Business News Round Up (06/12/19)
Growth in business lending is sluggish
Bank business lending is growing at its slowest pace than at any point in the last five years as Brexit and other political uncertainty weighs on the market, new data reveals. The EY ITEM Club Outlook for financial services forecasts that bank lending to business will grow by just 2.1% in 2020, equating to £9.5 billion.
FW Capital reaches Northern Powerhouse investment milestone
FW Capital has invested £50 million from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) into 170 businesses across the North and created over 600 jobs since its inception. The funding is designed to drive innovation and growth across all sectors, from digital and software to manufacturing and construction.
Businesses join forces to push gender equality in technology
An initiative to address the gender equality gap in technology roles has launched in Scotland, back by PwC, Royal Bank of Scotland and Morgan Stanley. Tech She Can was created following PwC research which found that only 23% of people working in STEM jobs were female. The firms outlined their plans to encourage Scottish businesses to come together to inspire more young women to pursue careers in technology.
Furniture and fit-out firm secures £500,000 funding
A West Yorkshire based provider of furniture and fit-outs for student and rental accommodations is set to create jobs after securing £500,000 from NPIF. Project:ff&e is on course to increase turnover by 66 per cent in the current year following a series of contract wins.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/yorkshire/furniture-and-fit-out-firm-secures-500000-funding