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.

How is late payment hurting small firms and what are the new rules?

The talk is certainly tough when it comes to the new late payment rules. The promise of fines and investigations, a 60-day cap on payment terms, mandatory interest payments and beefed up powers for the Small Business Commissioner is grabbing attention and headlines.

Notably, the launch of the new plan came with a startling reminder of the damage that late payment inflicts on the small business sector. According to the government, the practice costs the UK economy £11 billion a year and leads to 38 businesses shutting their doors every day. Even if the consequences of late payment aren’t terminal, they still come with a huge cost – 86 hours per year are wasted chasing invoices, equal to an astonishing 133 million staff hours.

These figures underline the urgency behind finding a solution to late payment, even more so with recent reports revealing that the situation is continuing to get worse, with the incidence of late payment rising for almost half of small businesses in the last year. Any block to economic recovery will only make the pain more acute.

The new reform package undeniably has lead in its pencil – at least at the moment. And this is the rub. The process of turning the proposal into legislation is not quick and, critically, the details of the new rules are subject to change as it passes through primary and secondary legislation periods.

How alternative lenders can help with managing late payment costs

For all the positives in the new plan, based on previous government-led efforts to address the late payment issue, small businesses won’t be hanging out the bunting just yet. Many owners will have been down this road before, with the destination in the past almost always a dead end. As such, it is important that firms can safeguard themselves against the practice. And this is where alternative finance can help.

Small business lending from traditional sources remains subdued as Q2 gets under way, with almost 40% of firms finding accessing affordable finance one of their biggest challenges. Against this backdrop, services such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are proving a vital source of capital for small firms in the current funding climate.

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, offering further proof that alternative lenders are increasing filling the small business funding gap.

Small business finance options for dealing with late payment in 2026

The new government plan to combat late payment undoubtedly raises hope. It is vital that the reform keeps the teeth that the current draft has, but there are no guarantees, and small business owners are well aware of this. They won’t be holding their breath.

That’s why, with a new period of economic uncertainty looming, it is important that key decision-makers are able to position their firms to manage the impact of late payment. This includes being aware how invoice finance can help 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.

What are the key market trends and where are the opportunities?

The decent finish to 2025 was maintained in the first quarter, with capital returning to the market and investment activity continuing on an upward curve. However, the sector remains polarised to a notable extent, with awareness of key trends integral for investors looking to do deals in the market’s main subsectors.

Industrial and logistics remains the main engine of the market, although in Q1 it continued to mature and stabilise, with key operators optimising their infrastructure and vacancies rising. Nevertheless, competition for sites is expected to fuel momentum, with prime locations particularly attractive.

Polarisation is particularly notable in the office sector, where quality, location and sustainability profile are all crucial sell factors. Notably, high-quality flexible working space, which allows companies to avoid long-term real estate commitments, is a growing focus. As such, there is rising demand for this type of office space and this trend can be expected to continue into the next quarter and beyond, with a focus on major cities, including London.

The picture is similar in retail, with opportunities for investors strongly focused in prime location sites. Noticeable demand for limited high-quality space, especially in retail parks, is set to continue to frame sector development in 2026. It is hoped that this activity will fuel a significant uplift in retail, with non-prime retail continuing to struggle.

What specialist sector should investors be aware of in 2026?

Away from the main subsectors, a number of specialist property markets continue to offer good opportunities. The data centre space remains buoyant as AI development expands at pace, with this development increasing competition for sites.

Life sciences is another space performing well. Interestingly, approval has been received for a life-sciences hub in Oxford that will see a large city-based department store converted. Such a move again underlines the competition for space and perhaps points to an expansion of the retail-to-residential/leisure trend, potentially offering a lifeline for beleaguered city sites.

This move to greater mixed use is also encompassing another solidly performing specialist market – student accommodation. The recent announcement that a new regeneration scheme in Elephant and Castle in London will include a mix of residential, student accommodation and leisure sites is an example of such development.

Threats to market recovery and accessing investment finance in 2026

Overall, the first quarter has been a positive one for the commercial property sector, although recovery remains gradual and somewhat fragile. The strength of this upturn will be put to the test by the fallout of the US/Israeli-Iran conflict. Notably, rising energy costs were already a threat to growth before the war, so an increase in oil prices, coupled with greater economic uncertainty, could stymie any market revival.

Against this backdrop, with polarization set to remain a defining market trend, accessing finance will continue to be critical for investors looking to take advantage of commercial property opportunities. Notably, with legacy lenders still proving cautious, the role of alternative finance looks set to expand as investors are attracted by its accessibility, flexibility and affordability. In such an environment, the choice of commercial loan and mortgage provider is more important 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.

Red tape, compliance, whatever we want to label it – it is heaping pressure on small businesses that are already struggling to cope with countless demands on their cash amid highly challenging market conditions.

According to a new survey from the Federation of Small Businesses, red tape is costing small firms an astonishing £36 billion a year, with businesses losing around 379 million working hours in the process of dealing with it.

As such, it’s not difficult to see how red tape could be blocking sector investment and development. Think how useful that money would be to firms right now. And the other ways in which that time could be spent. It could be invested in new products and processes, or planning growth.

Notably, red tape is an issue that has been brought up recently in relation to the national apprenticeship scheme. Research from Employment Hero shows that while almost three quarters of SMEs are ready to take advantage of the new reforms, over 40% say that using the apprenticeship system is too complicated, which is stopping them from using it and hiring young people.

How alternative lenders can help with small business finance

Red tape is clearly a problem for small businesses, affecting investment in numerous areas, including apprentices. The government is aware of the issue, but its efforts at reform, including the Employment Rights Act, have come in for plenty of criticism, with doubts as to whether the proposed changes will provide enough help to small firms.

As such, it is clear that small businesses need to be proactive with dealing with red tape-related costs. As ever, accessing finance is integral to meeting this challenge and others. However, with traditional banks continuing to be cautious with regard to small business lending, with nearly 40% of firms struggling to secure the affordable capital they need to survive, an already difficult picture is being made more complicated.

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.

Options for accessing small firm finance in 2026

Red tape has long been a thorn in the side of small businesses and the pain it causes remains as acute as ever. Integral to managing its impact on cash flow and maintaining the availability of capital for essential investment is access to finance.

However, in the current climate, with caution towards small business lending continuing amid global economic uncertainty and depressed market conditions, this represents a significant challenge for small firms. 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.

Small business AI: why they’re adopting it and why they aren’t

Is this the make or break year for small business AI adoption? The jury, it seems, is still out. While more and more firms are integrating AI into their operations, at the same time, there is evidence that the rate should be higher, with obstacles causing hesitancy among businesses.

According to new research from Paragon Bank, SMEs are rapidly adopting AI, with almost 90% having already implemented some form of the technology. Businesses taking this step are targeting increased productivity, better data management and cost reductions. Notably, 50% of the businesses that took part in the study reported that they are likely to replace employees with AI or other technology.

The benefits of AI for some businesses are clear, although some uses do raise questions about quite how far its reach should be allowed to extend. According to research from American Express, more than a quarter of the small businesses founders interviewed for its Peer Power study revealed that that seek guidance from AI platforms rather than other business owners. The wisdom of such a practice is a matter of debate.

Nevertheless, small businesses can ill afford to miss out on AI-related advantages. Yet, it seems many are. According to a recent survey, key barriers to adoption include shortage of experienced AI specialists, the difficulty of integration the technology with existing systems, the provision of AI training and regulatory and compliance factors. Unsurprisingly, at the heart of all these factors is cost.

How alternative lenders can help with small firm AI investment

It is hardly a shock that cost is causing small businesses to think twice about AI adoption or take a cautious approach to such a strategy. Finding the capital for investment, while safeguarding cash flow, is far from straightforward in the current climate, in particular with legacy banks continuing to be reluctant with regard to small business lending.

That said, small businesses have to find a way to access the finance they need for essential investment, such as is new technology, including AI. This is where alternative finance can help.

Small business lending from traditional sources remains difficult as the end of Q1 2026 rolls into view: 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.

SME finance options for investing in AI in 2026

As the AI picture becomes clearer, in relation to how and where it can be used and legality issues, so do the pathways for effective adoption for small businesses. Against the backdrop of challenging market conditions, with no end to uncertainty seemingly in sight, firms can’t afford to miss out of the benefits.

However, the cost of adoption, and problems accessing finance, is holding some businesses back. 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.

How much are attacks costing businesses and why are small firms targeted?

There seems to be little doubt now about the danger that cyber-attackers pose to small businesses. The National Cyber Security Centre is the latest institution to warn against the growing threat, notably calling out what it claims is a widely held belief among small business owners that they won’t be targeted because of their size.

At the same time, the government has launched a campaign urging businesses, in particular small firms, to do more to protect themselves against cyber-attacks. The initiative follows the publication of government research showing that cyber-threats cost UK businesses £14.7 billion annually.

The study highlights that the average cost of an attack is £195,000, while half of small firms have experienced such an attack in the last year. Tellingly, it also reveals that less than a third of businesses carried out formal assessments of suppliers and that most lacked awareness about cyber-security attacks in their supply chains.

A new report from Chainanalysis paints a similar picture. According to this research, cyber-criminals are increasingly targeting SMEs, largely because these firms have less robust cyber-security systems.

Businesses aren’t ignoring the problem – far from it – with almost 60% of firms planning to increase spending on cyber-security by over 10% over the next year, according to the KPMG Global Tech Report 2026. However, critically, small businesses are continuing to drag their heels when it comes to investment.

How alternative lenders can help with investing in cyber-security

The muted engagement and underinvestment from small businesses in strengthening cyber-security is attributable to a number of causes, but the heart of them all is affordability. The prospect of investing significantly in upgrading systems and training is difficult to face for small firms in the current climate.

And this is perfectly understandable, but these businesses have to find a way to balance investment with protecting cash flow, and they don’t have the deep pockets that larger firms have. This is where alternative finance can help.

Traditional lending for small businesses has hit a bottleneck in 2026, with nearly 40% of firms struggling to secure the affordable capital they need to survive. This funding gap has triggered urgent demands for legislative reform to force banks into providing fairer, low-cost lending. In response to this squeeze, alternative finance has evolved from a secondary option into a vital lifeline. Solutions such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are filling the gap, offering speed, affordability and tailored support. These agile funding facilitates are helping small businesses survive and target stability and growth.

SME options for accessing finance for cyber-protection investment in 2026

The increasing awareness of the threat posed by cyber-attacks to small businesses if welcome, even if the government’s campaign does seem a little late in the day. However, solving the problem of affordability is far from easy.

The solution for small firms, as ever, lies in accessing finance, but with traditional banks remaining cautious with regard to lending, this continues to be challenging. 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.

New research from the Trade Union Congress suggests that stress is soaring at work, with the associated costs ramping up the pressure on small businesses. According to the study, sickness is costing employers a whopping £85 billion a year, including through lost productivity and sick pay. The report goes on to say that a sharp upturn in mental health issues is driving this increase in sickness.

These findings echo those of a Health and Safety Executive study released at the end of the 2025. According the research, around 22 million working days were lost as a result of stress, with 1.9 million people reportedly suffering from work-related illnesses. As well as stress these illnesses include depression and anxiety, as well as musculoskeletal disorders.

Focusing on small businesses, research from MoneySuperMarket showed that over 40% of small business owners felt burnt out by the end of 2025, with a third admitting that running their own business is harming their mental health. As a result, over a half said that they want to change their work-life habits in 2026.

Whether such change is possible given the current market climate remains to be seen, but there is a clear sentiment towards taking steps to improve approaches and conditions. According to the MoneySuperMarket survey, almost half of small business owners want to set stricter working hours and a similar amount are planning to delegate more.

Notably, such development can be seen as part of a wider recognition of physical and mental health in the workplace, which includes rising expectations around workplace wellbeing schemes. More and more employees view such initiatives as a must-have part of the working environment.

How alternative lenders can help with workplace wellbeing investment

The increased awareness of workplace wellbeing, and the greater rollout of related initiatives, from flexible work arrangements and on-site fitness classes to mental health days and nutritional support, is clearly a positive, but such evolution comes at a cost. While large firms have the deeper pockets to manage such investment, for small businesses finding the cash is more challenging.

Access to finance is key to managing this demand on cash flow for small businesses, however, with traditional banks remaining cautious towards lending to these firms, this is proving far from straightforward.

This is where alternative finance can help.

Small business lending from traditional sources remains subdued in 2026, with almost 40% of firms 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.

Against this backdrop, services such as invoice finance, asset finance and peer-to-peer lending are proving a vital source of capital for small businesses in the current funding climate. These alternative finance facilities, which offer a more easily accessible, affordable and personalised approach to lending, are helping small businesses survive and target recovery, stability and growth.

Small firm finance options for funding workplace wellness schemes in 2026

Another demand on capital is the last thing small businesses need right now, but workplace stress and the need for workplace wellness schemes is something that has to be engaged with. Without staff, in particular key talent, firms can’t function properly, and this is a threat to performance and profitability.

This is why investing in workplace wellbeing is so important and why, against a backdrop of ongoing conservatism towards small firm lending from traditional banks, it is essential 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.