Finance Review: May & June at BCDF

In May, the Bank of England cut the base rate of interest to 4.25% from 4.5%. This vote indicates some optimism in future economic conditions which will hopefully allow small business owners to invest in their ventures with more confidence, at a lower cost. If conditions hold, further cuts could be expected this year.

The recent uncertainty around US trade tariffs also seems to have settled, which is a welcome development for certain industries and exporting businesses. We hope this stability continues and business owners can get back to focusing on their operations, without worrying about external shocks out of their control.

At BCDF, this recent stability is reflected in the continuing demand for loans and other finance solutions that support business growth.

One solution we arranged in May was a large term loan for an award winning, sustainable coffee brand. When they were introduced to BCDF, they were experiencing cashflow issues due to high debt repayments. The company had been on a fast growth trajectory and had relied on short term, high interest loans to facilitate this. The company needed a consolidation loan to restructure their outstanding debt, as well as some additional working capital to fund their next phase of growth.

We were able to restructure their several existing short term, high interest loans into a single, low interest, long term solution. In addition to this, we sourced an affordable working capital loan to support them in their next steps. This particular case was a prime example of what we do best at BCDF. We took time to understand the clients complex funding need and prepared a compelling proposal for lending partners that we knew would recognise the opportunity.

In June, the Bank of England voted to hold the base rate of interest at 4.25%. The decision came after inflation figures for May showed inflation at 3.4% – despite being slightly below expectations, this is still above the bank’s target of 2%. It is unclear whether this will hold with the potential for further inflation being driven by a disrupted supply of oil caused by insecurity in key regions.

June was another busy month at BCDF as we received a number of new enquiries looking to finance growth, purchase property and manage cashflow, including a Bristol-based Italian Deli and Café who we helped to access a large term loan to support their growth and expansion.

Before being introduced to BCDF, the Deli had succesfully trialled wine tasting events and evening taster menus, and wanted to fully pursue this new profitable niche. They required funding to purchase new stock and refurbish their premises to better reflect this new brand and direction.

We worked with a regional lender to source the funding, allowing the company to purchase high end flooring, lighting, shelving, and a range of other fixtures and fittings. This investment will allow the Deli to deliver more regular wine tasting events, expand food options with a new monthly five-course tasting menu, and even host private events, building a number of new income streams.

At BCDF, we love supporting local independent businesses that add a little bit of colour and flavour to the community, contributing to what makes Bristol great. We were delighted to get the client a great deal and wish them continued success in the future.