Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose money. This is a high‑risk investment. You may not be able to access your money easily and are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
21st Dec, 2015

P2P Weekly: Lending Totals Doubled in 2015, and Other News

“BondMason Reports P2P Lending Doubled to £2.3bn in 2015; Offers Up 3 Predictions for 2016,” Crowdfund Insider

According to BondMason, UK P2P lending totals doubled in 2015 to about 2.3 billion. The savings and investments platform estimates another £1-1.5 billion in growth in 2016.

“Spotify and Apple Music Should Let Us Tip Musicians We Love,” Wired

Eric Steuer argues that streaming platforms like Spotify and Netflix, which deliberately don’t give much money to creators, should make it easier for users to throw a few bucks in the artists’ direction.

“China overtakes UK in global fintech race,” Financial Times

China is home to seven of the world’s 50 most successful fintech firms, according to a list compiled by accountancy group KPMG. The list included six British firms, with Funding Circle ranking 5th.

“For Large Investment Banks The Rise Of FinTech May Help Alleviate Cost Pressures,” Forbes

Writes Antoine Gara: “Now, FinTech is increasingly seen as a way cut through this technological muck, saving far more money than a next round of layoffs, or re-locations from New York City to Salt Lake City. These investments are seen as the next frontier of cost cutting on Wall Street. And it appears firms that once used to compete fiercely against each other are willing to join forces in the FinTech arms race.”


18th Dec, 2015

Celebrate Christmas with rebuildingsociety

Make your season merry and bright with the rebuildingsociety community. Our partner businesses offer a wonderful range of goods and services, so you can share something special with everyone on your list and throw the perfect holiday gathering. This is the second of two posts highlighting some of the great gift and entertainment options our partners provide. Read the first one here.

Cornertrack (Burning Night Group)

Whether you’re looking for a break from the rush of Christmas preparations or need the perfect spot for your New Year’s Eve night out, be sure to check out Burning Night Group’s selection of bars around England. With locations in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester and bars featuring various ambiances, they have something for everyone.

Visit Burning Night Group’s website for more information on locations and events. Cornertrack completed a loan with rebuildingsociety in 2014.

Mr. Whitehead’s Cider Company

To please the apple lover in your life with a perfect gift or dinner treat, look no further than Mr. Whitehead’s Cider.

This Hempshire-based company, which completed a loan application with rebuildingsociety in 2014, is dedicated to making the highest quality ciders, juices and vinegars with a wide variety of apples. Their products are sure to light up any festive gathering or night out — You can find Mr. Whitehead’s in many bars and restaurants as well.

Portobello Art and CanvasRus

Wow your loved one with a customized canvas print or photo. CanvasRus is the retail counterpart of Portobello Art, which completed a loan with rebuildingsociety this year.

Until Friday, you can purchase three canvas prints for the price of two.

Anchors Away Play Centre

If you need to relax after a long day of shopping while your little one burns off some energy, check out Anchors Away in Manchester. This soft play center completed a loan with rebuilding society this summer.

With reasonable prices and a revamped cafe menu, a couple hours at Anchors Away will be just the ticket for a nice break from the holiday stress.

Electric Star Pubs

Make the most of London’s nightlife at Electric Star pubs. With four locations and a top notch menu, these establishments have all the right touches for a holiday gathering with friends, a New Year’s party or a drink in between shopping.

Each of the four pubs has its own personality, and they’re better than ever since completing a loan with rebuildingsociety in 2014.

Get more holiday gift ideas from rebuildingsociety here.


15th Dec, 2015

Celebrate the Holidays with rebuildingsociety

Make your season merry and bright with the rebuildingsociety community. Our partner businesses offer a wonderful range of goods and services, so you can share something special with everyone on your list and throw the perfect holiday gathering. This is the first of two posts highlighting some of the great gift and entertainment options our partners provide. Read the second one here.

GF Foods

We are excited to share a special holiday promotion from GF Foods aka Feel Free Foods, a premiere gluten free products brand. As a special treat, the company has offered 15 percent off to any rebuildingsociety community member who purchases their Traditional Christmas Bundle and use code CH002 through 16 December.

In this lovely bundle, receive mince pies, iced Christmas cake, and Christmas puddings. All products are gluten free, so everyone at your holiday meal can enjoy them. We hope you’ll take advantage of this special offer before the 16th of December, guaranteeing you receive your products by Christmas.

Candy Hero

Fill your stockings with a seemingly infinite selection of international sweets and candies from Candy Hero. Since receiving a loan from rebuildingsociety in 2014, the company has expanded its brand and grown its inventory — and that’s great news for everyone on your holiday shopping list!

Candy Hero has sweetened the deal just for you. Use code R3BUILDXMAS15 at candyhero.com and get a 10 percent discount on your entire purchase.

Liberta Italian Restaurant

Indulge in the richness of the season with an Italian dinner at Liberta in Bathgate. This family-run establishment offers a range of Italian cuisine at a great value. This year, the restaurant is a finalist in the Scottish Italian Awards for best family restaurant and best pizzeria.

Visit Liberta for their special Christmas lunch and dinner to receive a complimentary glass of wine. Perhaps this will be the start of a new family tradition!

At Liberta, you will get a delicious meal at a great value. And of course, you’ll be supporting the rebuildingsociety community, which provided a loan to this restaurant in 2014.

Exquisite Handmade Cakes

Exquisite Handmade Cakes, based here in Leeds, creates sumptuous baked goods perfect for any holiday gathering. And they’re a great gift for your loved one with a sweet tooth. Whether you seek a decorated custom cake, a delectable loaf, or the perfect accent to a party tray, Exquisite can provide the treats you seek.

We’re proud of our partnership with Exquisite Homemade Cakes, which successfully completed a loan with the rebuildingsociety.com community in 2013.

So make this holiday season extra sweet. You can reach Exquisite by phone at +44 (0) 113 289 0283 to learn more about their products and distributors.

Tamar Trails

Share the gift of adventure with the outdoors lover on your list. Tamar Trails offers a wide range of activities including hiking, canoeing and ziplining to get anyone’s adrenaline pumping.

Tamar Trails has gotten even better since completing a loan with rebuildingsociety early this year. Zip on over to their website to learn more.

Puppy Kit

Of course, you can’t leave your beloved pets out of the holiday fun. Puppy Kit has everything you need to get your cat, dog or bird looking great, as well as accessories like food bowls and leads.

Find Puppy Kit online and make sure you place your order in time for Christmas delivery. Or visit the boutique at visit the boutique at 70 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

Get more holiday shopping ideas from rebuildingsociety here.


14th Dec, 2015

P2P Weekly: A Closer Look at the Innovative Finance ISA

“Will the Innovative Finance ISA Allow Only a Few P2P Lenders to Participate?,” Crowdfund Insider

Deeper analysis of the Innovative Finance ISA indicates that only fully regulated P2P lenders can participate in the innovative ISAs. You can see the draft documents at the link.

“More closures seen among Chinese peer-to-peer lenders as new rules loom,” Reuters

Ezubao, the largest P2P lender in China based on lending figures, is being investigated for potentially illegal activity. So far this year, 824 lenders have shuttered.

“The Evolution Of Fintech,” Forbes

Forbes offers a useful summary of the fintech industry’s history. This is the first of two pieces.


07th Dec, 2015

P2P Weekly: US Update

“Dimon Says JPMorgan Plans Service With Peer-to-Peer Lender,” Bloomberg

JP Morgan Chase’s CEO has indicated the bank is looking to form a partnership that will allow the bank, the largest in the U.S., to add peer-to-peer lending to its portfolio of products and services.

“Are Chinese Platforms Abandoning the Peer-to-Peer Model?” Crowdfund Insider

P2P lenders in China are evolving into wealth management platforms that offer a broader range of programs. Lenders are taking different approaches to incorporating P2P into other services or consolidating various existing programs.

“Funding Circle’s peer-to-peer trust raises £150m in London Stock Exchange listing,” The Telegraph

Funding Circle is bringing P2P to the wider investment community for the first time.

“This vehicle will allow any investor to buy a ticket and get access to Funding Circle loans globally,” Funding Circle chief executive and co-founder Samir Desai said recently. “We want to be part of the global financial infrastructure.”

“Bank of England’s Funding for Lending Scheme extended,” Financial Times

“Monday’s move signals that while the BoE is increasingly nervous about a potential credit bubble in mortgage and consumer finance markets, it is still concerned about banks’ reluctance to lend to small businesses,” explains Martin Arnold of Financial Times.


04th Dec, 2015

5th December, Celebrate Small Business Saturday Throughout the UK

Join rebuildingsociety in celebrating Small Business Saturday!

Every day is a good day to support your local businesses, but the 5th of December is a special opportunity to show your allegiance to small business owners in your community as stores around the UK celebrate. For our community members here in Leeds, check out the list below to learn about a few local businesses where you can take care of your holiday shopping and other business. And no matter where you are in the UK, remember to support your local businesses on 5th December and throughout the year.

Our Handmade Collective

OHC showcases the best of Leeds’ artisans, with a wide range of handmade products, arts and crafts. They are offering several specials for Small Business Saturday, including a coupon for 10 percent off a January 2016 purchase. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift for your loved one.

Hippoprint

Whether you need to print your holiday cards or print up new documents for 2016, Hippoprint can handle your printing projects fast and for a great price. With a £30,000 loan from rebs in 2014, Hippoprint carried out a successful marketing campaign.

Candy Hero

Fill your Christmas stockings with local and imported sweets from Candy Hero, one of the UK’s premier sellers of candies of all sorts. Candy Hero joined the rebs community in 2014 when it received a loan to expand their inventory and open a new branch.

Sociable Folk Cafe

For a unique cafe experience, visit Sociable Folk Cafe. They serve high quality coffee and tea a well as a delightful breakfast and lunch menu. Visit them on Small Business Saturday to find your new favourite coffee spot.

Norman Records

This local record shop specializes in indie and alternative music and vinyl LPs. Their expert staff will help you discover your favorite record of the year, just in time for the holidays.


03rd Dec, 2015

rebuildingsociety Speaks On P2P At Construction Conference

In November, rebuildingsociety was invited to speak on the subject of Alternative Finance at the National Federation of Builders’ (NFB) Principal Contractors Group Annual Conference in London.

This was an event attended by senior figures from the property and construction industry, hosted by well known journalist Cathy Newman, the Channel 4 news presenter. Speakers included the NFB’s Chief Executive Richard Beresford and Lord Kerslake, the former head of the Civil Service.

Speakers noted two key problems in the UK building sector:

  • A shortfall in housebuilding (the UK needs to build 200-250k+ houses every year, but in 2014 only 155k were built, and since 1988 there has only been one year in which over 200k were built
  • A shortage of skills in the industry to help address the need to build more houses

Industry leaders agreed there is a requirement for the construction industry to bring together the various parties included (developers, builder, local authorities, finance providers). The role of finance, and in particular alternative finance, was identified as a key factor in the future prosperity of the sector.

Julian Wells, marketing director at rebuildingsociety, presented at the event and took part in a panel debate with senior representatives from Funding Circle and LendInvest. During this session the increasing influence of alternative finance was highlighted by some of the statistics around the exponential growth of the industry.

Julian told delegates that in 2013, commentators had predicted that by 2016 the sector could reach £1 billion of lending. Today there has already been in excess of £5 billion lent, with market leader Zopa advancing more than £1 billion on its own. Within the next 10 years alternative finance has been forecast to account for 20-30% of consumer lending, and over 40% of commercial lending.

The audience highlighted the positive impact of FCA regulation as well as the recent endorsements the sector has received from the government. City Minister Harriet Baldwin called it a “brilliantly innovative new form of finance – which we want to see continue to grow and evolve.”

rebuildingsociety has lent to a number of property and construction related businesses including GRA Project Management, Willowtree Properties, DDL Civils, MCC Building Services, Insul-Eight, Able Contractors, CJ Homes, Millbak, EW Becker, and Plumbserve.