How have small businesses reacted to the 2026 Autumn Budget?

The answer, in short, is that the 2026 Budget was better for small businesses. But that doesn’t tell the whole story – far from it. While many of the measures announced by the Chancellor have been welcomed by the sector, the feeling is that he didn’t go far enough to help struggling firms facing yet another costs crisis.

Case in point, perhaps, is the changes to business rates. The major business organisations lobbied hard for significant change to the system – they argued that, yes, reform had been introduced earlier in the year, but more was needed. Well, more change is coming, with an increase in Small Business Rates Relief for small firms in retail, hospitality and leisure, but the reaction was that it should have been more widely applied.

Elsewhere, the increase in the Trading Allowance, which will help entrepreneurs, got a thumbs up, as did the decision to slow the convergence of youth rates with the National Living Wage, while there was relief that no new tax increases materialised. It should also be noted that, taking a step back, there has been recognition of the difficult global economic and geopolitical pressures that the government is facing.

However, the disappoint seems clear. Notably, the Federation of Small Businesses has said that there was nothing in the Budget to change its downbeat outlook for the small business sector. According to the body, almost 50% of small businesses expect their revenues to shrink in the short term, while firms are three times more likely to reduce headcount than increase it.

Access to finance for small firms and how alternative lenders can help

Looking at the immediate response to the 2026 Budget, it’s clear that the small business sector was hoping for more. Yes, there has been a positive reaction to many measures, but there is a widely held belief that the Chancellor has come up short in key areas. The judgement of the British Chambers of Commerce, in that small businesses won’t notice this Budget, seems to encapsulate the general reaction.

And this disappointment is hardly surprising with firms fighting significant market headwinds, which are set to pick up further in the coming months. As ever, access to finance is critical in such conditions, but small businesses face a sizeable challenge here too, with traditional banks continuing to be cautious with regard to small business lending.

What’s the solution? 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 funding operations in 2027

It is easy to understand the mixed feedback to the 2026 Budget from small firms. Even acknowledging the complicated global economic landscape, businesses wanted more support to help them manage the growing pressures on revenues, margins and cashflow.

But they have what they have and looking ahead to 2027, the picture is clearer regarding help. Against this backdrop, and with traditional lender caution towards small business lending continuing, 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.

How much is late payment costing small businesses in 2026?

When it comes to late payment, is it a case of one step forward, two steps back? Maybe. Because while steps are being taken to address the issue, the problem is getting worse, with firms complaining of an upturn in clients taking longer to pay rather than an improvement in the situation.

According to the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, it helped small businesses recover more than £1 billion in outstanding late payments in the first half of 2026. At the same time, the Commercial Payments Bill is moving through parliament with the goal of establishing what the government has labelled one of the toughest legal framework on late payment. It includes a 60-payment cap, mandatory interest and expansion of the Commissioner’s powers, including to issue multi-million-pound fines.

This sounds impressive, like muscles are finally being flexed, yet a new study from Century Business Finance, based on official government data, puts the amount owed to small business in late payments at a staggering £26 billion.

What does this level of debt mean for small businesses? According to government research, late payment is forcing 38 firms out of business every day. This is an extraordinary figure that leaves little doubt as to the scale of the problem. Data from the latest Bibby Financial Services SME Confidence Tracker puts the average amount owed in overdue payments to SMEs at £72,000, while research from Howden revealed that nearly one in three SMEs spend more than six hours per month chasing late invoices.

How alternative lenders can help small firms manage late payment

While the latest figures on late payment are hardly surprising, they still sting. The pressure on small businesses has rarely been more acute, with the latest spike in fuel and energy costs threatening to push many over the edge. As such, late payment is a hammer blow.

However, the problem isn’t unsurmountable: access to finance is crucial to managing the impact of late payment on working capital. Yet even here small business face a significant barrier, with traditional banks continuing to be cautious with regard to small firm lending. This is where alternative lenders 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 have 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 dealing with overdue payments

If the tide is going turn for small businesses, it is vital that late payment is properly addressed. The work of the Small Business Commissioner and the progress of the Commercial Payments Bills offer encouragement, but small business leaders won’t be hanging out the bunting just yet. Previous efforts to tackle the problem have come to little.

This is why it is important that key decision-makers in the small business sector are aware of all the solutions for managing late payment, including the role that invoice finance can play in helping them deal with the practice.

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

How much will rising diesel prices cost small firms in 2026?

New analysis shows the size of the problem that rising diesel prices pose for small businesses. According to the study, the cost of covering the increasing price of diesel for van drivers is set to reach £2.5 billion for the year. With small firms accounting for a significant portion of van drivers (the vast majority of small commercial vehicles still run on diesel despite growth in the use of electric vans), the burden on an already under-pressure sector is clear.

The release of these findings, with the cause linked to disruption to supply from Russia and the Middle East, adds yet more weight to small business demands for help with fuel costs from the Chancellor. The Federation of Small Businesses, among others, has sounded the alarm around rising costs, calling for the provision of “breathing space” for small businesses in the Autumn Budget 2026.

The British Chambers of Commerce is one the names on this list, pointing to the threat that rising running costs, including the price of fuel, business rates, national insurance and broader inflation, represent to small firms struggling to keep their heads above water. Meanwhile, other recent studies have revealed growing problems that small businesses face with regard to the payment of corporation tax and VAT.

How alternative lenders can help with safeguarding working capital

While rising costs is not a new problem for small businesses, the fresh spike in bills feels more significant, with serious doubts about firms’ ability to absorb yet another round of increases. Hence, the lobbying of the Chancellor and the requests for help ahead of the Budget.

Access to finance is critical to managing the impact of rising costs and this time is no different. However, ongoing caution from traditional banks to small business lending is presenting yet another challenge for firms. This is where alternative lenders 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 dealing with spiking diesel bills

While pressure on the Chancellor typically builds before a Budget, often around a single issue, the spiralling cost of diesel, amid a broader energy price spike, feels genuinely urgent and meriting of direct action. To date, small businesses have proved admirably resilient to the impact of rising running costs, including fuel bills, but this most recent surge surely risks asking too much and pushing many to the wall.

Whether the government steps in remains to be seen, but regardless, access to finance is crucial to facing down this latest challenge. As such, and against the backdrop of continued caution from traditional lenders, 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.

SME tax bills and the risks they are taking in order to pay them

It comes as little surprise to learn that SMEs are finding it difficult to find the money to meet their tax demands. According to a new study from Premium Credit, 52% of these businesses are having problems with paying their taxes.

The greatest challenge is corporation tax, with over 20% experiencing difficulties with payment, while 12% are increasingly stuck with regard to paying VAT. A worrying level, at 20%, are struggling with both. Notably, almost 40% revealed that the amount of tax owed was over £50,000.

Another tax that is causing SMEs problems is business rates. Tellingly, further reform of the system is high on firms’ wish list for the 2026 Autumn Budget, despite the extensive reorganising that has taken place over the last 12 months. That the message from SMEs to the Chancellor is crystalising around “breathing space” tells its own story.

The pressure on SME finances is growing even stronger, highlighted by some of the steps that businesses are taking to pay their tax bills. These include loading up business credit cards and using unsecured loans as well as cutting staff and reducing recruitment. Then there is the growing risk of legal action if bills are unpaid, with recent evidence showing that councils are taking more businesses to court over outstanding business rates.

How alternative lenders can help SME meet their tax obligations

Paying tax bills in the wake of yet another round of rising energy, employment and costs and continued market difficulties is clearly proving increasingly difficult for SMEs. With access to finance critical to managing the impact on cashflow, ongoing caution from traditional banks with regard to small business lending is making the situation even more challenging.

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.

SME finance options for paying corporation tax and other tax bills

Essentially, the recent study from Premium Credit shows the continuation, or indeed worsening, of an ongoing problem. The relentless pressure on working capital from years of severe headwinds is becoming increasingly apparent, both in terms of the rising number of unpaid bills and what businesses are doing to make ends meet.

Nevertheless, cashflow has to be managed and tax bills have to be paid. As such, against the backdrop of continued caution from traditional lenders, 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 do smaller firms want from the 2026 Autumn Budget?

The Federation for Small Businesses (FSB) has called for the Chancellor to give smaller companies breathing space in the Autumn Budget, a position that reflects the challenging market environment that they are facing. Taxes are, unsurprisingly, a key focus for the organisation.

The government has previously committed to not increasing income tax, VAT and national insurance, and there is little to suggest that it will break this promise. Indeed, it may well build on the measure to cut VAT on electricity bills from 5% to 0%, which comes into force on 1 October. Some small businesses already qualify for the reduced household rate and expanding coverage would certainly help firms.

Business rates is another hot topic and the FSB wants the Chancellor to up the threshold for 100% Small Business Rate Relief to a rateable value of £25,000. It claims that such a move would mean that around 250,000 businesses would stop having to pay rates. However, whether the government goes down this road remains to be seen, especially as extra relief has already been put in place for 2026-27.

The FSB is also lobbying for a reduction in employment taxes for small businesses, the implementation of a statutory sick pay rebate for smaller firms and a hike in the VAT registration threshold to £100,000. In addition, the organisation wants the government to cancel recent increases in Business Asset Disposal Relief.

How alternative finance can help with safeguarding working capital

The focus on breathing space for small businesses in Autumn Budget 2026, from the FSB and others, is hardly surprising given the prolonged headwinds that firms are having to endure. The prospect of yet more pressure on cash flow from further rises in energy prices only makes the case stronger.

However, given the global geopolitical conditions and their impact on the economy, it remains to be seen what the Chancellor will do at the end of October. Whatever happens, it is clear that accessing finance will be crucial to small business survival and development. At a time when traditional banks remain cautious with regard to small business lending, this is where alternative lenders 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 options for financing investment in Q4 and beyond

The lobbying for more help for small businesses is a familiar refrain at Budget time, but the need for such assistance seems particularly pressing this autumn given the likelihood of a fresh spike in energy prices putting further pressure on working capital.

Regardless of what measures are announced in the Autumn Budget 2026, access to finance remains critical for small businesses. As such, against the backdrop of continued caution from traditional lenders, it is important that key decision-makers are aware of all the available finance options, 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.

New research from the Post Office reveals the extent to which small businesses still use cash and the demands that this is putting on them as a result. According to the survey, firms spend over three weeks a year on cash-related admin, such as counting cash and taking it to the bank.

This is a significant amount of time and there is an argument that it could be more efficiently spent. There is also the question of safety, with the survey also finding that small business owners that handle notable amounts of cash often delay banking takings, keeping cash either on the premises, at home or on their person.

Cash vs cashless: key payment trends and future-proofing operations

So, the answer is going cashless? Well, that’s not how small businesses see it. While one in seven high-street shops has gone cashless over the last year according to a study from Link, the Post Office data shows that seven in 10 see regard cash as essential.

As such, it is clear that a balance is critical. Older and less tech savvy customers remain dependent on using cash, with these groups representing a key income stream. According to the Post Office research, almost 30% of payments received by small businesses are in cash and nearly 60% of firms would struggle if they switched to cashless.

Nevertheless, it is just as clear that a greater integration of cashless systems would generate important efficiencies for small businesses, not least as the move away from cash continues, with 78% of 16-24 year olds and 73% of 25-34 year olds using mobile payments at least once a month according to UK Finance. The cost of systems is a key obstacle to such development.

How alternative lenders can help with cashless payment system investment

That cost is a factor behind small business hesitancy towards investing in cashless payment systems is hardly surprising given the impact of prolonged market uncertainty on profit margins. Finding the money for investment is difficult, which is not helped by continued caution from traditional banks regarding small firm 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 options for financing cashless payment system investment

The latest research on the use cash is an eye-opener for small businesses. Yes, there is a clear demand for its continued use, but the tide is moving undoubtedly towards cashless payments. Firms have to manage the shift, in order to maintain sales and operational efficiency, and this means investment.

Given the current economic environment and ongoing caution from traditional banks, 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.

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.