That's all right, ain't it? 'What's this, boss?' Ebury and MarketFinance have got together, Voice. They're partners now. 'Oh, okay.' Well, don't sound too excited about it. 'I'm not.' Your attitude stinks, man!
Sorry about that, Ebury and MarketFinance people - if you're reading, like. I can't get the staff. Yeah, he's just an idiot intern, so - 'He doesn't pay me!' Christ! You're not supposed to pay interns. Everyone knows that.
Anyway ...
Ebury and MarketFinance have partnered to accelerate the government-backed CBILs loan scheme to SMEs, as it wraps up at the end of the month. Press release is below. Would you be able to cover this? I can arrange an interview with the two CEOs.
All best, Bilal.
Er ... that's the covering letter. Where's the actual PR statement thing? 'Bloody hell! I'll get it, boss.'
10th September 2020, London: As the Government's CBILS initiative draws to a close this month, two British fintechs Ebury and MarketFinance, have joined forces to ensure SMEs across the UK are able to quickly access the emergency lending. MarketFinance will offer both its CBILS loans and revolving credit facilities to Ebury's UK SME base to support them with their business finance needs.
The CBILS initiative will conclude at the end of September 2020 with pre-submitted applications in September being valid until the end of November. Until 30 September, companies can apply for a cash injection through a CBILS loan between £50,001 and £150,000 with no fees, interest or repayments for 12 months. The CBILS revolving credit facility goes up to £5 million and works in much the same way as MarketFinance's flagship selective invoice finance product, with advances secured against outstanding invoices.
Okay, okay. Thanks for that, Voice. I'd be lost without you. 'Okay.' And no endorsement, obviously, dear reader(s). I mean ... you know what I mean.
Anyway, I wonder if Juan has got anything to say for himself ...
Oh, he does!
Juan Lobato, Ebury CEO says: "We have been working with governments throughout Europe to try to ensure that SMEs, the lifeblood of our economies, have access to the working capital they need to survive The Thing. I am delighted that by combining with one of our fintech peers we will be able to help more companies in the UK secure the vital funding they need to be able to benefit from the economic recovery we are starting to see."
Economic recovery? Ha! How long will that last, with everyone scared of their own shadow these days? Never mind.
And, uh ... so, how about Anil? I've got a nasty feeling he won't be available for a comment. 'Boss, don't be silly! Look! -'
Anil Stocker, CEO at MarketFinance, comments: "A key part of our strategy is partnering with other fintechs to deliver seamless funding solutions for their customer base. We are very excited to be launching this with Ebury, who have built up a strong brand internationally and who want to improve access to finance for their business customers in this crucial time. We hope this partnership will make it even easier for business owners to find the right finance to help them through The Thing."
Thanks, Anil! I knew you wouldn't let us down. I knew he wouldn't let us down, Voice. 'Yeah, whatever.'
ENDS
...
Anything else? You want more, kook(s)?! They want more, Voice! 'They're insatiable.' Well, that's another story, of course.
Uh, well ... I don't have anything else for you, I'm sorry. 'Music, Mikey?' There's no new developments, man. I mean, I still need a chorus for the new song. It won't be easy though. The verse and pre-chorus are very melodic, and the chorus has got to stand out in some way.
Look, come back later(s), alligator(s). There'll be another conceptual, No. 837.
'Bye!'
