During the pandemic, several members contacted us about problems accessing government loans due to the ‘Undertaking in Difficulty’ test, which penalised seasonal and fast-growing firms. 

This test stems from EU state aid rules, but appeared to affect UK firms in particular.

Make your voice heard

We presented our members' case studies to officials in both UK and EU governments. To add to the momentum, we drew attention to the issue through media articles and press releases - including in this joint op-ed in the Daily Telegraph by our Head of Europe and Trade Policy, Allie Renison.

Following our efforts, there came a change in EU rules. Since this change, the UK Government has written to lenders, stating that they should change their approval processes to help more businesses through the loan scheme.

We continue to work with lenders and government to ensure this change takes effect on the ground. If you have had ongoing problems accessing loans, or would like to raise any other ideas or challenges, please do email us – we’re eager to help however we can.

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