- Written by
admin
- Posted February 18, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Despite the efforts of the government to boost lending, more than half of UK businesses were refused credit last year by their banks.
A survey from the Institute of Directors (IOD) found that almost 60 percent of businesses were denied credit in the form of business loans, while 20 percent were forced to turn to credit cards to keep their businesses afloat.
The report contradicts the recent claims by banks which say that they are lending to businesses in need of funds.
The British Bankers’ Association (BBA), which represents the major High Street banks, argued that the report was bases on a sample size too small to draw any meaningful conclusions.
The report from the IOD also suggested that the Enterprise Finance Scheme, which is run by the government, is not providing the right support to struggling UK businesses.
It was found that 83 percent of those businesses refused credit were not given any information about the government scheme, which provides government back guarantees to business loans from £1,000 up to £1 million.
Around 20 percent of businesses did not even attempt to apply for loans as they felt they would not be approved or because the costs of the loan would prove too high, according to the report. <
Continue reading…