TASKFORCE WARNS OF BUSINESS FUNDING GAP

Business may face a £190 billion funding gap within 5 years unless more is done to stimulate lending - a Government backed taskforce warned recently.

Many small businesses are struggling as banks rein in loans. The committee, lead by Legal & General boss Tim Breedon warned that problems will intensify when demand for credit increases as the economy expands in recovery.

The report predicts that demand from businesses for credit will outstrip supply by at least £84 Billion and up to £190 Billion over the next five years.

This report comes at a time when George Osbourne has intensified his efforts to make funds more accessible to SMEs.

Tim Corfield April 2012