Reforming SME Finance: New Era New Strategy? A CSFI round-table discussion.

Why you should watch: In our previous session on ‘Small Business Finance Markets, we discussed the recent evolution of the sector, the impact of the pandemic on finance providers and debt burden of SMES and the persistent inequalities in access to finance. This round-table focuses on reforming the sector. Should we prioritise the establishment of new regional financial lenders providing traditional credit but able to overcome geographical disparities? Is the focus of policy-makers on venture capital and angel investors right given most SMEs are reluctant to relinquish ownership? Are lenders increasingly concerned by ESG shunning away from carbon intensive SMEs and creating a new source of financing inequality? How much can Fintech and challenger banks change market dynamics and structure?

Moderator: Martina Garcia (CEO, CSFI)

Panellists:

Kevin Hollinrake is the Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton and has been an MP continuously since 7 May 2015. Kevin has been a consistent advocate for the small business sector, which he believes deserves a cut in the rate of VAT.

Miriam Koreen is the Senior Counsellor on SMEs at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). From 2011 to 2018, she was Deputy Director and Head of the SME and Entrepreneurship Division.

Ross Brown is a Professor in the School of Management at the University of St Andrews. His career has included periods in industry, consultancy and over a decade in public policy. Ross’s current research examines high growth entrepreneurship, funding for growth-oriented SMEs and innovation policy.

Daryn Park is a Senior Policy Advisor at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). He covers a range of topics from Covid-related debt burden to ensuring that the many small businesses are not disadvantaged as bank branches close and cash usage slows down.

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Produced/edited by Alex Treptow