during the first half of its financial year, the company announced today. Paragon reported the SME lending business delivered new lending of £230.2 million for the six months to 31 March 2024, a 4.6% increase on the same period last year. Overall, Paragon Banking Group recorded a 13.5% increase in underlying profits to £146.3 million for the first six months.

AFC welcomes new corporate member Aldermore

Asset Finance Connect (AFC) is pleased to announce Aldermore as its newest corporate member. “We are delighted that Aldermore has joined Asset Finance Connect as a corporate member,” said Edward Peck, CEO of AFC. “This network of professionals will support the growth of the asset finance industry by participating in our in-person and digital events, sharing industry insights with colleagues and peers, and making valuable forward-thinking contributions to the sector.”

AFC welcomes new corporate member Aldermore

Jun 04, 2024

Asset Finance Connect (AFC) is pleased to announce Aldermore as its newest corporate member. “We are delighted that Aldermore has joined Asset Finance Connect as a corporate member,” said Edward Peck, CEO of AFC. “This network of professionals will support the growth of the asset finance industry by participating in our in-person and digital events, sharing industry insights with colleagues and peers, and making valuable forward-thinking contributions to the sector.”

Funding issues continue to blight SMEs’ path to growth

SMEs are still reporting significant challenges when accessing and receiving funding support, according to new research from Shawbrook. Of those SMEs that had applied for funding over the last 12 months, nearly half (46%) said that it had not met their specific needs, with 45% saying they found the funding process confusing, long winded (28%) and lacked flexibility (20%).

Funding issues continue to blight SMEs’ path to growth

Jun 03, 2024

SMEs are still reporting significant challenges when accessing and receiving funding support, according to new research from Shawbrook. Of those SMEs that had applied for funding over the last 12 months, nearly half (46%) said that it had not met their specific needs, with 45% saying they found the funding process confusing, long winded (28%) and lacked flexibility (20%).

EU Commission to postpone Chinese EV tariff decision, source says

The European Commission will postpone its decision on Chinese electric vehicle tariffs until after the European Parliament election on June 9th, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. The provisional tariffs, which were expected to be announced by June 5th, would be a sticker shock representing billions of dollars in new costs for Chinese electric car makers.

EU Commission to postpone Chinese EV tariff decision, source says

May 30, 2024

The European Commission will postpone its decision on Chinese electric vehicle tariffs until after the European Parliament election on June 9th, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. The provisional tariffs, which were expected to be announced by June 5th, would be a sticker shock representing billions of dollars in new costs for Chinese electric car makers.

Stellantis announces changes in leadership team

Stellantis has announced changes to its leadership team, effective from June 1st. Luca Napolitano will be appointed Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Stellantis, in addition to his current responsibility as Lancia brand CEO. Napolitano will replace Thierry Koskas who will now focus on the expansion of the Citroën brand.

Stellantis announces changes in leadership team

May 30, 2024

Stellantis has announced changes to its leadership team, effective from June 1st. Luca Napolitano will be appointed Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Stellantis, in addition to his current responsibility as Lancia brand CEO. Napolitano will replace Thierry Koskas who will now focus on the expansion of the Citroën brand.

 

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Zoot joins the AFC corporate member community

Zoot, a specialist provider of asset finance origination, has been confirmed as the newest Corpora...

Zoot joins the AFC corporate member community

May 29, 2024

Changes to the automotive industry can’t leave retailers behind

Seismic changes to the automotive industry have done little to dilute the vitally important role p...

Changes to the automotive industry can’t leave retailers behind

May 29, 2024

The role of personal guarantees in the SME lending space

As 60% of SME owners admit to not feeling confident about the risks of personal guarantees, Purbec...

The role of personal guarantees in the SME lending space

May 29, 2024

£30 million lending landmark exceeded for One Stop Business Finance

Alternative funding provider One Stop Business Finance has surpassed a new lending milestone, exce...

£30 million lending landmark exceeded for One Stop Business Finance

May 29, 2024

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