The Quick Guide on Business Loans · What You Must Know Before Talking to a Bank

With businesses on the receiving end of much closer financial scrutiny than before, many struggle to get their hands on finance. Banks, with less money available to lend, are forced to choose which business propositions meet their tighter risk criteria. In the current back-to-basics era, a compelling business case for finance is now a ‘must have’ before meeting a bank. This book is an essential guide to what any business must know before talking to their bank about finance in these changing times.

In this book you will discover: what kind of businesses banks actually like to lend to; how much finance you should ask for; how a bank decides on your credit rating; why banks don’t just lend the money because you offer security; what a bank is really interested in knowing about your business; what ROE is and why it matters; how many business forecasts you should show your bank; how many banking relationships your business should have; what sensitivity analysis is and why you need to know; and a whole lot more!

David Sparks worked in business banking for over twenty years in the UK, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Subsequently he established a successful training and consulting business with a particular focus on teaching bank managers how to evaluate business customers for credit. In The Quick Guide on Business Loans, David Sparks reveals the mindset of a commercial bank manager when assessing a business for credit.

“If finance is not your thing, then this book is for you! In less than 90 minutes, you’ll be up to speed on what matters and what’s needed to make a persuasive case for finance for your business. An excellent straight- talking read; I defy anyone to go through this book and not come away with a ‘to do’ list that will improve their business case for finance.” Joe Browne, Executive Chairman, SRXGlobal, Sydney, Australia.

“I think we all know this stuff but never think about it from the banks perspective. We still deliver our business plans and wonder why banks don’t seem to get it! A well written, informative guide to how the guys with the money think and what we as entrepreneurs need to focus on when looking for funding.” Ian Searle, Managing Director, Talkis Limited, West Sussex, UK.

“As a first time successful owner of an SME for three and a half years this book is like reading déjà vu. A great reference guide on understanding how to analyse your business model, develop a persuasive case for finance and ensure success in securing funds for business growth in a new financial era.” Steve Satherley, Owner, S formerly Executive Vice President and Country Head, Citibank Mexico.

“An excellent roadmap for any business on how to develop and maintain an empathic relationship with its bank….written in a style which is easy to understand and offers valuable insights into the mindset of lending institutions.” Eamonn Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, Hermitage Medical Clinic, Dublin, Ireland.