Interest in expo is an optimistic sign
5 July 2010
With summer upon us it’s time to take stock of the past six months and look forward to the rest of the year.
As I write, there are some helpful barometers to look at. First, at least we know the outcome of the emergency Budget. Second, I am getting a feel of the market from delegates and exhibitors at the upcoming Commercial Finance Expo.
The former has given us an indication of the year ahead and the latter shows the health of the commercial finance industry.
Confidence in the economy needs to be managed by the government. It did a good PR job of preparing us for the worst, making it easier to deliver slightly less severe tax changes than expected.
While we all seek that elusive funding line for our next deal confidence is the most important factor for brokers. We need customers wanting to borrow and lenders willing to lend.
And if we judge the health of the commercial finance industry by the response to the expo so far the picture would be of a market in rude health. Although appearances can be deceptive I have been bowled over by the number of delegate registrations we have had so far.
So despite tough times optimism is battling on, which is an indication of the robustness of this industry. But brokers can't survive on optimism alone and without a rise in funding for small and medium-sized firms soon, this summer will be as hard as last.
