Lending to small businesses. Or not.

The decision by UK banks to lend more money to small businesses was the first positive signal to come out of the Square Mile for a while - even if it was the result of some pantomime arm-twisting from the government over bonuses, and a number of issues are still lying around to trip people up.

How much of the £76bn that's been promised to small businesses finds its way into the bank accounts of licensees up and down the country remains to be seen.

And how much of the 'new' money is actually that, versus money that's, er, been moved around a bit, also remained unclear. Others have said a net lending figure, taking into account loan repayments, would be more appropriate.

Banking is as much about trust as it is money. Can we trust bankers today?

I often receive letters and emails from pub operators complaining their bank won't lend to them, regardless of their credit history or the trading success of their premises.

The top five UK banks have stressed they are not averse to lending money to the licensed trade. They say they want to be seen to be open to those who can create and grow a business, whatever sector it's in.

Despite their protestations I'm sure there will be occasions when banks turn down a perfectly good proposition, just as there must be times when a licensee will cobble together a business plan that just won't cut the mustard.

But between these ends of the spectrum there ought to be plenty of opportunity for a licensee to present a case for a loan that both appeals to a bank and is a launch-pad for a successful operation.

Let's hope the banks recognise more the business talent and potential in the on-trade, both this year and beyond.