HSBC claims to have increased lending to North West small businesses in the first half - but it can't say by how much.The bank provided £658m of gross new lending to 42,625 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region during the period.It's the first time it has provided a regional breakdown and was unable to give comparative figures for last year.Nationally, it said it had increased small business lending by 8% to £6.3bn and is keen to support firms involved in international trade.David Beaty, HSBC regional ......for the full story register now for free or login below...