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Alternative finance

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SmallBusiness.co.uk is working in partnership with Finpoint to help you find the right finance for your business. This section provides comprehensive guides and articles on the different alternative finance options for UK small businesses and entrepreneurs. There are many different types available, including crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, micro loans, equity finance and angel investments, plus various strands of asset-based lending and refinancing.

For smaller businesses looking to grow, alternative finance providers are often better aligned to their needs – not only because they can offer less strict criteria than traditional lenders like banks, but also because they can be more flexible and responsive whilst offering a better customer service.

The alternative finance market is a dynamic sector in the UK, driven by the country’s twin strengths in fintech and investment banking services. Business funding for British SMEs from alternative finance firms now tops £15bn annually and is set to grow strongly up to and beyond the 2020s. Read on for ideas, analysis and case studies to see if it could benefit your company as well.

Borrowing in the short term: Payday loans vs short-term loans

We hear a lot about different types of lending and borrowing. Payday loans are a form of borrowing that has been in and out of the news for a number of years now. However, short term loans may just be starting to steal their thunder.

Alternative finance

Alternative finance

Brexit one month on: A view from a fintech start-up

Russell Gould looks at the initial Brexit fears and explains why, one month on, some Fintech companies are set to flourish.

Alternative finance

What is invoice finance?

Here, Conrad Ford details what it means for your small business to take out invoice finance.

Alternative finance

Why small business lending alternatives are the next big thing 

Here are a few of the biggest drivers behind the slowdown in small business lending and the rise of small business lending alternatives.

Alternative finance

Alternative finance: Opportunities and risks 

Here's how alternative finance has stepped up to help companies get the funding they need.

Alternative finance

The alternative finance market: What is out there?

Here, we look at the options for SME funding that have emerged since the recession and how there is a method of finance for every business need.

Alternative finance

Alternative business funding: Choosing a lender

As the major online lenders surpass £1 billion in funds provided, we compare business funding options, assessing the key differentiators and similarities.

Alternative finance

How your sector could influence the funding you choose

In this piece in association with Fundbird, Andrew Weaver of Lawyerfair discusses why it is important to find the backer or funding institution that is right for your sector.

Alternative finance

Alternative business funding: Choosing a lender

As the major online lenders surpass £1 billion in funds provided, we compare business funding options, assessing the key differentiators and similarities.

Alternative finance

How your sector could influence the funding you choose

In this piece in association with Fundbird, Andrew Weaver of Lawyerfair discusses why it is important to find the backer or funding institution that is right for your sector.

Alternative finance

Banks may be lending again, but alternatives continue to thrive

Adam Tavener discusses how an upturn in bank lending is also good news for alternative finance.

Alternative finance

A turning point in the crowdfunding equity market

In this piece in association with Fundbird, Chris Buckingham, author of Crowdfunding Intelligence, assesses the fortunes of what was once the fastest equity raise in UK history and what it tells us about the crowdfunding industry.

Alternative finance

Asset finance opportunity afforded to small businesses

Hitachi Capital and the British Business Bank have agreed a £300 million facility to increase asset finance for small businesses.

Alternative finance

Invoice discounting as a liquidity source for SMEs

In this piece in association with Fundbird, Mark Thomas of C2FO looks at invoice discounting as a means of improving small companies' cash flow position.

Partner content

Small business owners: discover alternative funding solutions to help fuel your growth

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Should I buy a franchise or go solo?

Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.

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16 ways to improve your business cash flow

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