Let’s Talk Business

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, businesses are continuing to face challenges such as inflationary pressures, supply chain disruption and escalating input costs. These challenges may involve considerable uncertainty for your firm, your customers, and your business model, so it’s important to prepare for any arising difficulties.

Access to finance is only one of the issues you may have to work through, but it is important to consider any funding requirements early on.

Banks and finance providers stand ready to support viable businesses and there is a wide range of advice, guidance, and types of finance available to you.

The finance industry is here to help you prepare, so, Let’s Talk Business.

• Take time to think about how your customers and suppliers could be affected by any arising economic challenges, so you are prepared for the potential impact.
• Ask your bank or finance provider early on if you think you might need additional finance, or changes in your current facilities. The earlier you engage with providers the better – start by checking your provider’s website for details of the support available.
• Look into alternative finance options. Most applications are successful, but if your first choice doesn’t work out there are many different providers out there.
• Know where to go for more information to help your business. Whether you’re looking to export for the first time or wondering how to manage changes to your supply chain, the information on this site aims to provide what you need.

UK government advice for business owners can be found here.

Resources for women-led businesses

The Investing in Women Code is a commitment to support female entrepreneurship in the UK by improving women’s access to the advice, resources and finance needed to build a business.

Resources for ethnic minority-led businesses

A thriving economy needs to build on the talents of all entrepreneurs regardless of ethnic heritage, race, religion, or nationality. However, business owners who are Black, Asian or from another ethnic minority background can often struggle to find funding for their business. You can read about the financial services sector commitments and activities lenders provide to support ethnic minority business owners here.

The road to net-zero

Every business has a role to play in tackling the impact of climate change by reducing carbon emissions. It is the right thing to do but also makes good business sense. UK Finance and its members are committed to supporting businesses through the provision of advice, support as well and access to finance where appropriate. Read this guide from the CBI and UK Finance to help you get started on planning what you need to do to reduce carbon emissions and whether you should consider using external finance.

For more specific guidance visit the main Let’s Talk Business hub.