Traditionally business owners have turned to their bank manager when proposed expansion or investment has meant that they require additional funding for their business.  The bank manager has normally responded by granting an overdraft facility or agreeing a medium term loan.

However the major high street bank are looking to shore up their severely weakened balance sheets and part of this process has meant a reluctance to lend (particularly to cash-strapped owner-managed businesses) and a significant hiking in their fees and charges in the process.