The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) and the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Alternative Lending hosted a House of Commons reception to showcase the breadth of lending available to consumers and businesses, and its importance to the economy.
The FLA assembled a range of members to show how they drive productivity and growth by funding investment in IT equipment, vehicles and the latest high spec plant and machinery for businesses.
It also had members there who offer the very latest innovations in green lending to support the Net Zero targets, as well as those who focus on the provision of critically important finance for individuals with impaired or thin credit files.
In pre-recorded remarks, John Glen MP, the City Minister, recognised the role that FLA lenders played during the Covid crisis, and indeed their ongoing role in supporting growth.
Stephen Haddrill, director general of the FLA, said: “Our broad membership is drawn from the spectrum of lending that powers the UK’s real economy – they fund businesses and individuals, provide mainstream and specialist finance, and they are all experts in their particular markets.
“FLA members have contributed much during the pandemic – not least the forbearance provided to customers in financial difficulties. Members’ resilience has also been evident in the way they have weathered the resulting economic shocks.
“Throughout the crisis, we worked closely with Ministers, and appreciate the support shown to our sector during that time.
“I look forward to continuing that relationship as we turn our focus to the reform of the CCA, which remains an obstacle to good consumer outcomes, and also in helping the Government achieve its Net Zero goals, which of course will require the availability of finance.”
Julian Knight MP, chair of the APPG on Alternative Lending, added: “The credit and leasing industry must be commended for the support they provided to customers during the height of the pandemic to enable consumers and businesses to keep their finances on track.
“The same firms are essential to funding the UK’s transition to a greener future.”
