Alternative Finance Is Coming of Age

Alternative Finance is coming of age and becoming mainstream in the UK as Governments begin to actively embrace and legislate for its effective use.

Earlier this month we had the privilege of organising a Parliamentary Reception at Holyrood entitled “Crowdfunding in Scotland – The Way Forward”

Hosted and initiated by Chic Brodie MSP the event brought together a wide range of interested and engaged parties alongside Parliamentarians exploring the opportunity presented by crowdfunding. It was great to see real interest and leadership at a Governmental level exploring and recognising that crowdfunding represents a real change in the way businesses and organisations across all sectors can find novel approaches to funding, and recognising this is more than a passing fad. The assembled participants heard stories of active and successful use of crowdfunding from a number of perspectives. This included Stuart Patrick CEO of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and their engagement with Funding Circle to help Glasgow business. Kevin Miller of RunRev who have recently closed a second crowdfunding round this time a DIY campaign for £250,000, explained why crowdfunding works for them. Warren Bader of Plan Bee who have successfully run a an overfunded round on Crowdcube set out the importance of this type of funding for such an innovative startup, and Neil Simpson if Brewdog revisiting their extraordinary successful fourth equity raise.

On the same day the Chancellor, George Osborne made further announcements that underpins the UK Government’s support for FinTech and alternative finance in particular. One of the key points was the promise to introduce legislation that mandates that Banks who turn down a business loan application will become obliged to offer to pass their details onto alternative finance providers. This builds upon the existing Alternative Business Funding website that provides a simple traffic light approach to assess the high level suitability of an firm to alternative finance.

All this is demonstrating a growing maturity in the alternative finance sector and how it is increasingly important for businesses, and all the groups and services that deal with them, to understand what is on offer. Our expertise in crowdfunding has already proven invaluable to many organisations wanting to understand, use, engage and succeed with crowdfunding.

We will continue to offer the sort of unbiased and balanced advice to clients from all areas as the sector progressively innovates and develops.
So, alternative finance is rapidly becoming part of the mainstream and part of your finance mix, do you know enough to maximise this opportunity? If not then be sure to contact us.