Interest rate anxiety? It's all relative...

As we move inexorably towards rises in our historically low base rate, it is natural that there will be some anxiety as to the outcome.

The reality, however is that for most of us ordinary folk - and small business owners, the impact will be relatively tiny - and here is why:

If Carlsberg did invoice finance...

Well, according to their adverts, it would probably be the best invoice finance in the world, so presumably they would start with some market research.

Our results suggest that they would be met with 2 overwhelming reservations from those contemplating facilities:

Personal guarantees - the most vexed of topics...

It has become pretty much a daily conversation - the opener to to almost every funding enquiry 'I/my client isn't prepared to offer a guarantee'.

First, the good news:

Modern funding - Buffer products

With increasingly positive economic news, businesses are looking for ways to make the most of emerging opportunities.

Unfortunately this is set against a backdrop of continued banking restrictions, particularly on overdraft funding.

In reality (and without getting over-technical), BASEL Banking Accord makes overdrafts deeply unpopular within the banking sector.

Most people are familiar with longer term options such as term loans, hire purchase, leasing and factoring.

Less well known is a wide range of short term or 'Buffer' product available from both private and crowd sources.