‘Lending rate’ rise

Jun 10 2009 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

LENDING to small businesses by the high street banks rose by £287m in April, latest figures reveal.

The British Bankers Association said more than 48,000 new small businesses banking relationships were formed during the month – down from 52,857 in March, but up on the February figure of 44,642.

Deposits from small firms rose by £119m ion April to stand at £53.48bn.

BBA director David Dooks said high street banks’ support for the small business sector continued to rise while the start-up rate was holding up despite the economic environment.