Access to funding remains a significant problem for UK firms, according to the British Chambers of Commerce. (BCC)

The latest BCC survey shows that 33% of companies reported that accessing finance had been more difficult over the last quarter, compared with 20% in June who believed access to finance had worsened.

The report also shows that the number of firms reporting an improved access to finance situation fell – dropping from 6% in June, to just 3% in the latest survey.

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, says: “Our latest survey results show that the biggest issue facing British businesses is still demand for products and services. This means that any economic recovery is still fragile.

“It is clear that the huge sums that have been injected into the financial system by quantitative easing are still not reaching small and medium-sized businesses in anything like the scale required for business to invest for future success.

Kevin Cruickshank, director at First People Solutions Group (FPSG), told Recruiterthat there are various options available to recruiters including deals in which the bank would gain equity in a business in exchange for their investment.

Nigel Fox, director at HR recruiter Annapurna HR, which has been trading for a year and has even expanded its team in the downturn, told Recruiter that agencies would do well to keep a tight rein on costs: “There are always deals to be had. Stay on top of invoices and cost savings. Re-negotiate on advertising deals and get price comparisons on everything.”