Smaller firms urged to put new bank lending appeals process to the test

A small business support organisation is urging business owners who feel they have been unfairly denied bank lending to put a new appeals process to the test. The British Bankers’ Association announced the creation of the new process this week. It sits alongside the Better Business Financecampaign and the recently-introduced Lending Code a self regulatory code of practice which the banks say they will follow when dealing with small business customers. The appeals process will allow smaller companies to request a second opinion if they believe formal loan applications have been declined unfairly by one of the UK’s main banks. The appeals system came about following a report from the industry-led Business Finance Taskforcelast year, which acknowledged the credit shortages facing small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will mean that, if a business customer requests it, their loan refusal will be reviewed by a second individual at their bank who has not had any prior involvement in the process and a new decision will be made within 30 days. If the loan application is still declined, the bank will provide information on alternative sources of funding. The overall process will be overseen by an external independent reviewer, Professor Russel Griggs, who will produce a report every year on the effectiveness of the process. The Forum of Private Businessbelieves the creation of the appeals process is a welcome step which should, if implemented correctly, help to restore some trust in bank lending among SMEs. However, the not for profit small business support organisation believes it is crucial for business owners to pursue the appeals process if they feel they have been unfairly denied loans – even if they believe their application will be refused again - in order to create accurate information on the effectiveness of the system. Forum Chief Executive Phil Orfordsaid:- “Finally, the major banks will be expected to spell out the standards British businesses can expect from them, and the Better Business Finance campaign will provide online support and an appeals process if lenders are deemed to fall short of these standards. While it is always important to closely monitor any codes of practice – particularly those that are self-regulatory – providing banks stick to these principles, and there is a truly robust and transparent appeals process, we welcome the initiative’s much-needed aim of getting the banks to provide better, more affordable lending. However, if business owners do not pursue the appeals avenue when their loan applications are denied, it will effectively let the banks off the hook and allow them to say that SMEs are happy with their lending decisions. As a result, I would urge all business owners who feel their loan applications have been unfairly turned down to lodge an appeal at the earliest opportunity. What we need now are government policies to stimulate real competition within the sector, including measures to allow new and innovative funding platforms to gain a foothold in finance markets dominated by traditional high street lenders. On the other side of the coin, it is also important that entrepreneurs can exert more control over producing proper management accounts that can allow them to proactively establish their creditworthiness. This is an educational process and will require some financial up-skilling for business owners.” Over the past year, the Forum has launched a number of new products and services aimed at helping its members find alternative sources of finance, or improve their chances of securing credit from traditional sources of lending. Do you think the change will help? Email us your views to our newsroom via:- news24@southportreporter.com.

 Government launch task force to improve employee engagement

MEMBERS of the Government sponsored Task Force joined the Prime Minister and Business Minister Edward Davey for a roundtable discussion about the new plans. The Task Force is set to ensure that a variety of practical opportunities are available for organisations wishing to learn about engagement. They will share good practice, generate debate, offer support and come up with ideas to help people improve their well-being. Carmen Watson managing director of Britain’s largest independent recruitment consultancy Pertemps said:- “I believe that the Task Force is a brilliant idea as getting your work force engaged can make an immense difference to a company’s performance. A lot of research has been done into engagement of staff and the results speak for themselves with engaged employees taking less sick leave, generating more revenue, being more satisfied at work and unsurprisingly, engaged staff are less likely to leave a company which can only be a positive thing as it means the people with the expertise and knowledge stay within your business. At Pertemps we have seen the successes engaging staff can deliver by ensuring that all members of staff are able to put forward their ideas, having an open door policy, keeping staff up to date with all areas of the business with frequent visits from directors, regular newsletters, and allowing flexible working. The results of this level of engagement speak for themselves with nearly 37 per cent of our staff in 2010 having been with the company for over five years. With this new Task Force in place hopefully other companies will see similar benefits to their businesses.” Do you our readers agree? Email us to news24@southportreporter.com with your views!

Census staff to hit the streets of Liverpool

A 300 strong army of Census staff have start visiting households in Liverpool , who have not returned their forms. They are part of a 35,000 strong national workforce, and will be out and about on the city’s streets until the end of April. During the last Census, only 89% of households in Liverpool returned the document, compared to a national average of 94%. It is estimated the city’s population was underestimated by over 10,000 people – meaning it lost out on over £150 million in funding over the decade. The amount of money that public services such as the police, fire, ambulance, the NHS and the council receive is based upon the city’s population, so it is vital it is as accurate as possible. Area manager for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Nicola Shaw, said:- “Our staff will be able to help with any questions or problems people are having filling in the form, and provide replacement forms or additional sheets if residents need them. If people have already filled in the form but not yet posted it back, they can give it direct to the Census staff. All Census staff will wear an ID badge and they will carry a bag with the purple 2011 Census logo on it. If you ask them, they will be able to tell you all about the Census, but will only come into your home if invited.” A national Census helpline is available on:- 0300 0201 101 for anyone who hasn’t completed their form, or who is concerned about opening their door to a member of Census staff. By phoning this helpline you can either get someone to talk you through any difficulties you are having filling in your form or arrange an appointment for a member of the Census staff to come and see you at a time that suits you. The personal information Liverpool residents provide on their Census forms is completely confidential and isn’t published or shared with any other organisation or government department. Residents can either return their form by pre-paid post or complete it online. The Census is compulsory and failure to send back the form can result in a fine of up to £1,000!