Business Finance Matters (BFM)

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, David and Trevor discuss a topic that has become a major concern to many members of The Guild of Business Finance Professionals and other industry stakeholders. Both discuss the concern regarding the growing number of business owners that are being exposed to an increasing volume of online advertisements, emails and marketing campaigns promoting business finance d...

Send us Fan Mail What does "best practice" really mean in today's business finance landscape, and why is it more important than ever? In this episode, David & Trevor explore the principles that should underpin every business finance journey. From understanding a business owner's objectives and financial position to identifying the most suitable funding solutions...more impo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, hosts David and Trevor explore why the lending market is packed with so many different lenders, and why each one operates with its own approach to underwriting and risk. They discuss the growing challenges business owners face when applying directly to lenders, or working with the wrong brokers, and how this can often create more setbacks than solutions.  For exam...

Send us Fan Mail Starting a business has never been more challenging. From an initial idea to an ambitious start up, the country continues to try and promote a nation that is wanting more entrepreneurs and small business owners. But turning an idea into a sustainable business often comes down to one critical factor, funding. In this episode, David & Trevor explore how new and growing businesse...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, David and Trevor take a closer look at how the relationship between banks and small businesses has changed over time, and whether things might finally be shifting again. They reflect on the fallout from the 2008 financial crisis and how it marked the end of the traditional bank manager relationship, once seen as a trusted partner in a business’s growth and develop...

Send us Fan Mail Short-term business funding is becoming more common, and more visible across the market. In this episode, David and Trevor look at the rise of non-bank lenders offering 12 to 24 month business loans, and why so many businesses are turning to them. These products are typically fintech-driven, quick to apply for, and funds can often land in a business account within days. For compan...

Send us Fan Mail Cash really is king and in this festive episode, David and Trevor discuss why cashflow is the true lifeline of any successful business. They explore how business owners can better understand, monitor and manage their cash position to stay ahead of the inevitable peaks and troughs that come along from many business owners . In particular, a significant proportion of cash can be tie...

Send us Fan Mail Once a business finds its footing and gains confidence in where it’s heading, the real challenge begins: funding growth the right way.  Growth takes more than ambition…it takes careful budgeting, smart cashflow planning, and making sure the right capital is in place so growth doesn’t become painful or restrictive. In this episode, David and Trevor explore how business owners can m...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, David & Trevor tackle one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs: how to access funding as a brand-new startup or during those crucial early years of trading. They share some of the ways that David has been able to support early-stage businesses, while Trevor challenges the conversation by digging into what he sees as the most realistic and effective f...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, David and Trevor dig into a topic business owners are raising more and more: interest rates and what do they actually equate to in terms or cost to the business.   Banks and other lenders alike, price interest to ensure they can cover their costs and deliver a return to the sources of the capital. But for many business owners, interest rates are still confusing, e...

Send us Fan Mail In this final block of *Finance in Fifteen*, David and Trevor look at why lenders protect themselves by taking a legal charge over a business and/or specific assets. In the previous episode, they explained why lenders ask for Personal Guarantees. A charge, however, offers a different level of security, and it is important that business owners clearly understand what this means and...

Send us Fan Mail Most markets come with plenty of moving parts, and business finance is no different. In this episode, David and Trevor talk through why lenders ask for Personal Guarantees (PGs) , what they mean, and how they affect the people signing them. Like any type of guarantee, the details depend on several important factors. The aim of this episode is to make the topic clearer so business...

Send us Fan Mail In this Finance in Fifteen episode, David and Trevor have an honest conversation about the hurdles many business owners run into when they try to secure funding and, in particular, if the business in question has not undertaken the basic requirements to prepare in advance of any application. Business finance now comes in many shapes and sizes and the number of lenders in the UK ha...

Send us Fan Mail A new season, a fresh approach: the Business Finance Matters podcast is back, continuing to be the only podcast that supports UK business owners who are navigating the complex world of finance—whether they are seeking funding or simply want to understand their options better. After a successful run in audio-only format, the podcast is now available to watch as well as listen to, g...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, David and Trevor speak with Paul Marston, CEO of The FSE Group and Non-Executive Director at Allica Bank. Paul knew from the age of 11 that he wanted to work in banking. Today, that passion continues as he focuses on supporting small and medium-sized businesses that struggle to access finance and what he refers to as the “market gap.” Many lenders only back busine...

Send us Fan Mail In this short episode, Dave and Trev share a few updates from The Guild of Business Finance Professionals, including news about new members joining the cause. Dave takes a break from his holiday to join Trevor for a quick conversation about growing frustrations in the market. They touch on how some lenders and online brokers are still using misleading language to chase commissions...

Send us Fan Mail Season 3 kicks off with a candid conversation featuring Robert Schogger, co-founder of Metspace London Ltd. Robert shares his journey from leaving school at 17 to building a successful business, moving from an entry-level "gofer" role in the 1980s to running his own company. A key part of that story is his evolving relationship with business finance...from using post-dat...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, David and Trevor sit down with Stephen Bassett, Chair of The Guild of Business Finance Professionals, to talk about the state of business lending in the UK. On March 13, 2025, the Government launched a call for evidence to review the current lending landscape and better understand what’s holding UK businesses back from getting the best financial support th...

Send us Fan Mail Reflections, Insights, and What’s Next In the final episode of Season 2, David and Trevor take a well-earned break in the stunning Algarve and look back on the standout moments from the past nine episodes. As the BFM Podcast marks its first anniversary — alongside The Guild’s birthday on 6 June — a reminder to members: the AGM will take place on 3 June at County Hall, London. This...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, Dave and Trev sit down with Joe Regan, one half of a brotherly duo behind Rootd Adventure Limited —a business dedicated to delivering unforgettable residential adventure experiences for primary and secondary school children. Still in their mid-twenties, Joe and his brother Jamie are already making waves. With a strong foundation laid by their mother’s ex...

Send us Fan Mail After the hugely popular episode with Rory Underwood, Dave and Trev are thrilled to announce that Rory has officially joined The Guild’s mission as an Honorary Ambassador. This episode also dives into growing concerns about the state of the business finance marketplace — where some lenders and brokers are turning it into a ‘Wild West’. Dave and Trev discuss how misleading and fals...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dave and Trev sit down with rugby legend and business owner Rory Underwood .  From his illustrious sports career to his time in the Royal Air Force , Rory opens up about the challenges he’s faced in the business world as Founder and Managing Director of Wingman Limited .  He reflects on the struggles of navigating the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic —when t...

Send us Fan Mail As they gear up for the next episode dropping at the end of the week, Dave and Trev tease some clues about their exciting special guest. Also, this is good news for the show’s growth and listenership, too! In other updates, there's more news on the much-loved podcast mugs - plus an intriguing invitation to take the show to the USA. Dave also shares details of a recent transac...

Send us Fan Mail With the holiday season now a distant memory, this episode returns to spotlighting a business owner who successfully built their company with the support of a business finance professional and Guild member, Charlie Wilson at Asset & General Finance. This episode’s guest is Neil Cameron, Managing Director of Carmichael & Baxter Groundworks Limited. Neil shares his journey f...

Send us Fan Mail The boys have returned from their festive adventures! Trev enjoyed sunny days on the Southampton docks, while Dave endured the cold on the Algarve—or maybe it was the other way around. Either way, they’re back, and this episode is packed with the usual mix of humour and insight. First up, there’s an emotional chat about their new mugs, proudly adorned with both the Podcast logo, a...