FIN(4)FW057
Finance Wales Inquiry
Response from EBA Consulting Ltd

Background

I have worked as a Business Consultant mainly in Wales and the SME market for the past 15 years or so. As part of my role in dealing with sme’s access to finance is often a critical requirement.

I have dealt with Finance Wales directly on a very small number of occasions and have attended a number of seminars over the years. I have worked with other professionals and many sme’s who have had direct or anecdotal experience of Finance Wales.

Comments

v In evaluating a proposal for finance, FW do not appear to take a commercial approach compared with the normal funders i.e. banks

v Decision making process is slow and bureaucratic

v Costs are high (rates)

v Access to experienced, knowledgeable and commercial individuals is difficult

v There is now a lack of visibility of finance Wales

v I do not consider Finance Wales as an obvious source of lending

Eddie Ball

EBA Consulting Ltd