What does the workplace stress landscape look like?

A recent study from Hiscox underlines the extent to which workplace stress is affecting small businesses. According to the research, a staggering 90% of SME owners can’t get a good night’s sleep as a result of worries over business risks. The 2026 Burnout Report paints a similar picture, with the survey revealing that 20% of workers took time off because of poor mental health, rising to almost 40% for 18 to 24 year olds.

This makes grim reading, with mental health issues carrying serious personal and business risks. According to research from Astutis, over half of employees are making mistakes in the workplace because of stress, while over a quarter have missed a deadline and a third have clashed with a colleague at work for the same reason. Overall, almost a million workers have experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety in the last year.

Among the leasing causes of workplace stress, for employees from top to bottom, are cyber threats and data breaches, rising energy and fuel costs and supply chain disruption, while late payment issues, legal problems, labour costs and tax rises are also key worries for small business owners and staff.

Given the role that small business play in the economy, it is essential that these firms are able to efficiently engage with workplace wellbeing and have the systems and structures in place relating to employee mental health. Notably, the call to treat mental health as workplace issue is growing louder and the trend toward offering wellbeing plans and policies is advancing. However, at the same time, it is clear that small firms could be doing more.

How alternative lenders can help fund workplace wellbeing investment

What is holding small businesses back when it comes to investing in workplace wellbeing? Cost. Margins are tight and cash flow is under pressure, which leaves little room for finding money for investment, no matter how essential it is. At the same time, accessing finance is difficult, with traditional banks remaining cautious with regard to small firm lending.

This is where alternative lenders can help.

Small business lending from legacy sources remains difficult in Q2, with almost 40% of firms are finding accessing affordable finance one of their biggest challenges. Notably, there has been a call for the introduction of legislation that would require banks to increase access to low-cost lending for small businesses.

In response, 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 firm finance options for investing in workplace wellbeing

Investing in workplace wellbeing is very challenging in the current climate, but such are the personal and business risks that firms have to find a way. Without key people, or with stress forcing significant errors or bad decisions, the pressure on small firms will only grow.

This is why, with traditional banks taking a cautious stance over small business lending, 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 Steve Bowles on 01903 602211 or steve.bowles@atbusinessassociates.co.uk

The latest government attempt to tackle late payment is certainly grabbing the headlines – there has been lots of coverage of how tough the new measures are and the impact that they are going to have. However, some business owners aren’t convinced it will solve the problem.

How late payment is hurting small businesses and the economy

What is not in doubt is the damage inflicted by late payment. There are plenty of figures to cite and they all tell the same story. According to Creditsafe, the number of overdue invoices jumped by 3% for Q1 to almost 17.5 million, with a staggering 1.5 million businesses dealing with outstanding payment. Tellingly, the study also showed a 9% increase in insolvencies compared to Q4 2025.

As for the costs involved, according to Bibby Financial Services, on average, SMEs are owed £66,770 in overdue invoices, a 10% rise compared to last year, while almost a third have written off nearly £30,000 as a result of failure to pay invoices or insolvency. FSB research paints an even starker picture, with the organisations claiming that late payment costs the economy £11 billion per year, with almost 70% of firms struggling with invoice payment delays in Q1.

This is what the government reform package is aimed at changing, but for small business owners, the proof will be in the pudding, not least as previous initiatives have had little meaningful impact. Notably, there is concern over the impact of reform on key business relationships and, indeed, what the reform will look like once they’ve been through the House of Lords, with many fearing the watering down of measures.

How alternative finance can help protect against late payment shocks

Scepticism from the small business sector regarding the latest late payment reforms is understandable given how past efforts have fallen flat. The nature and scope of the measures are grounds for optimism, but owners won’t pinning all their hopes on the new law, especially with any impact, should it arrive, unlikely to be seen before 2027.

Interestingly, it has been suggested that businesses should get ahead of the legislation by implementing some of the measures before the law is officially passed, such as with regard to charging interest on late payments. It will interesting to see how far this goes.

But what if firm don’t fancy being so bold? What else can owners do to protect cashflow and their businesses from late payment? This is where alternative finance can help.

In response to this 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.

In particular in relation to late payment, invoice finance is allowing businesses to secure capital without putting key business relationships at risk. As much as 90% of an approved invoice can be advanced by a finance provider, with the remainder settled by the client.

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 finance options for managing late payment pain

Given the upward pressure on fuel and energy prices, and the likelihood of a knock-on effect on other costs, finding a solution to late payment has rarely been so pressing for small businesses. The government’s reform package is a positive move, but scepticism remains around it, with the timeline for any roll out still unclear.

This is why it is imperative that key decision makers are aware of all the solutions for managing late payment, including the role invoice finance can play in dealing with the practice.

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

According to new research from Novuna Business Finance, seven years after net zero targets were announced, over a third of manufacturing SMEs are carrying out sustainability-related activities on a daily basis. Over 20% revealed that sustainability is more strategically integrated into their business culture.

This is a significant amount of SMEs, and the rising level of action is a positive, but the numbers aren’t quite as impressive as they might seem at first glance. There are clearly still many SME manufacturers that could do more to target sustainability objectives, in particular as 96% of these firms said that sustainability is more important to their business than 12 months ago.

Sustainability reporting: why smaller firm investment is critical

The pressure is building for small businesses not just in terms of their use of electric vehicles, smart lighting or green power, or their elimination of single-use plastics or promotion of paperless administration and communication, etc. The need for these firms to engage with sustainability reporting continues to grow.

While such reporting is still voluntary for small businesses, for the many that are part of a supply chain linked a large company client, the trend towards disclosing climate-related risks, governance, strategy and performance is clear.

The scrutiny of large company sustainability practices is growing, with the government introducing its UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, and this means more and more will be asked of smaller firms in the supply chain in terms of sustainability reporting. And if they can’t produce this information, their place in the chain is at risk.

How alternative lenders can help fund sustainability investment

Why aren’t small businesses embracing sustainability at a faster rate, in particular as awareness is at a high level? According to the Novuna research, cost is the major barrier, with 78% of SME manufacturers citing operational and market pressures as a key challenge, while a further 42% point to wider economic and political uncertainty.

It is a familiar picture: development is important and investment is required, but the environment in which this must be achieved is a highly challenging one, not least as traditional banks remain cautious with regard to small business lending. How can firms access the finance they need?

This is where alternative lenders can help.

Small business lending from legacy sources remains difficult in Q2, with almost 40% of firms are finding accessing affordable finance one of their biggest challenges. Notably, there has been a call for the introduction of legislation that would require banks to increase access to low-cost lending for small businesses.

In response, 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.

Smaller business finance options for sustainability investment

If the pace of sustainable activity adoption is going to accelerate among small businesses, and if they are going to be meet the coming demand for greater sustainability reporting, it is essential that these firms increase investment. However, accessing finance remain problematic, not least from traditional lenders.

This is why it is important that going into the second half of the year 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 Steve Bowles on 01903 602211 or steve.bowles@atbusinessassociates.co.uk

Why are small businesses losing out when customers reach the till? According to a new survey from money.co.uk, almost half of the firms that it surveyed revealed that they had lost sales because of slow card machines. More than 60% of businesses put losses at over £2,500 and over 30% at more than £10,400.

The main reasons behind the problems with card machines, and the lost sales they are causing, are poor wi-fi, slow internet speed and high provider network traffic. At a time when small businesses are struggling to get customers through the door, they can barely afford such missed opportunities. This makes investment in better systems a priority.

Another reason for putting money into high-quality POS tech is the continued move away from cash use by customers, including on the high street. According to a study from ATM network Link, while cash is still used in around 45% of in-person transactions, the trend is clear, with 14% of small businesses going cashless in the last 12 months.

Interestingly, the key factors behind the move to cashless payments for small businesses are fraud prevention, security concerns and a lack of customer demand. Making bookkeeping and accounting easier to manage, a lack of deposit facilities and local bank branch closures were other reasons cited in the survey.

How alternative finance can help with workplace tech investment

What is stopping small businesses get up to speed when it comes to POS tech? One of main factors is cost. In the current climate, finding the money to invest in new systems, no matter how essential, is highly challenging, especially with traditional lenders continuing to be cautious when it comes to small firm lending.

So, how can businesses finance such investment, while safeguarding cash flow?

This is where alternative finance can help.

In response to this 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.

These agile funding facilitates are helping small businesses survive and target stability and growth. For example, asset finance is being commonly used 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.

Small firm finance options for investing in POS payment tech

Small businesses can ill afford to lose sales through POS payment tech failures. With the risk of such losses running into the billions for 2026 alone, the need to invest in better systems that reduce the volume of cancelled sales couldn’t be clearer.

However, such spending is far from straightforward for firms in the current climate. The demand on cash flow remains as acute as ever, while the cost-of-living crisis continuing to hit spending power. Access to finance is vital, and with legacy lenders remaining cautious, 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.

As the Iran war drags on, and its economic impact continues to grow, the consequences for small businesses are becoming increasingly stark. According to new research from The Director’s Helpline, over three quarters of SMEs are not sure if they can pay their bills next month. This staggering revelation points to an urgent cash flow crisis.

The study also revealed the worrying level of debt in the small business sector. Almost 80% of company directors admitted to significant liabilities, with nearly 60% owing more than £25,000, while well over a third were in the hole for more than £50,000. For 6%, the debt was over £250,000.

Unsurprisingly, as a result of this new wave of uncertainty, growth forecasts are set to be downgraded, and, for all the resilience the sector is showing, small business confidence is likely to take a hit as well. Notably, while confidence showed a slight improvement in Q1, it remains at a historically low level.

Looking ahead, rising inflation, linked to increasing fuel prices and energy costs, coupled with sluggish consumer spending and employee wage growth are likely to be key factors in the slowdown. Late payment pressures and other squeezes on capital, including in relation to cyber-security, are also set to contribute.

Alternative lenders and access to essential finance

If small businesses are going to overcome the latest bump in the road, and these firms have proved remarkedly hardy to date, safeguarding cash flow is critical. This requires access to finance. However, with traditional banks continuing to prove cautious when it comes to small business lending, firms face another sizeable challenge here.

This is where alternative finance can help.

Small business lending from legacy sources remains difficult in Q2, with almost 40% of firms are finding accessing affordable finance one of their biggest challenges. Notably, there has been a call for the introduction of legislation that would require banks to increase access to low-cost lending for small businesses.

In response, 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 firm finance options for mitigating cash flow threats

The results of the Director’s Helpline survey are a warning of the precarious nature of the small business sector – firms have been battling fierce headwinds for a prolonged period, with many clearly at breaking point. This is what makes the latest wave of rising costs such a threat.

Access to finance is critical to keeping wheels turning and the doors open – to safeguarding cash flow and maintaining liquidity. As such, with traditional lenders remaining cautious, it is vital 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 Steve Bowles on 01903 602211 or steve.bowles@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

New research shows cyber-attacks as the number one risk for business in 2026, above economic pressures, negligence claims and regulatory claims. Almost two thirds of firms put cyber-threats at the top of the pile. And the risk is greatest for small businesses.

While attacks on large firms – such as Marks & Spencer, Co-op and Jaguar – grab the headlines, it is small businesses that are increasingly being target by cyber-criminals. According to government data, 42% of micro firms and 46% of small firms have reported an attack or a breach in the last year.

While the cash costs in cases involving large businesses are always more notable, the consequences for smaller ones are more serious – they don’t have the same resources to deal with the fallout from an attack. Research from Samsung shows that one in five SMEs would have to shut up shop if they were hit with a breach or an attack, with such an event costing them around £100,000 in lost revenues and fines.

With such sums and scenarios in play, it is easy to see why cyber-attacks have become such a danger to small businesses. Yet, despite the continued focus on cyber-security, these firms continue to drag their feet when it comes to beefing up systems and putting more stringent safeguards in place.

How alternative finance can help with cyber-security investment

The main reason for hesitancy among small businesses towards investing in cyber-security is cost. And that’s hardly surprising. Strengthening systems means spending money in such areas as new software, incident response planning and strategic preparedness and training, including in relation to the use of AI, and this all comes with a hefty price tag.

At the same time, accessing finance is proving as challenging as ever, with traditional banks continuing to exercise caution with regard to small business lending. This is where alternative finance can help.

In response to this squeeze, alternative finance has become into a vital lifeline. Solutions such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are filling the funding gap, offering speed, affordability and tailored support. These agile funding facilitates are helping small businesses survive and target stability and growth.

Small firm finance options for investing in greater cyber-resilience

The penny really should have dropped about cyber-security now for small businesses, but the level of protection still isn’t matching the level of threat. Yes, the market remains difficult and weighed down by major macro-economic and geo-political factors, and accessing finance from legacy lenders remains tough, but investment is critical.

This is why it is vital that key-decision makers at small firms are awareness 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 skills gap is endangering small businesses?

In what area is employee training lacking? This time it’s a big one – AI, but it’s an issue that is evident across the sector, from sustainability to cyber-security. And a common theme across these areas is that the skills gap is widening, endangering the ability of firms to take advantage of new technology and related benefits.

According to new research from QA, while AI is now widely used by businesses, almost a third of staff have no formal training in the technology, while only 15% get ongoing or advanced support. This impact of this shortfall is clear: less than 10% of employees considering themselves advanced or expert AI users and most using it solely for straightforward, low-impact jobs.

This disconnect is even more jarring because firms are spending significantly on AI and other technology – but they’re not investing to the same extent in the training that can optimise this outlay, with a lack of AI literacy and the underutilisation of the technology blocking access to key productivity and efficiency gains.

Of course, investing in training for employees is the solution. Spend on closing the skills gap, bring staff up to speed, reap the rewards – sounds simple. Except it isn’t, because training comes with a price tag – courses to be paid for, time away from clients to be covered, salary expectations to be managed, etc.

How alternative lenders can help with finance for staff AI training

It is hardly surprising that cost is a primary cause of the widening AI skills gap. The pressure on small business capital resources and cash flow is relentless, and the economic fallout from the Iran war is only set to crank it up further.

According to a new study from Begbies Traynor Group, the number of UK businesses in critical financial distress rose by over a third in Q1 2026. Rising fuel prices and energy costs are only to push this figure higher, with many sector sources forecasting that small firm bills could increase by over 50% by the end of Q2.

However, with development such as AI training for employees, firms have to find a way to invest. If they don’t, they risk getting left behind and facing up to a weakened market position. Access to finance is critical, and with traditional banks remaining cautious over small business lending, this is where alternative finance can help.

Small business lending from legacy sources remains difficult in Q2, with almost 40% of firms are finding accessing affordable finance one of their biggest challenges. Notably, there has been a call for the introduction of legislation that would require banks to increase access to low-cost lending for small businesses.

In response, alternative lending solutions, such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending, have become funding lifelines. 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 firm finance options for funding workplace AI training

Closing the AI skills gap in the current climate is both essential and challenging. The market is facing yet another period of acute uncertainty as the Iran war shows few signs of coming to an end, yet at the same time maximising the benefits of new technology such as AI is critical if firms are going to survive and grow.

As such, it is crucial that small businesses can access the finance they need to afford key investment and safeguard cash flow. With traditional banks steadfast in their caution in lending to small firms, 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 Steve Bowles on 01903 602211 or steve.bowles@atbusinessassociates.co.uk.

What does the Iran war mean for small business finances in Q2?

With uncertainty the only certain thing about the Iran war, with little to suggest that the conflict is going to end any time soon, the impact on the small business sector is already beginning to show. While inflation is rising, growth forecasts for small business are starting to shrink.

Inflation jumped to 3.3% in March and the rate is expected to rise further going forward as the disruption caused by the Iran war continues, in particular in relation to the supply of fuel. There has already been a hike in petrol and diesel prices, affecting small businesses across the spectrum, while energy prices are also increasing.

The consequences for small firms are already evident. According to new research from Novuna Business Finance, the number of business owners predicting growth is at a 10-year low. Less than 30% of firms are predicting growth for the next quarter, with the usual seasonal uplift in outlook nowhere to be seen.

Over three quarters of owners fear the damage that the Iran war will do their business. The concern is most acute in the transport and distribution sector, with agriculture and manufacturing also at the top of the list. Businesses that are already having to manage pressures related to the war in Ukraine and US tariffs, now have a new source of stress to contend with.

How alternative finance can help with safeguarding cash flow

While small businesses are by now well versed in resilience, the fallout from the Iran war will be hugely challenging to manage. While owners must safeguard cash flow amid a fresh wave of rising prices and higher bills, they also have to find the capital for essential investment amid all the upheaval.

Access to finance is critical, and at a time when traditional banks are remaining cautious with regard to small business lending, this is where alternative finance can help.

In response to this squeeze, alternative finance has become into a vital lifeline. Solutions such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are filling the funding gap, offering speed, affordability and tailored support. These agile funding facilitates are helping small businesses survive and target stability and growth.

Small firm finance options for accessing capital for essential investment

In an already stressed climate, small businesses have been thrown yet another curve ball in the form of the Iran war and its impact on fuel prices and energy costs. Already far from straightforward, protecting cash flow and accessing capital for investment is set to become more challenging.

This is why it is critical that small business owners 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 the state of small business mental health in 2026?

New research leaves little doubt as to the extent of the problem. According to a study from Novuna Business Finance, almost 80% of small business owners revealed that worries linked to running their businesses kept them up at night, with economic volatility and geo-political uncertainty the major cause of this sleeplessness, cited by over 50% of owners.

Of course, it not just these big-ticket factors that are affecting the health of those in charge of small businesses. The research also points the finger at issues relating to tax and interest rates, red tape, compliance and regulations and business rates. That said, geo-political matters are likely to cause more and more nightmares the longer the supply of oil is disrupted.

Surveys from Purbeck Insurance Services and Market Direct paint. a similar picture. According to research from the former, one in four small business owners admitted that their mental health had been significantly affected because of stress relating to managing their business finances, with cash flow problems, debt issues and personal guarantee risks the causes of particular strain.

With regard to the Market Direct study, almost half of respondents said that they had considered leaving their business because of stress, with nearly 60% reporting that they had experienced burnout. Notably, well over half admitted to working more than the standard hours, while 40% said they had to factor in out-of-hours client work.

How alternative lenders can help with finance for workplace wellbeing

The recent research lays bare the toll running a small business can have, and with the global oil supply continuing to be disrupted, it seems fair to say that there will be more stress to deal with in the short term.

These are, of course, solutions. Workplace wellbeing is a fast growing segment, with an expanding list of initiatives and schemes that can be put in place to improve the mental and physical health of employees, including senior personnel and owners. Also, reducing stress can also be achieved by increasing investment in internal systems and resources.

However, this all comes with a price tag. And at the moment, with numerous demands on company capital, finding the capacity to spend on workplace wellbeing is far from straightforward, in particular with access to finance continuing to be challenging as legacy lenders remain cautious about lending to small firms.

This is where alternative finance can help.

Small business lending from traditional sources remains difficult as Q2 gets into gear: almost 40% of firms are finding accessing affordable finance one of their biggest challenges. Notably, there has been a call for the introduction of legislation that would require banks to increase access to low-cost lending for small businesses.

In response, alternative lending solutions, such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending, have become essential funding lifelines. 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 firm finance options for investing in workplace wellbeing

While not often a headline subject, the seriousness of workplace stress shouldn’t be overlooked, not least with regard to health of those who run these firms. After all, without key personnel, business performance is affected and this can be a slippery slope to something more calamitous.

Combating stress and safeguarding the health of employees is possible but it requires investment. Yet with limitations around lending from legacy banks, such a step presents its own set of stresses. This is why it is important that key decision-makers are aware of all the available finance options, 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.

It’s not easy to get a clear read on the new business rates schedule, even though the details have been around for some time. A lot of headlines are screaming doom and gloom, but others are less pessimistic, while the government is claiming that many businesses will benefit from lower rates as a result of its reshaping of the tax system. It feels like the proof will be very much in the pudding.

There are sources that claim that some firms face a spike in payments of as much as 80% and that the increase in bills could force as many as 340,000 businesses to close, with 1.4 million firms facing the prospect of having to make redundancies. At the same time, the Chancellor has commented that the reform will deliver permanently lower rates for the likes of retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, with the largest properties carrying more of financial load.

Regardless of the forecasting, the uncertainty is unwelcome at a time when the pressure on small businesses appears relentless. There are myriad demands on small firm cash flow, from costs relating to cyber-security and AI to those linked to decarbonisation and late payment. Furthermore, there is the prospect of rising oil prices checking the fragile economic recovery.

How alternative finance can help with new business rates costs

Undoubtedly some firms will be facing higher business rates bills, not at least as the Covid-era reliefs have been ended, although the government has put in place targeted business rates support for pubs, retail and hospitality after campaigns highlighting closures.

Nevertheless, managing the impact on cash flow at the time when margins are being stretched incredibly thin will be difficult. Access to finance is critical, as ever, but with legacy lenders continuing to be cautious when it comes to small businesses, this is far from straightforward. This is where alternative finance can help.

In response to this squeeze, alternative finance has become into a vital lifeline. Solutions such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are filling the funding gap, offering speed, affordability and tailored support. These agile funding facilitates are helping small businesses survive and target stability and growth.

Dealing with business rates: options for accessing small firm finance in 2026

The introduction of the new business rates plan has been long trailed but it’s arrival has been jolting nevertheless. The complexity surrounding the reform doesn’t help, but this is arguably immaterial to firms that will have to find the cash to pay higher bills.

Overcoming this challenge, and its impact on cash flow, in such an unpredictable market environment will be a test of businesses’ financial planning and flexibility. 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.