Before an SME becomes committed to a funding partner it’s crucial to ensure it is the best match for your particular business requirements

Choosing a funding partner is a bit like choosing a life partner. A wise choice with shared values and goals can lead to happiness and prosperity. However, a poor choice is likely to be frustrating and expensive.

I attended a UK Finance conference this year in London, and the Small Business Commissioner asked the audience, who were a mixture of lenders, suppliers to the finance industry and civil servants, how many had ever run a small business. I was one of five, from an audience of 300, who put their hand up. I say this because I firmly believe, to understand the challenges of running a small business fully, you need to have experienced them.

SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) are the lifeblood of the UK economy. According to the Federation of Small Business at the end of 2024, SMEs employed 16.6 million people and accounted for an estimated £2.8 trillion in turnover.

The British Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 2025 described poor confidence from UK businesses (91% were SMEs). Less than half expected turnover to increase and 25% have scaled back investment plans.

Tax and labour costs........

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