FD watch
By Catherine Woods
Finance directors have been appointed at companies including Emblaze, Digital Marketing Group and CRH.

FD watch
By Catherine Woods
There have been changes to the finance function at India Hospitality, Universe and Digital Marketing.

FD watch
By Catherine Woods
New finance directors have been appointed at companies including Virgin Media, Gasol and Stanelco.

How to raise big bucks
By Kate Pritchard
We're sick of all this economic doom and gloom. So now for some Christmas cheer. Our private equity specialist Les Green reveals how to raise capital in a recesssion and skyrocket your growth.

CBI: banks are helping SMEs
By Matthew Rock
These are the steps taken so far by the high-street banks to help SMEs through the credit crunch. Enough?

Vale Woolworths
By Catherine Woods
The doors will close for the last time at iconic high street retailer Woolworths on 5 January after administrators failed to find a buyer for the ailing business.

FD watch
By Catherine Woods
New finance directors have been appointed at companies including Volga Gas, Dignity, Staffline and Access Intelligence.

BBA releases lending statement
By Catherine Woods
A revised statement that sets out how banks will support entrepreneurs through the downturn emphasises the importance of openness and early collaboration, according to the British Bankers’ Association.

Government to urge banks to lend. Again.
By Catherine Woods
Chancellor Alistair Darling and Business Secretary Peter Mandelson are reportedly planning to meet with bank chiefs to try to persuade them to resume lending. However, Caffè Nero founder Gerry Ford doesn’t believe such meetings will help entrepreneurs looking for cash.

How to raise money in a downturn
By Kate Pritchard
Raising new private equity is difficult at the best of times. In the present economic climate, entrepreneurs are finding it virtually impossible. In a series of three articles, Les Green – private equity adviser to Merchant Securities – discusses ways to improve your chances of securing cash.