Directors' Briefings

Overdrafts and bankloans (FI 1)

Overdrafts and loans are the most common form of external financing available to businesses. Used properly, they provide a simple and effective way of financing the growth of your business. But despite their widespread use, they are not always used wisely. Many businesses make the wrong choices or incur unnecessary costs. At best, this raises the cost of financing. At worst, the business runs the risk of failure.

This briefing focuses on:

• Deciding which form of financing to use.
• Minimising the cost of financing.
• Security.

• Read full document (PDF)

Subsidised and guaranteed loans (FI 2)

Government Support

If you have a promising business but cannot provide the security needed for a conventional bank loan, the Government’s Small Firms Loan Guarantee may be what you need.

Alternatively, other supported loan schemes (loans subsidised by government or local agencies) may reduce your borrowing costs if you meet their lending criteria.

This briefing covers:

• The Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme.
• Which business activities are most likely to qualify for other supported loan schemes.
• How to apply.
• An overview of the major schemes.

• Read full document (PDF)