Business Finance Matters (BFM)

David Grosse & Trevor Pirie

Supported by The Guild of Business Finance Professionals, the podcast is now into season 4 and breaks out into full visual! Hosted by David Grosse and Trevor Pirie, the podcast focuses on all matters that are relevant to the business finance marketplace.David and Trevor have each worked in the business finance space for over 35 years. David is the founder of Number Eight Business Finance and provides guidance and access to most of the business finance products available today. Trevor provides independent consultancy to lenders, brokers and software companies. He has also been instrumental in coordinating and founding The Guild of Business Finance Professionals. The main cause of the podcast is to help provide a bigger signpost and voice for those professionals that are trained, qualified and are providing an essential support for SME business owners that need to gain access to the best-fit finance products available. The podcast features guests from all areas of the market including lenders, industry experts, finance intermediaries and business owners. 

  1. 3H AGO

    Finance in Fifteen - Short-Term Lending

    Send a text Short-term business funding is becoming more common, and more visible across the market. In this episode, David and Trevor look at the rise of non-bank lenders offering 12 to 24 month business loans, and why so many businesses are turning to them. These products are typically fintech-driven, quick to apply for, and funds can often land in a business account within days. For companies dealing with immediate pressures, such as unpaid invoices, VAT bills, or a short-term cashflow gap, that speed can be a lifeline. Many of these facilities are also designed to be repaid quickly and often come with no early repayment penalties. But convenience comes at a cost. Interest rates can be high, and  personal guarantees are typically required, which means business owners carry personal risk. The key question becomes...is this type of funding the best fit, and can the business realistically repay the loan over a short period? The conversation also explores some of the risks that are starting to appear in the market. Multiple applications through different brokers, stacked loans from several lenders, and decisions made too quickly because the process can be so easy. When speed and convenience take centre stage, careful decision-making can sometimes fall behind. This episode also looks at when short-term funding works well and, more importantly, when it doesn’t…and why guidance from experienced business finance professionals can make a real difference before committing to any form of debt finance. Support the show To access our visual channel please click here https://youtu.be/DyjKdnXoCv4?si=a0aCtHmhuPNQmkjr Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'. To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/ All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes. Thanks for listening

    15 min
  2. MAR 3

    Finance in Fifteen - Cashflow Management

    Send a text Cash really is king and in this festive episode, David and Trevor discuss why cashflow is the true lifeline of any successful business. They explore how business owners can better understand, monitor and manage their cash position to stay ahead of the inevitable peaks and troughs that come along from many business owners . In particular, a significant proportion of cash can be tied up in unpaid or late invoices, making forward planning absolutely essential. The conversation highlights the importance of identifying potential cashflow pinch points early, whether from VAT liabilities, payroll commitments or unexpected costs, so that challenges can be managed proactively rather than reactively. With the right visibility and preparation, business owners can replace financial stress with confidence and control. David and Trevor also discuss practical strategies, including maintaining a “rainy day” reserve and exploring suitable finance solutions when needed.  Working with a member of The Guild of Business Finance Professionals ensures tailored, case-by-case guidance to help businesses maintain a strong and sustainable cashflow position. A must-listen for any business owner focused on stability, resilience and peace of mind. Support the show To access our visual channel please click here https://youtu.be/DyjKdnXoCv4?si=a0aCtHmhuPNQmkjr Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'. To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/ All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes. Thanks for listening

    14 min
  3. FEB 24

    Finance in Fifteen - Budgeting for Growth

    Send a text Once a business finds its footing and gains confidence in where it’s heading, the real challenge begins: funding growth the right way.  Growth takes more than ambition…it takes careful budgeting, smart cashflow planning, and making sure the right capital is in place so growth doesn’t become painful or restrictive. In this episode, David and Trevor explore how business owners can make confident, well-informed decisions that support steady, controlled, and ultimately successful expansion.  They discuss why growth should never be left to chance and why the financial structure behind it matters just as much as the strategy itself. With such a wide range of finance products and lenders in the market, choosing the right solution can feel overwhelming. The reality is that most business owners don’t have the time or the specialist knowledge to navigate every option effectively. That’s where professional guidance becomes invaluable. Working with an experienced professional , such as a member of The Guild of Business Finance, can mean the difference between funding that fuels growth and finance that may hinder or restrict it. If your business is growing or you’re planning to grow, the. this episode is a reminder to plan carefully, structure funding correctly, and surround yourself with the right expertise to support the journey. Support the show To access our visual channel please click here https://youtu.be/DyjKdnXoCv4?si=a0aCtHmhuPNQmkjr Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'. To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/ All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes. Thanks for listening

    14 min
  4. FEB 17

    Finance in Fifteen - Funding Options for Start Up Businesses

    Send a text In this episode, David & Trevor tackle one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs: how to access funding as a brand-new startup or during those crucial early years of trading. They share some of the ways that David has been able to support early-stage businesses, while Trevor challenges the conversation by digging into what he sees as the most realistic and effective finance options in today’s UK lending market.  The truth is, many traditional lenders still struggle to back businesses with limited trading history, so where does that leave business owners that are struggling to raise the capital needed to start their businesses? Both agree that it starts with two essentials: solid planning and, where possible, private investment. When those foundations are in place, the funding landscape can open up, including options supported by lenders such as the British Business Bank. As with every episode published, the goal is simple: clear signposting and practical guidance. Business owners deserve straightforward information that helps them understand their options and navigate a market that now includes more than 300 non-bank lenders. Working together and in partnership with The Guild of Business Finance Professionals, both believe more can and should be done to make funding information more accessible, transparent, and easier to navigate for every business seeking the right-fit finance. If you believe that improving the access to finance for new and infant businesses, please share this episode and continue supporting the cause. Support the show To access our visual channel please click here https://youtu.be/DyjKdnXoCv4?si=a0aCtHmhuPNQmkjr Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'. To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/ All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes. Thanks for listening

    15 min
  5. FEB 10

    Finance in Fifteen - An understanding of Interest Rates

    Send a text In this episode, David and Trevor dig into a topic business owners are raising more and more: interest rates and what do they actually equate to in terms or cost to the business.   Banks and other lenders alike, price interest to ensure they can cover their costs and deliver a return to the sources of the capital. But for many business owners, interest rates are still confusing, especially when they are described in different ways. APR, yield, flat rate, fixed, variable, gross, net of fees, the list goes on. They also tackle the idea of what a “fair” rate of interest actually means. That question only makes sense once you understand the length of the borrowing, the type of finance being used, and whether all the available options have been properly considered. Most importantly, is the finance genuinely the right fit for the business? Short-term lending products come up a lot in conversations and are often criticised publicly. David and Trevor take a balanced look at these options, explaining when higher interest products might make sense and when they probably do not. The real focus is the cost to the business. Once the right type of finance is identified, the key questions are whether it is affordable and whether it supports the business’s goals. This episode breaks interest rates down in plain terms. Hopefully, business owners will now have a better understand what they are being offered and the actual costs that apply...and especially if fees are included, too. Support the show To access our visual channel please click here https://youtu.be/DyjKdnXoCv4?si=a0aCtHmhuPNQmkjr Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'. To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/ All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes. Thanks for listening

    16 min
  6. 12/16/2025

    Finance in Fifteen - What are the different Legal Charges taken by Lenders

    Send a text In this final block of *Finance in Fifteen*, David and Trevor look at why lenders protect themselves by taking a legal charge over a business and/or specific assets. In the previous episode, they explained why lenders ask for Personal Guarantees. A charge, however, offers a different level of security, and it is important that business owners clearly understand what this means and how it affects them. As is often the case in business finance, things are rarely simple and not always explained well. Lenders may take fixed charges, floating charges, or sometimes a combination of both. Charges can also rank as 1st or 2nd, and some may be fixed solely against individual assets such as property, land, or other tangible assets. Before agreeing to any form of charge or guarantee, business owners should understand why it is being taken and have the advantages and disadvantages clearly explained. In a complex and often unregulated market, no decision about providing security should be made without proper guidance, whether from a legal adviser or a member of The Guild of Business Finance Professionals. For further information, please do contact the show at podcast@bfpguild.org  Support the show To access our visual channel please click here https://youtu.be/DyjKdnXoCv4?si=a0aCtHmhuPNQmkjr Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'. To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/ All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes. Thanks for listening

    14 min
  7. 12/02/2025

    Finance in Fifteen - Personal Guarantees

    Send a text Most markets come with plenty of moving parts, and business finance is no different. In this episode, David and Trevor talk through why lenders ask for Personal Guarantees (PGs), what they mean, and how they affect the people signing them. Like any type of guarantee, the details depend on several important factors. The aim of this episode is to make the topic clearer so business owners understand their obligations before taking on any debt finance. Some directors see PGs as a high risk, but that is not always the case. David and Trevor look at the mindset behind why lenders ask for this type of guarantee, the reasons lenders rely on them, and what the actual liabilities could be if a business fails. Legal advice is always recommended, although working with a recognised business finance professional, such as a member of The Guild of Business Finance Professionals, can give business owners the clarity they need before applying for finance. In many cases, a skilled professional can even negotiate the terms of a guarantee when there is a valid reason to do so. If there are any business owners that require any further information on PGs and their legalities, please contact the show for further support. In addition, legal support is available in conjunction with legal partners Paris Smith. Support the show To access our visual channel please click here https://youtu.be/DyjKdnXoCv4?si=a0aCtHmhuPNQmkjr Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'. To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/ All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes. Thanks for listening

    15 min
  8. 11/18/2025

    Finance in Fifteen - Preparing for finance

    Send a text In this Finance in Fifteen episode, David and Trevor have an honest conversation about the hurdles many business owners run into when they try to secure funding and, in particular, if the business in question has not undertaken the basic requirements to prepare in advance of any application. Business finance now comes in many shapes and sizes and the number of lenders in the UK has grown to more than 300. With so much choice, it is easy to see why many businesses miss out on the best-fit and do not get the outcome they hoped for because they have been unable to prepare for finance in advance.  Preparation matters on both sides of the application process. With the right guidance and by working with a Guild member in the first instance, business owners can give themselves the best chance of securing funding that truly fits their needs. With consideration to annual and management financials, coupled with each lenders criteria for affordability testing, plus an array of other requirements, this podcasts underlines the importance for business owners to avoid applying directly to a lender. Fail to prepare...prepare to fail!   Support the show To access our visual channel please click here https://youtu.be/DyjKdnXoCv4?si=a0aCtHmhuPNQmkjr Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'. To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/ All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes. Thanks for listening

    13 min

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About

Supported by The Guild of Business Finance Professionals, the podcast is now into season 4 and breaks out into full visual! Hosted by David Grosse and Trevor Pirie, the podcast focuses on all matters that are relevant to the business finance marketplace.David and Trevor have each worked in the business finance space for over 35 years. David is the founder of Number Eight Business Finance and provides guidance and access to most of the business finance products available today. Trevor provides independent consultancy to lenders, brokers and software companies. He has also been instrumental in coordinating and founding The Guild of Business Finance Professionals. The main cause of the podcast is to help provide a bigger signpost and voice for those professionals that are trained, qualified and are providing an essential support for SME business owners that need to gain access to the best-fit finance products available. The podcast features guests from all areas of the market including lenders, industry experts, finance intermediaries and business owners. 

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