Providing Consistency in Uncertain Times: Addressing SMEs’ Growing Need for Funding

As UK SMEs navigate 2025’s high-cost environment, the pressure to manage cashflow while pursuing growth is more intense than ever. The recent Spring Statement reaffirmed the fiscal constraints and rising costs facing small businesses and offered little relief.  At the time of writing global trade tariffs are also creating huge amounts of uncertainty and volatility across markets.

Yet despite the headwinds, there’s a strong sense of ambition among SMEs. Our latest SME Confidence Tracker, surveying a thousand businesses, revealed 66% expect sales to grow over the next six months. 87% are planning to invest in their business and many are aiming to attract new customers.

However, this optimism is tempered by persistent challenges around high costs and cashflow. 66% of businesses cited inflation and high costs as their biggest challenge, whilst a third reported insufficient cashflow to grow.

This context helps explain why 44% of SMEs say they are more likely to use external finance, and 41%  have seen their need for it increase over the past six months. As demand for flexible funding rises, the value of having the right partner and the right products becomes even clearer.

How Bibby Financial Services Supports Brokers and Their Clients

At Bibby Financial Services, we work closely with brokers to support SMEs with tailored, scalable solutions that meet both day-to-day and long-term needs. Our ability to provide multi-layered solutions can enhance the funding we are able to offer your clients.

Invoice Finance:

Unlocks cash tied up in unpaid invoices, providing access to funds within 24 hours. Flexible funding which grows as the business grows and avoids taking on additional debt.

Cashflow Advance and Cashflow Loans:

Can be used effectively alongside Invoice Finance to provide additional funding over and above the core facility.

Foreign Exchange:

Offers competitive rates and enables efficient international payments. Spot conversions support immediate needs and forward contracts help minimise the impact of future currency fluctuations.

Asset Finance:

Releases cash from existing assets or removes the need for significant upfront investment. Leasing, Hire Purchase and Refinancing options available.

About Bibby Financial Services

With over 40 years of experience, we understand that no two businesses are alike. Our national broker network plays a vital role in our continued success, with a significant amount of new business last year originating through broker introductions. To explore how we can support your clients, visit Bibby Financial Services

Visit Bibby Financial Services

About Fiducia Commercial Network

Fiducia Commercial Network is a commercial finance \’Appointed Representative\’ network created to allow independent firms to provide commercial property finance and trading business finance options to their existing client base and network.

Joining the network provides opportunities for professional brokers to offer a full range of commercial finance solutions by acting as an Appointed Representative (AR) with the full support of the Fiducia Commercial Network team.

The Fiducia Commercial Network membership includes FCA authorisation and reporting, PI insurance, and NACFB membership, plus business, compliance, finance, system, and admin support from a company with over 20 years\’ experience in commercial finance.

If you\’d like to discuss joining Fiducia Commercial Network or you\’d like to apply to become an Appointed Representative…

SPEAK TO OUR TEAM

To discuss Fiducia Commercial Network or to apply to become an Appointed Representative email the team via by clicking this link.

For all media and marketing enquiries contact –  pr@fiduciagroup.co.uk