Report shows decline in small business lending

There was a decline in small business lending in one year across ten cities in the UK, according to a report from Hampshire Trust Bank.

The SME Growth Watch Report 2016 showed a 6 per cent drop of £2 billion between the fourth quarter of 2014 and the fourth quarter of 2015. However, the British Bankers’ Association (BBA) said that small business lending has picked up again in 2016.

Confident

The report found that small businesses in London were lent the most in 2015, receiving £77 billion, with a drop of just 6 per cent. Small business lending decreased in Edinburgh by 9 per cent, whilst Manchester saw a decrease of 8 per cent.

Despite the report showing a decline in lending, over 50 per cent of businesses surveyed said that they feel confident about securing finance over the next 12 months.

The report identified the areas where small businesses feel the most confident about obtaining finance to enable them to grow, with 70 per cent of businesses in the North East and North West feeling confident, compared to 60 per cent in London.

Aspirations

Hampshire Trust Bank Chief Executive, Mark Sismey-Durrant, said: “For too long, larger lenders have dominated personal and business banking and this has had a negative effect on small businesses, which often do not meet the lending criteria.”

He added that small businesses should be confident about the future because there are different finance providers, away from the high street banks, which have the ability to support smaller businesses with their aspirations for expansion.


Other News

The Most Common Characteristics of a Successful Entrepreneur

“The most successful entrepreneurs tend to start with a desire to solve an interesting problem – one that’s often driven…

Fintech entrepreneurs contributing to rise in young millionaires, figures show

Data from HM Revenue and Customs, that was provided to financial advice firm Salisbury House Wealth, has shown that the…

Start Up Loans delivers more than £100m to London businesses

The Start Up Loans Company (SULCo) has lent more than £100m to small businesses in London since its launch in…

Back to top