After £31bn of support are SMEs poised for a comeback?
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July 8, 2020
Covid-19
New figures from the Treasury show that, as of July 5th, more than one million SMEs in the UK have borrowed £31bn through the Government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme.
The scheme, which allows small businesses to borrow up to a quarter of their annual income – capped at £50,000 – has proved hugely popular after being introduced to combat the low approval rates of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
With an economic contribution of over £2tn, the success of the UK economy as a whole may in future hinge on the prosperity of SMEs, start-ups and high-growth firms.
Furthermore, SMEs make up 99% of private sector businesses and thus allowing them the best possible chance to grow and create jobs through adequate financial support is key.
Luke Davis, CEO of IW Capital and small business expert, discusses the need to continue to support SMEs: “This period has been incredibly difficult for SMEs and the bounce back loan scheme has helped a huge amount of businesses to survive what has been a tremendously difficult period. One of the key points in economic recovery in the next year or so is to fully support the SMEs of the UK to come roaring back with confidence with the right kinds of investment and mentorship.
“As private finance providers, we have a responsibility to back ambitious and innovative firms and founders. Luckily this is something the SME sector in the UK has in spades. We have already seen from the CBILS that banks are unwilling to lend without huge guarantees which further increases the importance of private support and alternative finance.
“State-sponsored initiatives and infrastructure investment will be key to giving businesses confidence but the majority of funding is likely to come from private sources. Therefore private equity through schemes such as the EIS will be crucial to unlocking the growth potential of these firms. If the Government is willing to underwrite £31bn of loans, extending the EIS could be a great way to increase investment into this vital sector.”
