"Business finance picture improving" James Caan

Access to finance is becoming less of a barrier to business growth with the investment environment becoming "a lot stronger", former Dragons' Den star James Caan has told Insider.

Caan, the chairman of the government's Start Up Loans scheme and chief executive of private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw, was speaking after figures released by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) last week suggested that the UK's economic recovery is set to gather momentum this year.
"I don't think [access to finance] is a huge barrier any more, as the investment environment is a lot stronger these days. There are more options, for example crowdfunding, and I believe that a good business will always be able to raise money," said Caan.
The BCC survey, which polled 8,000 businesses, indicated the overall economy grew by about 0.9 per cent in the three months to the end of December 2013.
Caan agreed with the survey's assessment: "I think we are turning the corner now, especially when you consider where we were just a couple of years ago. Sentiment plays a big role in the economy and the general outlook is a lot more positive which is in turn helping businesses." Read More >>>

Ardean ¦ Funding