ISME, the Irish SME Association today (20th June) released its quarterly Bank Watch survey for Q2’18. The results show a significant increase in refusal rates, increasing from 24% to 36%. Demand for credit remains on par with Q1’18 at 31%. Waiting time from decision to drawdown increased from 6 to 8 weeks. The Association voices its concern at the high refusal rates, the length of time it’s taking for SMEs to access finance, and calls for banks to promote the SBCI funds.