August has been a month of mixed signals. On one hand, confidence among UK businesses is holding up. Lloyds’ index rose to 54%, its fourth month of growth, with trading prospects climbing to 63%, the strongest since 2014. Yet overall sentiment dipped to 44%, showing many firms still feel uncertain.
Inflation climbed to 3.8% and is expected to reach 4% in September. Rising costs continue to squeeze margins, especially in services, where the CBI has reported declining activity and weaker demand. At the same time, the Bank of England has cut interest rates to 4%, its fifth reduction this year, making finance cheaper but not necessarily easier to access.
For SMEs, this creates a contradictory landscape. They need working capital to cover costs and invest in growth, but many remain cautious about long-term commitments. This tension is exactly where brokers add value, advising clients on short-term funding options that balance flexibility with affordability.
The market itself is shifting. Traditional high-street banks are retreating from SME lending, with 71% of brokers confirming reduced appetite. This has left a funding gap of almost £90 billion. Alternative lenders are stepping in, now responsible for around 60% of gross SME lending. Demand for quick, adaptable finance is only set to grow as September’s autumn budget approaches. With a £41.2 billion fiscal gap, the government is under pressure to act. Possible tax rises and new supplier payment reporting rules could tighten liquidity further, meaning demand for quick access to cash will only rise heading into Q4.
Cubefunder helps brokers meet this demand. We provide £5,000–£100,000 business loans with terms from 3 to 24 months, fast approvals, and repayment plans that adapt to cash flow.
Through our Broker Panel, you can offer clients a straightforward route to funding when speed and flexibility matter most. You’ll also gain dedicated support, repeat commission opportunities, and a lender that says yes where others say no.
It’s about giving SMEs the right finance, right when they need it.
About Cubefunder
Cubefunder is a fintech lender specialising in SME finance. They have provided over £55 million in funding to more than 2,000 businesses across sectors, including hospitality, retail, and construction. Their flexible approach makes business funding accessible when traditional banks say no.
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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…
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