This week saw the launch of Shawbrook, a bank aimed at lending specifically to small businesses. Owen Woodley, the CEO of the new bank told Reuters: 'There is strong demand for loans from businesses that might have failed to get credit from the bigger banks'.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has set up a Business Advice Service where SMEs can get a free consultation from a member.
Are You Optimistic about the economic outlook of 2011?
Six British banks have joined hands to set up a £1.5bn business growth fund, to boost funding to small businesses.
Ming Campbell quoted one telling figure on last night's Question Time – personal debt in the UK now adds up to £1.3 trillion.  That's a lot of money, and not all of us have the skills to get a grip on our finances. So when the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) says businesses need to help employees coping with debt, the suggestion makes sense.
The Labour party says they are 'championing an enterprise economy'. Let's find out how they're going to do this, and what small businesses can expect.
Alastair Darling's final budget seems to offer some hope to small businesses. Of course, the election will be the deciding factor, but there are some encouraging signs.
It's a sign of the times: at home and in the office it is costing more money than ever to sort out your finances and overdrafts seem to be the most expensive way to get 'help' from your bank.

Poll Results

How often do you back-up your data?
23%
Sometimes
66%
Always
12%
Never
This poll closed on 08/02/2012

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