Barclays has launched a new national series of business lending clinics designed to bolster business lending by getting small businesses to think about borrowing and give them the confidence to invest for growth.

The clinics launch as Barclays cites recent statistics indicating that only 15% of businesses applied for borrowing in the last year, and while 42% of businesses think they will get a business loan before they apply, 75% actually succeed, indicating that many businesses don’t believe they can get finance.

The first clinic was launched by Barclays Retail and Business Banking chief executive Antony Jenkins in Manchester yesterday, which was the first of 85 UK-wide clinics, which aim to reach around 1,600 businesses.

Barclays business people will answer key questions on lending and walk businesses through the loan application process, with alternative finance providers on-hand to provide a “fully rounded picture”” of all the financial options available. At the same time