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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 they need.

It’s a conversation that builds on previous episodes, all 3 voice the growing concerns and especially around ensuring that business owners’ best interests are at risk unless the signposting to a business finance professional is not high enough.

Are lenders who deal directly with business owners really acting in their clients’ best interests? Or are sales targets taking priority? And is the pressure to compete leading to questionable marketing tactics that are misleading and are leaving many business owners in the dark and, at worst, with the wrong and/or an expensive debt option.

Stephen doesn’t hold back. He’s calling on the Government to recognise the chaos in the marketplace and the urgent need for proper signposting, so that businesses know where to turn for reliable advice before taking on debt.

All three bring deep experience and strong views to the table, tackling the real obstacles businesses face in finding the right finance from the right lenders. They argue that a trusted advisory route is key to helping UK businesses survive, grow, and boost the economy.

Agree? Disagree? Got your own experience to share whether it be good, bad, or ugly? Drop a message and join this ongoing conversation.

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Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'.

To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/

All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes and you may get award a BFM mug!

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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 episode features valuable insights from a recent meeting with Rachael Raymond, Head of Broker Sales, and Ben Frank, Relationship Manager at Funding Circle.

In that meeting, David and Trevor raise important concerns around the use of misleading language in the marketing of debt finance, reinforcing the vital role of qualified professionals — particularly members of The Guild of Business Finance Professionals — in helping businesses secure the right funding.

The pair also revisit some of the season’s most inspiring guest stories. Notably, in Episode 6, former England and Leicester rugby star Rory Underwood reflects on his sporting career, time in the RAF, and his journey as a business owner.

With exciting plans already underway for future seasons, David and Trevor thank you for tuning in and encourage you to keep your feedback coming.

Support the show

Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'.

To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/

All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes and you may get award a BFM mug!

Thanks for listening

Send us a text

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 experience in the industry, they’ve built a business that’s quickly gaining momentum. But their journey hasn’t been without challenges.

Joe opens up about the pivotal role played by Guild member Neil Baxendale, whose guidance and financial expertise helped steer the business in the right direction. Joe is candid in saying that without Neil’s support, the business may have never reached its current success.

As a start-up less than 18 months old, accessing finance wasn’t easy. But finding the right support made all the difference—highlighting the importance of working with a trusted business finance professional early on, and to avoid the temptation of apply for finance either directly or online.

Enjoy!

For further information on Rootd Adventure, please go to the following website: www.rootd-adventure.com

Support the show

Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'.

To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/

All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes and you may get award a BFM mug!

Thanks for listening