SME Finance Solutions
SME Finance Solutions
We support businesses across a wide range of SME finance sectors, from asset and vehicle finance to business loans, trade finance, government-backed lending, and invoice finance. Each funding solution is designed to meet a different commercial need, whether that is improving cash flow, funding growth, acquiring equipment, or supporting longer-term investment.
SME Finance
We support businesses across a wide range of SME finance sectors. Each type of lending is designed for a different purpose, and choosing the right structure can make a significant difference to speed, flexibility, and long-term cost.
1. Asset & vehicle finance
What it is?
Asset and vehicle finance helps businesses acquire essential equipment, machinery, plant, technology, or vehicles without needing to pay the full cost upfront. Instead of tying up working capital in a large purchase, the business spreads the cost over an agreed term.
Who uses it?
This type of finance is commonly used by SMEs across a wide range of sectors, including construction, logistics, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and professional services.
What it is used for?
Asset and vehicle finance is often used to fund:
- company cars and vans
- HGVs and specialist transport
- plant and machinery
- agricultural equipment
- manufacturing equipment
- office and IT equipment
- medical, dental, or specialist industry equipment
It is typically used by businesses that want to preserve cash flow while still investing in the tools, equipment, or vehicles needed to operate and grow.
2. Secured & unsecured business loans
What they are?
Secured and unsecured business loans provide access to funding that can be used for a wide variety of business purposes. A secured loan is backed by an asset, such as property or another valuable business asset, while an unsecured loan does not usually require specific security.
Who uses them?
These loans are used by start-ups, established SMEs, directors, business owners, and growing companies across many sectors.
What they are used for?
Business loans are commonly used for:
- working capital
- cash flow support
- expansion plans
- hiring staff
- purchasing stock
- buying equipment
- refinancing existing borrowing
- funding marketing or operational investment
- covering unexpected business costs
Secured loans can often support larger borrowing requirements, while unsecured loans may be suitable for businesses that need straightforward access to funds without offering property or other assets as security.
3. Trade & supply chain finance
What it is?
Trade and supply chain finance is designed to help businesses manage the gap between paying suppliers and receiving payment from customers. It supports the movement of goods and helps businesses maintain liquidity while trading domestically or internationally.
Who uses it?
It is commonly used by importers, exporters, wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors, and businesses with longer supplier or customer payment cycles.
What it is used for?
Trade and supply chain finance is often used to:
- pay suppliers earlier
- support import and export transactions
- fund the purchase of goods before resale
- improve supplier relationships
- manage long production or shipping timelines
- release pressure on working capital
- support larger order volumes
This type of finance can be particularly valuable for businesses that need to keep stock moving and meet demand without placing excessive strain on cash flow.
4. Government-backed loans
What they are?
Government-backed loans are business finance products supported by a government guarantee or scheme, designed to improve access to funding for eligible businesses that may not meet standard lending criteria on their own.
Who uses them?
They are typically used by small businesses, newer businesses, growing SMEs, and companies that need support accessing finance for expansion, investment, or resilience.
What they are used for?
Government-backed loans may be used for:
- starting a business
- supporting business growth
- investing in equipment or premises
- improving working capital
- refinancing in some circumstances
- helping viable businesses access lending where security is limited
The exact eligibility, structure, and terms depend on the specific scheme available at the time, but the overall purpose is to help businesses access finance that supports stability and growth.
5. Invoice finance
What it is?
Invoice finance allows businesses to unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Instead of waiting for customers to pay on standard credit terms, a business can access a percentage of the invoice value earlier to support ongoing cash flow.
Who uses it?
It is widely used by SMEs that trade on invoice terms, particularly in sectors such as recruitment, transport, logistics, manufacturing, wholesale, and business services.
What it is used for?
Invoice finance is commonly used to:
- improve working capital
- smooth cash flow
- cover payroll and supplier costs
- support growth without waiting for customer payment
- manage seasonal pressure
- reduce the impact of long payment terms
It can be especially useful for businesses that are profitable on paper but experience pressure because cash is tied up in the sales ledger.
Shorter website version
- Asset & vehicle finance – Funding for equipment, machinery, cars, vans, and specialist vehicles, allowing businesses to spread the cost over time.
- Secured & unsecured business loans – Flexible business funding for working capital, growth, investment, and cash flow support, with or without security.
- Trade & supply chain finance – Finance that helps businesses pay suppliers, fund stock, and manage the gap between outgoing payments and incoming customer receipts.
- Government-backed loans – Lending supported by government schemes to help eligible businesses access finance for growth, investment, or stability.
- Buy to let mortgages – Mortgages for residential investment properties intended to generate rental income rather than owner occupation.
- Invoice finance – A way to release cash from unpaid invoices so businesses can improve working capital and maintain day-to-day liquidity.