A recent article on BBC news forecasts UK bank lending is set to shrink by 2.2% this year - the first time since 2009 according to the Ernst & young Item Club economic forecasting group. While banks are usually the first port of call (perhaps after friends and family!) for funding, there are other options.

East is a not-for-profit company providing loans of up to £50,000 to new and existing businesses with a workable business plan when they have been unsuccessful in securing bank funding or need additional funds to match lending. The finance can be used in a variety of ways to help expand the business. Click here for further information or contact us for an introduction.