AI-assisted cyber-attacks and what small firms are doing about this threat

The vulnerability of small business to cyber-attacks needs little reiteration, but recent research from Hiscox underlines the extent to which these firms are being targeted. According to the company’s cyber readiness report, over a third of small firms have experienced a successful cyber-attack in the last year. It puts the average cost of such a hack at almost £27,000.

An increasingly common feature of these attacks is the use of AI. Cyber-criminals are leveraging AI to make cyberattacks faster, hyper-personalised and cheaper to execute at scale. For example, businesses are being targeted by hyper-personalised spear-phishing, voice cloning and deepfake scams and mass vulnerability scanning. For smaller firms, which often operate with limited IT resources, this shift in the threat landscape poses a significant risk.

That is not to say that small businesses aren’t taking action. According to a new study from Barclays, over two thirds of companies are planning to increase investment in cyber-security in the next 12 months, with AI adoption playing a key role in this strategy development. However, it is notable that much of the momentum behind this surge is coming from larger firms. Smaller businesses are moving much more slowly, with only 26% of small businesses and 4% of micro businesses having increased cyber-security spending so far in 2026.

How alternative finance can help with small firm cyber-security spending

Despite the risk of damage to customer trust and confidence, loss of revenue, loss of sensitive data and operational disruption, it is clear that many small businesses are dragging their feet when it comes to investment in cyber-defences, even as AI makes the threat even more acute.

And this is completely understandable. Because the root problem behind the slower uptake is cost – both in terms of finding the money for investment while protecting working capital in a market environment wracked by uncertainty, and with regard to accessing finance when traditional banks continue to be cautious when it comes to small business lending.

This is where alternative finance can help.

In response to the squeeze on lending, alternative finance has become into a vital lifeline for small firms. Solutions such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are filling the funding gap, offering speed, affordability and tailored support.

Notably, the Growth Guarantee Scheme is providing a wide range of finance facilities to smaller firms, including invoice finance, and there has been calls for the initiative to be expanded significantly to help smaller businesses struggling to access finance. Such development offers further proof that alternative lenders are increasing filling the small business funding gap.

Small business finance options for investing in cyber-security

The increasing use of AI by cybercriminals undoubtedly raises the threat level for small businesses, and they have to respond in kind by upping investment in their cyber-defences, to ensure both their continued attractiveness to customers and business partners, and their ongoing market viability.

As such, with margins and cashflow under pressure and access to finance challenging, if firms are going to invest in cyber-security, it is important that key decision-makers are aware of all the finance options available to them, including the services of alternative lenders.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact Tony Hedger on 01903 602211 or tony.hedger@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

What is driving up small business commercial fleet costs?

The impact of the US war against Iran on fuel prices, and the consequences for small businesses, is becoming increasingly acute. The latest surge in the cost of fuel, in particular red diesel, on which farmers rely, comes at a particularly bad time. Firms across the board that operate commercial fleets of all shapes and sizes are looking at yet more pressure on margins and yet more difficult decisions about cashflow.

While surging fuel prices are affecting all businesses, smaller firms are more susceptible to these fluctuations, not least as they don’t have the same depth of resources to absorb such jumps in costs – after years of battling economic uncertainty and significant market headwinds, they have little wiggle room when it comes to managing such volatility.

However, that is not to say that small businesses with commercial or other types of fleets aren’t showing considerable resilience. Purchasing habits are shifting, with a move away from new vehicles to second-hand ones and an increase in the uptake of electric vehicles, which are viewed as cheaper in the longer-term.

That said, there is a limit to which these smaller firms can keep pulling rabbits out of their hats. Aside from rising fuel costs, parking costs are increasing and the number of free parking spaces continues to shrink as local authorities struggle with budgets. Furthermore, the temporary reduction in fuel duty is set to be withdrawn at the end of the year.

How alternative lenders can help with managing commercial fleet costs

The jump in fuel prices is a huge test for small businesses, and while there are steps firms can take to manage the impact, in many cases this involves investment – for example, in new vehicles, specialist staff or tailored tools – and for a significant number of businesses, such expenditure presents a significant challenge.

Access to finance is critical to coping with fluctuating fuel prices, in terms of safeguarding working capital and maintaining operations, but with traditional banks continuing to be cautious in their approach to small business lending, this is far from straightforward.

This is where alternative lenders can help.

Alternative lending solutions, such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending, have become funding lifelines. For example, asset finance is being commonly used means for buying vehicles, machinery or equipment, while invoice finance is being employed to manage staff costs and, more broadly, to cover costs while income catches up.

Overall, by offering a more accessible, cost-effective and personalised approach to lending, these alternative finance facilities are helping small businesses navigate the current climate and target greater stability and growth.

Small business options for commercial fleet finance

The latest leap in fuel prices heaps yet more pressure on already stretched small businesses finances, and there is little indication that the uncertainty will come to an end any time soon. Yet firms have to find a way to pay the bills, safeguard cashflow and keep their fleets rolling.

Accessing finance is critical, and this is why, with traditional lenders remaining cautious when it comes to small firms, it is important that key decision-makers are aware of all the options available to them, including the services of alternative lenders.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact Steve Bowles on 01903 602211 or steve.bowles@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

What is shaping the market and where are the opportunities?

At this point, the impact of global geopolitical tensions on the commercial property sector is clear – the uncertainty has checked domestic economic momentum, and in turn market recovery, with fresh unease over interest rates and a dip in overseas investment compounding the slowdown. As such, the optimism witnessed in early 2026 has largely dissipated, replaced by lower-level growth and forecasts.

However, the market has shown some notable resilience, proving to be stable in the face of some serious headwinds. As such, as the last quarter approaches, while good deals haven’t been quite as straightforward to identify as initially imagined, they are still there. As ever, the devil remains in the detail as far as pinpointing where to invest and in what.

How are the major sectors performing and where are the deals?

With regard to this detail, in terms of the performance of commercial property sectors, there have been few broad strokes to talk of, with a more nuanced reading of development essential for investors, in particular around flight to quality. Notably, it has become increasingly clear that quality can mean different things in different sectors, although some universals apply, such as sustainability and energy efficiency.

Industrial and logistics remains the market engine, but is losing some momentum as the space continues to mature and react to wider economic conditions. In terms of flight to quality in this subsector, the focus remains very much on modern facilities, with a strong sustainability profile important, along with accessibility to major market points.

Retail is enjoying some more brightness, although the landscape is very uneven. Retail warehousing is a key growth space and is forecast to maintain this outlook, as is prime shopping centres. However, reflecting the state of the subsector as a whole, secondary location shopping centres continue to be notably less attractive, while high streets remain a challenging prospect.

This polarisation is also evident in the office property sector – and is perhaps more pronounced. Prime, high-quality office property is powering forward movement in this space, with performance by far healthiest in big cities, most notably London, as well as the likes of Manchester and Bristol. Again, energy efficiency is a key factor in terms of quality. In contrast, the non-prime property space continues to labour.

Alternative commercial property – what should investors target?

Outside of these primary market spaces, a number of alternative subsectors remain attractive and will continue to offer opportunities in the last three months of the year and into 2027. The data centre market is expanding healthily, with competition for sites an important factor in a positive outlook.

Life sciences and student accommodation are other specialist areas that are expected to continue to provide solid returns, with a growing shift to city centre mixed-use property development a notable trend in both cases.

Funding commercial property investment: a change in accessing finance

Looking ahead, with the commercial property sector set to continue to develop along polarised lines, accessing finance will be critical for investors looking to make the most of opportunities in a subdued marketplace.

Notably, the trend away from bank lending continues to grow, as investors look for greater accessibility, flexibility and affordability from non-bank sources, including from alternative lenders. In such a climate, the choice of commercial loan and mortgage provider is more critical than ever.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services for commercial property investors, contact Tony Hedger on 01903 602211 or tony.hedger@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

How vulnerable are SMEs to losing key individuals?

While rising labour costs is a long-standing issue for SMEs, with changes to national insurance contributions and the minimum wage and new employment law the focus of much of the discussion, comparatively little attention is paid to businesses’ reliance on a single person. However, long-term depressed market conditions are making this an increasingly prominent issue.

According to a new study from Scottish Widows, a significant proportion of SMEs are vulnerable to losing a central individual, with the consequences of such a development severe. The survey found that almost a quarter of businesses would only be able to keep their doors open for a month if they lost a key person.

Notably, in the SME sector, this key person is often the business owner. And the fallout of an owner becoming unable to run a company can be catastrophic. According to the research, 10% of firms would stop trading immediately if they lost this person.

This reliance has only become more acute as margins have been continually squeezed, because while the Scottish Widows study highlights a lack of awareness of ways to protect against such damage, the main underlying factor is cost. The reason why many SMEs aren’t investing in better future-proofing, whether in terms of more recruitment or business protection insurance, is that they don’t feel confident in spending such sums in the current climate.

How alternative finance can help with SME investment in recruitment and insurance

The reticence from SMEs in relation to investing more in recruitment and insurance is hardly surprising given the long-term market headwinds and the challenges related to accessing finance, with traditional banks continuing to cautious towards small business lending.

This is where alternative finance can help.

In response to the squeeze on lending, alternative finance has become into a vital lifeline for small firms. Solutions such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are filling the funding gap, offering speed, affordability and tailored support.

Notably, the Growth Guarantee Scheme is providing a wide range of finance facilities to smaller firms, including invoice finance, and there has been recent calls for the initiative to be expanded significantly to help smaller businesses struggling to access finance. Such development offers further proof that alternative lenders are increasing filling the small business funding gap.

Small business options for financing essential investment in H2 2026

Protecting a small business against being over-reliant on one person is not a topic that often makes the headlines, but it one that is demanding more attention as long-term economic stagnation continues to affect SME investment capacity in recruitment and other areas.

Yet, however understandable the hesitancy to invest is, SMEs have to find a way to safeguard their operations. This is why, against the backdrop of continued caution from traditional lenders, it is important that key decision-makers are aware of the all the finance options available to them, including alternative finance facilities.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact Tony Hedger on 01903 602211 or tony.hedger@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

What does small business digital ill-health look like?

A study from Zoho how revealed that while larger businesses are performing well with regard to digital transformation, and enjoying the benefits of this investment, small firms are dragging their heels in comparison, with only just over a quarter rated as having a good level of digital health.

Notably, the research highlighted that by failing to sufficiently invest in their digital health, small firms are missing out on positives related to such areas as new technology, platform stability, IT management and data sovereignty. Significantly, this includes benefits linked to investment in next-generation AI.

A separate study from Startups.co.uk highlights the gap in AI adoption. According to the survey, around 75% of SMEs have no formal AI governance policy, with almost a third stating that they do not intend to implement such a plan.

Cyber-protection is another area when a lack of small business investment is evident. Despite the growing risks relating to cyber-attacks, and the increasing amount of data detailing this vulnerability, spending on strengthening protection remains underwhelming.

How alternative lenders can help with financing SME digitalisation

There are a number of reasons why small businesses are lagging behind larger companies in terms of digital health, but one stands out in particular: cost. The means to get healthier are easily accessible, and awareness of the need to act has risen markedly, but the price tag attached to development is proving a major barrier.

Compounding the challenges related to cost is the ongoing caution being shown by traditional lenders towards small businesses. As such, accessing finance continues to be difficult. This is where alternative lenders can help.

Alternative lending solutions, such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending, have become funding lifelines. For example, asset finance is being commonly used means for buying vehicles, machinery or equipment, while invoice finance is being employed to manage staff costs and, more broadly, to cover costs while income catches up.

Overall, by offering a more accessible, cost-effective and personalised approach to lending, these alternative finance facilities are helping small businesses navigate the current climate and target greater stability and growth.

Small business finance options for vital digital transformation

While it comes as little surprise that small businesses are struggling with their digital health, with investing in digitalisation proving highly challenging in the current climate, it is a step that they have to take, both in terms of optimising their own operations and remaining attractive to customers and as supply chain partners. Fail to do so and the risk of lost sales grows ever larger.

As such, against a backdrop of continued reticence from traditional lenders, it is essential that key decision-makers at small firms are aware of all the finance options available to them, including the services of alternative lenders.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact Steve Bowles on 01903 602211 or steve.bowles@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

What’s the state of small business confidence in Q2?

According to new data from the latest ACCA and IMA Global Economic Conditions Survey, small business confidence slipped to a record low level in Q2. One of the leading causes revealed by the study was rising operating costs, cited by 80% of businesses as a principal barrier to growth.

At home, businesses pointed to higher taxes and an increase in employment costs, including in relation to a hike in the National Living Wage, as well as growing concerns about late payments, despite the ongoing effort of the government to combat this practice. Further afield, firms highlighted the impact of the war in the Middle East on energy prices and supply chains.

The results of the latest ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor paint a similar picture with regard to business confidence in Q2, with the data showing a sharp fall. Again, rising operating costs are at the forefront of the trend, impacting spending across the board.

According to the Index, business confidence fell to -14.6, the lowest on record since Q4 2022. In terms of rising costs, firms cited spiralling energy costs, increasing labour costs and a five-year spike in late payment as key pressures. The drop in sentiment was felt across almost the entire industry, with eight out of the nine sectors monitored by the Index seeing downturn, most significantly in business services and property.

How alternative lenders can help with essential small business investment

The results of the recent surveys on business confidence make pretty grim reading, with the historic low level looking set to continue for almost half a decade. Firms need meaningful economic growth, coupled with the ability to invest, in order to turn this trend around.

With regard to investing, access to finance in critical, and prolonged caution from traditional banks is another obstacle that is squashing development plans. This is where alternative finance can help.

In response to the squeeze on lending, alternative finance has become into a vital lifeline for small firms. Solutions such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are filling the funding gap, offering speed, affordability and tailored support.

Notably, the Growth Guarantee Scheme is providing a wide range of finance facilities to smaller firms, including invoice finance, and there has been recent calls for the initiative to be expanded significantly to help smaller businesses struggling to access finance. Such development offers further proof that alternative lenders are increasing filling the small business funding gap.

Small business options for financing investment in H2 2026 and beyond

Although they’ve made the headlines, the findings of the recent surveys are hardly surprising – they won’t be a shock to small business owners that have been battling serious headwinds for a long time. However, small firm investment remains critical.

Of course, achieving this remains highly challenging, not least because legacy lenders continue to cautious about small business lending. This is why it is important that key decision-makers are aware of all the finance options available to them, including the services of alternative lenders.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact Tony Hedger on 01903 602211 or tony.hedger@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

Employment reform in 2026 and 2027 and the costs for small firms

Small businesses need little reminding of the employment law reform already introduced in 2026. Changes have enacted include day-one rights for paternity and unpaid paternal leave and the expansion of statutory sick pay, as well as the need to maintain traceable records of annual leave and holiday pay for at least six years.

Upcoming changes include the extension of time limits for employment tribunals and the introduction of stricter frameworks and liability around harassment in the workplace. Next year, employee protection against unfair dismissal is due to be strengthened, while regulations around firing and hiring and zero-hour contracts are scheduled to be further tightened.

While there are clear, solid reasons for these measures, there are financial consequences for businesses, with the onus on smaller firms particularly pronounced. Absorbing increased direct labour costs and stricter compliance requirements, with the knock-on demands on administrative resources, is highly challenging for smaller firms, which don’t have the resources available to larger companies.

For example, there is the risk of increased sick pay costs and higher tribunal and other legal costs, while firms must also manage the costs associated with moving away from zero-hour contracts to a system based on guaranteed hours. Then there is the impact on wage bills of higher National Living Wage rates.

How alternative lenders can help with increasing employment bills

While it is difficult to argue against the reforms, which are based on strengthening employment rights and making the employment system fairer, at the same time, it is undeniable that the changes carry a notable financial cost for smaller firms. And given the current climate, the timing could hardly be worse.

The demands on small business cash flow are already high, with essential investment required in a range of areas. Continued caution from traditional banks towards small business lending adds a further layer of difficulty. This is where alternative lenders can help.

Alternative lending solutions, such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending, have become funding lifelines. For example, asset finance is being commonly used means for buying vehicles, machinery or equipment, while invoice finance is being employed to manage staff costs and, more broadly, to cover costs while income catches up.

Overall, by offering a more accessible, cost-effective and personalised approach to lending, these alternative finance facilities are helping small businesses navigate the current climate and target greater stability and growth.

Small business finance options for managing rising employment costs

It is hardly surprising that many small businesses are reacting badly to the overhaul of employment rights. Despite the focus on making the employment system fairer, the added costs for smaller firms comes at a time when many are already at breaking point.

Access to finance is critical if small businesses are going to manage the extra costs and survive. As such, with legacy lenders remaining resolutely cautious, it is important that key decision-makers at small firms are aware of all the finance options available to them, including the services of alternative lenders.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact Steve Bowles on 01903 602211 or steve.bowles@atbusinessassociates.co.uk

How does the SME sustainability investment landscape look?

A new study from the Small Business Institute (SBI) has underlined the critical state of small business investment in sustainability. According to the research, while more and more SMEs are seeing the benefits of improving their sustainability efforts, funding remains a key barrier to the development of net-zero strategies.

The SBI data shows that nearly half of SMEs have put more into sustainability development in the last year, while of those planning to expand plans going forward, a quarter will do so on a significant scale. However, at the same time, it reveals that cost remains a major obstacle to investment, along with a lack of time and support, and difficulty in understanding what sustainability development requires.

The findings are broadly encouraging but highlight the challenge that financing development involves, mirroring the results of similar studies carried out earlier in the year. According to research from the British Business Bank, NatWest and Better Bankside, sustainability action is a priority for less than a third of SMEs, while sustainability has notably dropped down the list of priorities for firms in recent years.

Similarly, research from Novuna shows that while over a third of manufacturing SMEs are carrying out sustainability-related activities on a daily basis, almost 80% cite operational and market pressures as a key challenge.

How alternative lenders can help with financing SME sustainability investment

The latest research on small business investment in sustainability shows a largely unchanged picture – prolonged market uncertainty coupled with continued caution from traditional lenders is making realising net-zero ambitions challenging.

Nevertheless, investment is critical, not least as sustainability action is increasingly becoming a necessity in supply chains, with larger companies demanding that strategies are in place and standards are met as terms of business. This is where alternative finance can help.

In response to the squeeze on lending, alternative finance has become into a vital lifeline for small firms. Solutions such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are filling the funding gap, offering speed, affordability and tailored support.

Notably, the Growth Guarantee Scheme is providing a wide range of finance facilities to smaller firms, including invoice finance, and there has been recent calls for the initiative to be expanded significantly to help smaller businesses struggling to access finance. Such development offers further proof that alternative lenders are increasing filling the small business funding gap.

SME options for raising finance for sustainability-led investment

The necessity of sustainability-led investment is increasingly clear for SMEs, but while the appetite for net-zero-led evolution continues to grow, cost remains a major barrier to such development, which is putting future growth at risk.

Access to finance is critical to the successful implementation of plans. However, with traditional lenders steadfast in their caution, SMEs are finding this challenging. This is why it is important that key decision-makers are aware of all the finance options available to them, including the services of alternative lenders.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact Tony Hedger on 01903 602211 or tony.hedger@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

The proposals from Burnham point towards another significant shakeup of the business rates system. Such reform would come not long after a major reshaping of the tax introduced earlier this year, the reaction to which has been decidedly mixed. While there has been lower rates for some small firms, others are facing an increase in bills.

How will the new business rates reform impact small firms?

The ongoing concern is perhaps why the next prime minister has announced details of yet another restructuring. At the heart of the new proposals is a plan to raise the threshold for 100% Small Business Rates Relief by 50%, which would mean that more small businesses qualify for the exemption. An increase in property taxes for larger firms, in particular large warehouses, would help cover the costs.

As to the response to the latest proposals, the new reform plans is certainly sparking debate and making headlines. With regard to small firms, further help with regard to business rates would certainly be welcomed, with the current tax framework, including business rates, increasing coming under fire for being unworkable. According to the Confederation of British Industry, almost a third of businesses have said that the tax system is having a major impact on investment, causing them to cancel, reduce or delay spending.

However, while there is small business sector positivity, there are also some notable caveats. The cost of the reform is already a talking point and such is the price tag that the likelihood of the plans making it through to the implementation stage without change has to be questioned. Also, there is a matter of the time frame – there is a significant distance between proposals and policy, and many small businesses can’t afford to wait.

How alternative lenders can help with impact of business rates bills

Given the current market climate and the reception that the last business rates review received, it is easy to see why further change is being proposed. But there are no guarantees and change takes time. From a small business perspective, the new plans are encouraging but in the meantime the bills have to be paid.

The bottom line is that these firms have to find a way to manage the impact on cash flow. Access to finance is essential, but traditional lenders are continuing to prove cautious with regard to small business lending. This is where alternative lenders can help.

Alternative lending solutions, such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending, have become funding lifelines. For example, asset finance is being commonly used means for buying vehicles, machinery or equipment, while invoice finance is being employed to manage staff costs and, more broadly, to cover costs while income catches up.

Overall, by offering a more accessible, cost-effective and personalised approach to lending, these alternative finance facilities are helping small businesses navigate the current climate and target greater stability and growth.

Small business finance options for managing tax bills in H2 2026

While the latest proposals to restructure the business rates landscape offers some small businesses the prospect of reduced bills, nothing is set in stone, and nothing is going to happen overnight.

Whatever the size of the bills, small firms have to be able to manage the impact on cashflow and put themselves in a position where they are able to both meet their obligations and invest in essential development.

To do this, access to finance is pivotal, and with legacy lenders remaining cautious, it is important that key decision-makers are aware of all the finance options available to them. This includes the services of alternative lenders.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact Steve Bowles on 01903 602211 or steve.bowles@atbusinessassociates.co.uk

What is the next cyber-security threat for small businesses?

The situation couldn’t be much clearer for small businesses: the research on the damage that cyber-attacks can inflict on firms continues to mount, underlining the risks and challenges that they face, both in terms of managing the fall out of an attack and in finding a way to put stronger protection in place.

And the threat continues to evolve. A new study from Gallagher and the Centre for Economics and Business Research highlights a threat that many smaller firms may not have fully considered – the cost of litigation. While it is an issue largely for larger businesses at present, it’s a trend that is likely to grow in the small business sector as investment in cyber-security and the quality of cyber-security strategies and systems comes under greater scrutiny across supply chains.

According to the research, of a total bill of £11.7 billion linked to cyber-attacks involving large businesses in 2025, litigation was revealed as the second largest cost, after direct losses from disrupted operations. Then there are costs related to lost assets, including intellectual property, regulatory fines and reputational damage.

How much are cyber-attacks costing the SME manufacturing sector?

One area where there is notable vulnerability, including potentially in relation to litigation as well as disruption, fines and harm to reputation, is manufacturing, and new data from ESET on cyber-security threats in the SME manufacturing sector highlights the scale of the threat to these firms.

According to the study, over three quarters of UK manufacturers had to deal with a cyber-security incident in the last year, with a whopping 95% revealing that their business was disrupted because an attack. For 75% of these businesses, production was affected for between one and seven days, with the bill for disruption at over £250,000 for more than 50% of those experiencing an incident. The cost for almost 20% of firms was over £1 million.

How alternative lenders can help finance investment in cyber-security

While a lack of awareness and understanding of the problem remains an issue for small businesses, with the ESET study showing that only just over a fifth of SME manufacturing companies make cyber-security the responsibility of top-level executives, it is cost that it proving the most significant barrier to improving cyber-security.

In a climate where uncertainty has become the only certainty and traditional lenders remain resolutely cautious with regard to small business finance, it is hardly surprising that firms are finding it difficult to put more money into cyber-security, whether in terms of staff training or upgraded software and systems. This is where alternative finance can help.

In response to the squeeze on lending, alternative finance has become into a vital lifeline for small firms. Solutions such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are filling the funding gap, offering speed, affordability and tailored support.

Notably, the Growth Guarantee Scheme is providing a wide range of finance facilities to smaller firms, including invoice finance, and there has been recent calls for the initiative to be expanded significantly to help smaller businesses struggling to access finance. Such development offers further proof that alternative lenders are increasing filling the small business funding gap.

Small firm options for raising finance for cyber-security investment

Awareness isn’t really the issue when it comes to small business investment in cyber-security – it’s cash, and access to finance. And recent research is only a reminder of the dangers that this threat poses to vulnerable firms, in particular as it continues to evolve.

While a reluctance to commit resources is understandable in the current climate, it is vital that small businesses put the necessary level of protection in place. This is why it is important that key decision-makers are aware of all the finance options available to them, including the services of alternative lenders.

To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact Tony Hedger on 01903 602211 or tony.hedger@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.