SVB – a victim of liquidity squeeze

SVB – a victim of liquidity squeeze

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Uncategorised

In Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises you will find a dialogue between two characters which goes like this: “How did you go bankrupt?” Bill asked. “Two ways,” Mike said. “Gradually and then suddenly.” Sadly there are parallels with businesses and we have also...
Where are we in the economic cycle?

Where are we in the economic cycle?

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Uncategorised

Rising interest rates that add cost to a debt-heavy business has led to a re-appraisal of the typical model of buying a business and maximising debt. That was a feature of the low interest rate environment of the last ten years, and now the cycle has turned. Many of...
Are banks changing their appetite for risk?

Are banks changing their appetite for risk?

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Uncategorised

I have always been conscious that business owners and those in a company charged with financial responsibilities should consider the obvious route to seeking finance. That is…ask your bank. Banks have a duty to support their customers, they have detailed knowledge of...
Are experienced bankers disappearing?

Are experienced bankers disappearing?

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Uncategorised

Disappearance of banking experience? Last week I was in a room full of ex-bankers, many of whom had 30+ years of experience. Over the last 5 years Lloyds have lost 18% of their workforce – and NatWest 28%… What is going on? The banks have lost good and able...
What happens inside banks when times get tough?

What happens inside banks when times get tough?

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Uncategorised

The old investment saying “buy stocks so you can dream, buy bonds so you can sleep” does not seem appropriate at a time of market volatility and general downward expectations. What is unchanging is the importance of maximising returns from the associated risk, and it...
Who is really funding your business?

Who is really funding your business?

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Uncategorised

Some commentators are remarking that our current economic challenges are reminiscent of the 1970’s…and it is with some trepidation that I share a photo of my brief stint as DJ at a 70’s disco… Certainly we are all learning or re-learning the lessons of...
Are we really going back to the 1970s?

Are we really going back to the 1970s?

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Uncategorised

Some commentators are remarking that our current economic challenges are reminiscent of the 1970’s…and it is with some trepidation that I share a photo of my brief stint as DJ at a 70’s disco… Certainly we are all learning or re-learning the lessons of...
Finance providers can be like apples and pears

Finance providers can be like apples and pears

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Uncategorised

If you’ve heard the phrase about comparing apples and pears, it was one of the more common sayings from my banking days, warning that we were not comparing like with like. This came back to me in connection with the benefits of competitive exploration, as I sometimes...