Entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK are having to think creatively to secure alternative sources of funding, including using credit cards, as government and bank lending proves "inaccessible".

Over three quarters of UK entrepreneurs interviewed in a survey this week are looking to secure funds this year. Nearly 60% of these expect this will be difficult to do, and 15% say it will be very hard, according to the research carried out by Investec Specialist Private Bank and the Entrepreneurs' Organisation.