Two documentaries to be shown on UK television will highlight the role played by alternative providers of letters of credit (L/Cs) and other banking services for small- and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

The programmes underline the apparent growing importance of non-bank financial service providers as SMEs continue to struggle to source funding from conventional banks.

Access to finance

The documentaries will be broadcast as part of the 'Financial Services - Access to Finance' programme.

The first is scheduled for 7 September at 11.30am on Information TV on Sky channel 212 and Freesat 401 while the second will be shown on the 7 October at 7pm on the same channels.

Featured provider

According to one alternative financial services provider, Legion Trade Finance (LTF), it has been approached by the programme makers to feature in the series.

LTF is an independent financier offering trade finance solutions - including L/Cs, direct payments and loans - with a typical facility starting at £100,000 with no upper limit on the size of trades it funds.

Addressing issues

The documentaries aim to address the issues faced by SMEs in the UK in the current economic climate, and present the range financial services and products now available.

Some SMEs in the UK have experienced difficulties obtaining L/Cs from mainstream banks since the 2008 financial crisis.

This article represents the views of the author and not necessarily those of the ICC or any of the other partners in DC-PRO.