High-street lenders neglecting women-led enterprises, new study finds

Research from independent SME funder Bibby Financial Services (BFS) finds that women business leaders are facing gender inequality in commercial lending, which is hampering the growth ambitions of many SMEs. Data from BFS’s latest SME Confidence Tracker, which surveyed 1,000 UK SMEs, uncovered that two thirds (66%) of women business leaders believe that banks are less prepared to lend to businesses like theirs, while more than half (57%) say it's more difficult to access external finance than it was six months ago.

High-street lenders neglecting women-led enterprises, new study finds

May 16, 2024

Research from independent SME funder Bibby Financial Services (BFS) finds that women business leaders are facing gender inequality in commercial lending, which is hampering the growth ambitions of many SMEs. Data from BFS’s latest SME Confidence Tracker, which surveyed 1,000 UK SMEs, uncovered that two thirds (66%) of women business leaders believe that banks are less prepared to lend to businesses like theirs, while more than half (57%) say it's more difficult to access external finance than it was six months ago.

AFC’s Next Generation Workshop to focus on managing adversity and developing resilience in the workplace

Asset Finance Connect’s Next Generation Workshop, in association with the Leasing Foundation, will be returning to the AFC Summer Conference on 6th June at etc venues, County Hall, London. Edward Peck, CEO of Asset Finance Connect commented, “The upcoming AFC Next Generation workshop shines a spotlight on the important role young professionals must play in shaping the future of the asset finance sector. It is one way in which AFC can support the Leasing Foundation’s efforts to nurture, empower and retain emerging talent in the industry. During the next-gen session, participants will have the opportunity to connect with their peers in other lending businesses, widening their networks beyond their immediate businesses. We hope it will also help facilitate the exchange of ideas among the next generation of leaders, sparking the innovation necessary to fuel growth and to better serve borrowers.”

AFC’s Next Generation Workshop to focus on managing adversity and developing resilience in the workplace

May 15, 2024

Asset Finance Connect’s Next Generation Workshop, in association with the Leasing Foundation, will be returning to the AFC Summer Conference on 6th June at etc venues, County Hall, London. Edward Peck, CEO of Asset Finance Connect commented, “The upcoming AFC Next Generation workshop shines a spotlight on the important role young professionals must play in shaping the future of the asset finance sector. It is one way in which AFC can support the Leasing Foundation’s efforts to nurture, empower and retain emerging talent in the industry. During the next-gen session, participants will have the opportunity to connect with their peers in other lending businesses, widening their networks beyond their immediate businesses. We hope it will also help facilitate the exchange of ideas among the next generation of leaders, sparking the innovation necessary to fuel growth and to better serve borrowers.”

Haydock appoints new Broker Manager

Haydock Finance have confirmed the appointment of James Carey as Broker Manager for the Midlands area. Carey had previously spent two years as a Business Development Manager at Shawbrook Bank. Carey fully understands broker needs and thinking from his time at two of Haydock’s intermediary partners - Cornwood Finance and MAF Finance Group.

Haydock appoints new Broker Manager

May 15, 2024

Haydock Finance have confirmed the appointment of James Carey as Broker Manager for the Midlands area. Carey had previously spent two years as a Business Development Manager at Shawbrook Bank. Carey fully understands broker needs and thinking from his time at two of Haydock’s intermediary partners - Cornwood Finance and MAF Finance Group.

 
 

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 Advantage launches new content hub

Asset Advantage, provider of business finance for SMEs, is celebrating 10 years of offering business loans with the launch of its new online content hub for brokers. The company started offering business loans back in 2014 to help asset finance brokers expand their offering. A business loan from Asset Advantage enables businesses to borrow up to £1 million. It can be used in conjunction with or instead of asset finance to provide brokers and their clients with full flexibility.

Asset Advantage launches new content hub

May 14, 2024

Asset Advantage, provider of business finance for SMEs, is celebrating 10 years of offering business loans with the launch of its new online content hub for brokers. The company started offering business loans back in 2014 to help asset finance brokers expand their offering. A business loan from Asset Advantage enables businesses to borrow up to £1 million. It can be used in conjunction with or instead of asset finance to provide brokers and their clients with full flexibility.

Paragon Bank supports Shilling Group with invoice finance facility

Paragon Bank’s SME Lending division has facilitated a £2.75m funding solution to support Shilling Group’s acquisition of Telford-based specialist logistics company Simmonds Transport. The trading arm of Birmingham-based Shilling Group secured an invoice finance facility from Paragon, enabling the company to raise finance against Simmonds Transport’s debtor book from existing contracts, which it utilised to support the purchase and post-completion working capital.

Paragon Bank supports Shilling Group with invoice finance facility

May 14, 2024

Paragon Bank’s SME Lending division has facilitated a £2.75m funding solution to support Shilling Group’s acquisition of Telford-based specialist logistics company Simmonds Transport. The trading arm of Birmingham-based Shilling Group secured an invoice finance facility from Paragon, enabling the company to raise finance against Simmonds Transport’s debtor book from existing contracts, which it utilised to support the purchase and post-completion working capital.

Consumer car finance new business volumes fell by 7% in March 2024

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer car finance new business volumes fell in March 2024 by 7% compared with the same month in 2023. The corresponding value of new business was 5% lower over the same period. In Q1 2024 as a whole, new business by value and volume fell by 3% and 4% respectively, compared with Q1 2023.

Consumer car finance new business volumes fell by 7% in March 2024

May 14, 2024

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer car finance new business volumes fell in March 2024 by 7% compared with the same month in 2023. The corresponding value of new business was 5% lower over the same period. In Q1 2024 as a whole, new business by value and volume fell by 3% and 4% respectively, compared with Q1 2023.

 
AFC SUMMER CONFERENCE - 6 JUNE IN LONDON

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Leapmotor International to expand global EV sales from September 2024

Stellantis N.V. and Leapmotor have announced that the formation of Leapmotor International B.V., a 51/49 Stellantis-led joint venture, is now complete after receiving all required authorisations.

Leapmotor International to expand global EV sales from September 2024

May 14, 2024

Stellantis N.V. and Leapmotor have announced that the formation of Leapmotor International B.V., a 51/49 Stellantis-led joint venture, is now complete after receiving all required authorisations.

Asset finance new business fell by 10% in March 2024

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) fell in March 2024 by 10% compared with the same month in 2023. In Q1 2024 as a whole, new business was at a similar level to Q1 2023.

Asset finance new business fell by 10% in March 2024

May 14, 2024

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) fell in March 2024 by 10% compared with the same month in 2023. In Q1 2024 as a whole, new business was at a similar level to Q1 2023.

VIP Apps Consulting hoping to win AFPA Trust Big Quiz for local charity

VIP Apps Consulting has registered their quizzing team for the AFPA Trust Big Quiz 2024, which will take place on May 23rd at the prestigious Royal Overseas League Club in Mayfair, London. The VIP Apps Consulting team secured second place in last year’s AFPA Trust Big Quiz, losing by one point to InterBay Asset Finance.

VIP Apps Consulting hoping to win AFPA Trust Big Quiz for local charity

May 14, 2024

VIP Apps Consulting has registered their quizzing team for the AFPA Trust Big Quiz 2024, which will take place on May 23rd at the prestigious Royal Overseas League Club in Mayfair, London. The VIP Apps Consulting team secured second place in last year’s AFPA Trust Big Quiz, losing by one point to InterBay Asset Finance.

 
 
AFC AWARDS - 9 JULY IN LONDON

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Government support crucial to stimulating used BEV sales

Growth in the new BEV market has been underpinned by benefit-in-kind (BIK) incentives available to fleets and business users. While some private ‘buyers’ have been able to benefit from such incentives under salary sacrifice schemes and, to a limited level, have been able to access a nearly new, used BEV, provided it has previously been leased under a BIK scheme, many private buyers do not have access to such employee benefit schemes.

Government support crucial to stimulating used BEV sales

May 14, 2024

Growth in the new BEV market has been underpinned by benefit-in-kind (BIK) incentives available to fleets and business users. While some private ‘buyers’ have been able to benefit from such incentives under salary sacrifice schemes and, to a limited level, have been able to access a nearly new, used BEV, provided it has previously been leased under a BIK scheme, many private buyers do not have access to such employee benefit schemes.

STAR Asset Finance Group announces CEO transition

STAR Asset Finance Group, provider of asset finance solutions to UK SMEs, has announced that Jim Higginbotham has stepped down from his role as CEO. Jim has been with the company for four years, serving the last two as CEO. During his tenure, the company has experienced significant growth, with the balance sheet expanding from £75 million to over £125 million.

STAR Asset Finance Group announces CEO transition

May 14, 2024

STAR Asset Finance Group, provider of asset finance solutions to UK SMEs, has announced that Jim Higginbotham has stepped down from his role as CEO. Jim has been with the company for four years, serving the last two as CEO. During his tenure, the company has experienced significant growth, with the balance sheet expanding from £75 million to over £125 million.

Acquis welcomes Brendan Curran as Business Development Manager

Specialist insurance provider to the asset finance industry, Acquis, has appointed Brendan Curran as Business Development Manager. Based in Philadelphia, Brendan will be responsible for driving forward Acquis’s expansion in the US. With 30 years of experience in the leasing market, Brendan will be instrumental in unlocking the potential within the US market.

Acquis welcomes Brendan Curran as Business Development Manager

May 13, 2024

Specialist insurance provider to the asset finance industry, Acquis, has appointed Brendan Curran as Business Development Manager. Based in Philadelphia, Brendan will be responsible for driving forward Acquis’s expansion in the US. With 30 years of experience in the leasing market, Brendan will be instrumental in unlocking the potential within the US market.

Andy Craggs joins Premier Asset Finance

Andy Craggs has joined Premier Asset Finance as Business Development Manager, focusing on the Humber and East Midlands. Andy joins Premier Asset Finance with over 35 years of experience in the asset finance industry, having spent the last 25 as Managing Director at asset finance brokerage, ECS Group.

Andy Craggs joins Premier Asset Finance

May 13, 2024

Andy Craggs has joined Premier Asset Finance as Business Development Manager, focusing on the Humber and East Midlands. Andy joins Premier Asset Finance with over 35 years of experience in the asset finance industry, having spent the last 25 as Managing Director at asset finance brokerage, ECS Group.

Arkle hits the summit

On 11th May a determined Arkle Finance team successfully summited Arkle Mountain in the far North-West of Scotland, raising an impressive £14k (and counting) for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Demonstrating their commitment to the Alzheimer’s cause, in unusually high temperatures (21 degrees Celsius) for that part of the Highlands, the 9.5-mile expedition saw the Arkle team climb 2,500 feet across tough terrain.

Arkle hits the summit

May 13, 2024

On 11th May a determined Arkle Finance team successfully summited Arkle Mountain in the far North-West of Scotland, raising an impressive £14k (and counting) for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Demonstrating their commitment to the Alzheimer’s cause, in unusually high temperatures (21 degrees Celsius) for that part of the Highlands, the 9.5-mile expedition saw the Arkle team climb 2,500 feet across tough terrain.

Simply Asset Finance announces FY 2023 pre-tax profit of £5.5m

Simply Asset Finance, the specialist business lending provider, has announced FY2023 profits of £5.5 million and revenues in excess of £52 million. As the business further expanded to support its small- to medium-sized business customers across the UK, its loan origination also grew to £1.3 billion to date.

Simply Asset Finance announces FY 2023 pre-tax profit of £5.5m

May 13, 2024

Simply Asset Finance, the specialist business lending provider, has announced FY2023 profits of £5.5 million and revenues in excess of £52 million. As the business further expanded to support its small- to medium-sized business customers across the UK, its loan origination also grew to £1.3 billion to date.

 

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DLL records profit, portfolio and income growth in 2023

DLL, global provider of asset-based financial solutions, delivered consistent results for the 2023...

DLL records profit, portfolio and income growth in 2023

May 13, 2024

NETSOL quizzing team returns to the 2024 AFPA Trust Big Quiz

NETSOL Technologies has registered their team for the AFPA Trust Big Quiz, which will take place o...

NETSOL quizzing team returns to the 2024 AFPA Trust Big Quiz

May 10, 2024

Sourcing suitable stock is a challenge for more than two-thirds of motor dealers

Dealers need to ensure that their forecourts are well stocked to meet consumer demand, but this ca...

Sourcing suitable stock is a challenge for more than two-thirds of motor dealers

May 13, 2024

FLA decides against mandating commission disclosure in code of conduct

Comprehensive briefing on commission disclosure and the historic review of motor finance agreement...

FLA decides against mandating commission disclosure in code of conduct

May 10, 2024

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