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	<title>First Business Finance</title>
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		<title>Commercial Finance Broker vs Bank: Which Is Best for Your Business?</title>
		<link>https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/commercial-finance-broker-vs-bank/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[First Business Finance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:13:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asset Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/?p=7948</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Why Going Straight to Your Bank Could Be Costing Your Business &#8211; Would You Be Better With A Commercial Finance Broker?  The bank isn&#8217;t the market &#8211; it&#8217;s part of the market What You&#8217;ll Learn in This Article: When a business needs finance, the first instinct is often to contact its bank. While that may [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/commercial-finance-broker-vs-bank/">Commercial Finance Broker vs Bank: Which Is Best for Your Business?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why Going Straight to Your Bank Could Be Costing Your Business &#8211; Would You Be Better With A Commercial Finance Broker? </span></h3>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">The bank isn&#8217;t the market &#8211; it&#8217;s part of the market</span></h3>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">What You&#8217;ll Learn in This Article:</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">When a business needs finance, the first instinct is often to contact its bank. While that may seem like the simplest option, it can also mean limiting your choices before you&#8217;ve explored what the wider market has to offer.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">The UK&#8217;s business lending landscape has changed significantly in recent years. Alongside traditional high street banks, there are now specialist lenders, challenger banks and alternative funders offering a wide range of funding solutions for businesses of all sizes and sectors. The challenge is knowing where to look and which lenders are best suited to your requirements.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">In this blog, we explore why approaching a commercial finance broker can give businesses access to more options, greater flexibility and a better chance of securing funding that aligns with their objectives. We explain how brokers work, why a decline from one lender doesn&#8217;t mean funding isn&#8217;t available elsewhere, and how specialist funding solutions such as asset finance can help businesses invest, grow and preserve cashflow.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Whether you&#8217;re looking to purchase equipment, fund expansion, release capital from existing assets or simply understand the options available to you, this article highlights why it pays to look beyond a single lender and consider the wider market before making a funding decision.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Read on for more information: </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">For most UK business owners, the instinct when they need finance is to call their bank. It&#8217;s familiar. But familiar isn&#8217;t always best.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">When you approach your bank directly, you&#8217;re choosing from one set of products assessed against one set of criteria. If your business doesn&#8217;t fit &#8211; specialist sector, shorter trading history, unusual asset &#8211; the answer is no, with no obvious next step.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">The UK lending landscape has changed significantly. In 2014, the four largest high street banks accounted for over 80% of SME lending. By 2025 that figure had shifted dramatically, with challenger and specialist banks now accounting for around 60% of all business lending. More competition, more options, more chance of finding terms that actually work for your cash flow &#8211; but only if you&#8217;re looking across the whole market.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">What a broker actually does</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">A commercial finance broker doesn&#8217;t lend money. They understand your situation and go to a panel of lenders to find the right match &#8211; knowing which lenders are active in your sector, which have appetite for your deal size, and how to structure an application properly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">The numbers make the case. <a href="https://nacfb.org/broker-led-sme-lending-surges-to-33bn-as-intermediaries-cement-central-role/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NACFB data</a> shows that in 2025, its broker members arranged £33 billion in SME lending, considering an average of six lenders per deal. One in four clients had already been declined elsewhere before being successfully funded through a broker.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Being declined by your bank is not the same as being declined by the market.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asset finance</a> approvals</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Asset finance has an approval rate of around 96% when applications are structured correctly &#8211; compared to 44% for standard bank loans. Different lenders also have very different sector strengths. A broker who works across them every day knows who is best placed for your specific requirement.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">If you only ever ask one lender, you only ever know what one lender can offer.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">We&#8217;re always happy to have a straightforward conversation. Contact us to discuss your funding requirements or for a funding review. Call </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">01634 386869</span><span style="font-weight: 300;"> or visit </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">firstbusinessgroup.co.uk</span><span style="font-weight: 300;">.</span></p>
<h3><a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>About First Business Finance</b></a></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First Business Finance is an independent commercial finance brokerage helping businesses across the UK access the funding solutions they need to invest, grow and achieve their objectives.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With more than 25 years of industry experience and access to a panel of over 50 lenders, First Business Finance supports businesses of all sizes with a wide range of funding solutions, including asset finance, business loans, asset refinance, vehicle finance, invoice finance and commercial mortgages.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the heart of the business is a relationship-led approach. The team takes the time to understand each client&#8217;s circumstances, objectives and challenges before identifying funding solutions tailored to their specific requirements.</span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/commercial-finance-broker-vs-bank/">Commercial Finance Broker vs Bank: Which Is Best for Your Business?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Sales Executive &#8211; Join Our Team</title>
		<link>https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/sales-executive-join-our-team/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[First Business Finance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:54:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Job]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/?p=7920</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Join our growing team at First Business Finance, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent Overview First Business Finance is a growing commercial finance brokerage supporting businesses across the UK with funding solutions including asset finance, business loans, refinance and working capital facilities. We are looking for an ambitious and driven Sales Executive to join our team [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/sales-executive-join-our-team/">Sales Executive &#8211; Join Our Team</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 500;"></span><span style="font-weight: 500;">Join our growing team at First Business Finance, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 500;">Overview</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">First Business Finance is a growing commercial finance brokerage supporting businesses across the UK with funding solutions including asset finance, business loans, refinance and working capital facilities.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">We are looking for an ambitious and driven Sales Executive to join our team at our Chatham Dockside Kent office. Reporting directly to the Director, the successful candidate will play an important role in generating new business opportunities, building client relationships and supporting the continued growth of the business.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">This is a <strong>full-time office-based role</strong> suited to someone with <strong>minimum 3 years’ sales experience</strong> who is confident speaking with business owners, commercially minded and motivated by uncapped earning potential.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 500;">Key Responsibilities</span></h2>
<ul>
<li>Generate and develop new business opportunities across a range of sectors</li>
<li>Build relationships with prospective and existing clients</li>
<li>Manage outbound calls, follow-ups and lead generation activity</li>
<li>Identify client funding requirements and introduce appropriate finance solutions</li>
<li>Maintain and develop introducer and partner relationships</li>
<li>Work closely with Directors and internal teams to support deal progression</li>
<li>Keep CRM systems and pipeline activity updated accurately</li>
<li>Support achievement of individual and team sales targets</li>
<li>Support LinkedIn and networking activity to help grow visibility and relationships</li>
<li>Represent the business professionally across calls, meetings and networking opportunities</li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 500;">Skills &amp; Experience</span></h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Minimum 3 years’ sales experience</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strong communication and relationship-building skills</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Confident and professional telephone manner</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Motivated, ambitious and target-driven</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Commercial awareness and ability to identify opportunities</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Experience within finance or commercial sectors beneficial but not essential</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strong IT and computer skills, including Microsoft Office, CRM systems and general digital administration</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Confident using LinkedIn professionally for networking, relationship building and business visibility and supporting company LinkedIn activity, maintaining professional online presence</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced office environment</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 500;">Package &amp; Benefits</span></h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Competitive basic salary</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Uncapped commission and earning potential</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Private medical cover</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Full-time office-based role at Chatham Dockside, Kent</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Career progression opportunities within a growing business</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Supportive and entrepreneurial team environment</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">If you’re ambitious, commercially minded and looking to build your career within a <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/about/">growing independent finance business,</a> we’d love to hear from you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">To apply or find out more, please send your CV and a short introduction to Tom Castle </span><a href="mailto:comms@srtpartners.co.uk"><span style="font-weight: 300;">comms@srtpartners.co.uk</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/sales-executive-join-our-team/">Sales Executive &#8211; Join Our Team</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
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		<title>UK SMEs Are Turning to Business Loans Ahead of the VAT Deadline</title>
		<link>https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/business-loans-for-vat-payments/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[First Business Finance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 09:49:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax liabilities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VAT deadline]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/?p=7843</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>For many UK SMEs, 2026 continues to present a challenging trading environment. While inflation has eased compared to previous years, businesses across sectors are still facing rising operating costs, tighter margins, delayed customer payments and ongoing cashflow pressure. From construction and traffic management firms to haulage operators, hospitality venues and health &#38; wellness businesses, many [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/business-loans-for-vat-payments/">UK SMEs Are Turning to Business Loans Ahead of the VAT Deadline</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">For many UK SMEs, 2026 continues to present a challenging trading environment.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">While inflation has eased compared to previous years, businesses across sectors are still facing rising operating costs, tighter margins, delayed customer payments and ongoing cashflow pressure. From construction and traffic management firms to haulage operators, hospitality venues and health &amp; wellness businesses, many companies are finding that maintaining healthy cashflow remains one of the biggest challenges to day-to-day trading.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Recent UK reports suggest SME pressures are now reaching levels comparable to the pandemic period, driven largely by rising costs and widespread late payments. Government data and industry research continue to highlight the scale of the issue, with UK SMEs owed billions in unpaid invoices and many businesses waiting months for payment from customers. (</span><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/time-to-pay-up-government-unveils-toughest-crackdown-on-late-payments-in-over-25-years?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 300;">GOV.UK</span></a><span style="font-weight: 300;">)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">As the June VAT deadline approaches, these pressures become even more pronounced.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">For many UK SMEs, VAT liabilities arrive at the same time as payroll commitments, supplier payments, vehicle costs, rising wages and seasonal trading fluctuations. Even profitable businesses can find themselves under pressure if cash is tied up in unpaid invoices or delayed customer payments. (</span><a href="https://www.dua.co.uk/cash-flow-pressure-in-early-2026-why-profitable-businesses-still-struggle/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 300;">DUA &#8211; Accountancy &amp; Business Consultancy</span></a><span style="font-weight: 300;">).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">This is why more businesses are increasingly turning to flexible business loan solutions from UK providers to stabilise cashflow, protect operations and create breathing space during periods of financial pressure.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Business Loans Remain an Effective Solution &#8211; But Why? </span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Business loans continue to offer SMEs a fast and practical funding option when immediate working capital is needed.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Unlike some forms of finance that can take longer to arrange or may only support specific business activities, loans provide quick access to funds that can be used across multiple operational areas — from covering VAT and tax obligations to paying suppliers, managing payroll, purchasing stock or investing in growth opportunities.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">For sectors such as construction, transport and hospitality — where cashflow can fluctuate significantly due to project timings, seasonal demand or delayed customer payments — access to fast funding can be critical.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Importantly, many businesses are now also exploring Government Growth Scheme-backed loans, which can provide additional flexibility and support for businesses looking to invest, expand or manage short-term pressures more effectively.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Importance of Speed and Flexibility</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">In the current economic climate, timing matters.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Businesses often need funding quickly to prevent short-term cashflow gaps from becoming larger operational problems. Delays in securing finance can impact supplier relationships, staffing, project delivery and future growth opportunities.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">That is why SMEs are increasingly looking for specialist UK finance providers that can offer:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Fast decisions</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Flexible repayment options</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Tailored funding structures</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">A practical understanding of sector-specific challenges</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Direct access to experienced decision-makers</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">At First Business Finance, we work closely with SMEs across a wide range of sectors to provide tailored secured and unsecured business loan solutions designed around real business needs.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Whether businesses require short-term support ahead of the VAT deadline or longer-term funding to support growth plans, our focus is on delivering straightforward, responsive funding solutions that help businesses move forward with confidence.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">In a market where cashflow remains one of the biggest pressures facing UK SMEs, having access to the right funding at the right time can make all the difference.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">If you’d like to explore what loans might be available for your business, talk to our expert team </span><a href="mailto:carrie@firstbusinessfinance.co.uk"><span style="font-weight: 300;">carrie@firstbusinessfinance.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-weight: 300;"></p>
<p><a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/government-backed-loans/">Government Backed Loans</a><a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/government-growth-scheme-loans/">Government Growth Scheme Loans</a><a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/revolving-loan-facility/">Revolving Loan Facility</a><a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/business-asset-loans/">How Business Asset Loans Can Help Your Business</a><br />
</span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/business-loans-for-vat-payments/">UK SMEs Are Turning to Business Loans Ahead of the VAT Deadline</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Why Going Straight to Your Bank Could Be Costing Your Business</title>
		<link>https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/finding-the-right-finance-solution/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[First Business Finance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 12:33:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asset finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial finance broker]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/?p=7761</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The bank isn&#8217;t the market &#8211; it&#8217;s part of the market For most UK business owners, the instinct when they need finance is to call their bank. It&#8217;s familiar. But familiar isn&#8217;t always best. When you approach your bank directly, you&#8217;re choosing from one set of products assessed against one set of criteria. If your [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/finding-the-right-finance-solution/">Why Going Straight to Your Bank Could Be Costing Your Business</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">The bank isn&#8217;t the market &#8211; it&#8217;s part of the market</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">For most UK business owners, the instinct when they need finance is to call their bank. It&#8217;s familiar. But familiar isn&#8217;t always best.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">When you approach your bank directly, you&#8217;re choosing from one set of products assessed against one set of criteria. If your business doesn&#8217;t fit &#8211; specialist sector, shorter trading history, unusual asset &#8211; the answer is no, with no obvious next step.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">The UK lending landscape has changed significantly. In 2014, the four largest high street banks accounted for over 80% of SME lending. By 2025 that figure had shifted dramatically, with challenger and specialist banks now accounting for around 60% of all business lending. More competition, more options, more chance of finding terms that actually work for your cash flow &#8211; but only if you&#8217;re looking across the whole market.</span></p>
<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">What a broker actually does</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">A commercial finance broker doesn&#8217;t lend money. They understand your situation and go to a panel of lenders to find the right match &#8211; knowing which lenders are active in your sector, which have appetite for your deal size, and how to structure an application properly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">The numbers make the case. <a href="https://nacfb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NACFB</a> data shows that in 2025, its broker members arranged £33 billion in SME lending, considering an average of six lenders per deal. One in four clients had already been declined elsewhere before being successfully funded through a broker.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Being declined by your bank is not the same as being declined by the market.</span></p>
<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">Asset finance in particular</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Asset finance has an approval rate of around 96% when applications are structured correctly &#8211; compared to 44% for standard bank loans. Different lenders also have very different sector strengths. A broker who works across them every day knows who is best placed for your specific requirement.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">If you only ever ask one lender, you only ever know what one lender can offer.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">We&#8217;re always happy to have a straightforward conversation. Call </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">01634 386869</span><span style="font-weight: 300;"> or visit </span><a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">firstbusinessgroup.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-weight: 300;">.</span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/finding-the-right-finance-solution/">Why Going Straight to Your Bank Could Be Costing Your Business</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
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		<title>£700bn of Work Is Coming &#8211; Are You Ready For It?</title>
		<link>https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/700bn-of-work-is-coming-are-you-ready-for-it/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[First Business Finance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 15:13:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Annual Investment Allowance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Loan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/?p=7736</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The UK government has outlined plans for over £700 billion of infrastructure investment over the next decade, spanning energy, transport, water, housing and defence, and covering hundreds of major projects. Alongside this, industry data from Glenigan indicates that civil engineering activity &#8211; particularly in projects under £100m &#8211; is expected to see solid growth into [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/700bn-of-work-is-coming-are-you-ready-for-it/">£700bn of Work Is Coming &#8211; Are You Ready For It?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The UK government has outlined plans for over £700 billion of infrastructure investment over the next decade, spanning energy, transport, water, housing and defence, and covering hundreds of major projects.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alongside this, industry data from </span><a href="https://www.glenigan.com/construction-work-set-for-2026-recovery-after-2025-industry-slump/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Glenigan</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> indicates that civil engineering activity &#8211; particularly in projects under £100m &#8211; is expected to see solid growth into 2026.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Major programmes are already moving forward, including:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Road Investment Strategy 3 (2026–2031)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">AMP8 water investment period</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ongoing rail and transport upgrades</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Large-scale projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pipeline is visible, long-term, and meaningful for businesses across the civil engineering supply chain.</span></p>
<h3><b>The constraint isn’t the opportunities &#8211; it’s readiness</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Analysis from </span><a href="https://www.pwc.co.uk/press-room/press-releases/research-commentary/2025/uk-construction-returns-to-growth-as-public-investment-underpins.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">PwC</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> highlights a key shift: the constraint in UK infrastructure delivery is increasingly delivery capacity rather than intent.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plant availability, skilled operators, and the ability to mobilise quickly are now the limiting factors.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For civil engineering contractors, that creates a clear commercial reality. The businesses best positioned to win work are those that can demonstrate they are resourced and ready &#8211; not those scrambling to put funding in place after award.</span></p>
<h3><b>Finance that matches how civil engineering works</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For businesses building capacity ahead of confirmed contracts, revolving credit facilities are one of the most effective funding structures available.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An agreed funding line allows you to:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Secure access to capital in advance</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Draw funds only when equipment is needed</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Move quickly when projects land</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The result is simple: when work arrives, plant follows within days &#8211; not weeks.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And because funding is structured in advance, terms are typically stronger than last-minute arrangements made under pressure.</span></p>
<h3><b>The AIA still works in your favour</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Civil engineering plant typically qualifies for the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) &#8211; allowing 100% tax relief on qualifying expenditure up to the current threshold.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Under Hire Purchase, this relief is available even when the asset is financed rather than purchased outright. That means:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preserving working capital</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">While still accessing the full tax benefit</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With changes to capital allowances coming into effect from April 2026, early planning of capital expenditure is becoming increasingly important.</span></p>
<h3><b>Build your plant strategy now</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The infrastructure pipeline is not a short-term spike &#8211; it’s a sustained opportunity.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The contractors who benefit most won’t be the ones reacting to it. They’ll be the ones who planned for it.</span></p>
<h3><strong>What makes First Business Finance different?</strong><span><br />
</span></h3>
<p>It starts with the people &#8211; One dedicated point of contact.</p>
<p>In a market that’s becoming increasingly process-driven, our clients value having one, knowledgeable person who knows their business and is always at the end of the phone.</p>
<p>We take the time to structure funding properly &#8211; so it supports how the business operates and grows.</p>
<p>Because getting funding isn’t the challenge.</p>
<p>Getting the right funding is.</p>
<p>Call our team to discuss any funding requirements you may have.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you want to talk through how to structure your plant finance <span>or any funding requirements you may have, </span>call us on 01634 386869.</span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/700bn-of-work-is-coming-are-you-ready-for-it/">£700bn of Work Is Coming &#8211; Are You Ready For It?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Supporting Growth With Construction Finance</title>
		<link>https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/supporting-growth-construction-finance/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[First Business Finance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:28:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asset Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Core Service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asset finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial finance solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Long term financing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/?p=7731</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As demand continues to increase across high-rise developments, construction businesses are under growing pressure to scale operations quickly-without placing unnecessary strain on cashflow. This is where construction finance can help. Across the sector, securing new contracts is only part of the challenge. The ability to mobilise quickly, deploy equipment and meet delivery expectations is what [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/supporting-growth-construction-finance/">Supporting Growth With Construction Finance</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">As demand continues to increase across high-rise developments, construction businesses are under growing pressure to scale operations quickly-without placing unnecessary strain on cashflow. This is where construction finance can help.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Across the sector, securing new contracts is only part of the challenge. The ability to mobilise quickly, deploy equipment and meet delivery expectations is what ultimately determines whether opportunities can be realised.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 300;">Case Study: Funding Critical Site Equipment</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">We recently supported a client operating within the high-rise construction sector with the funding of key site equipment:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">2 new passenger hoists</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Total value: £249,995 + VAT</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Structured with a 10% deposit</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">VAT deferred for 3 months</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Funded over a 5-year term</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">This wasn’t simply about acquiring equipment. The objective was to ensure the business could continue to meet growing demand from existing and incoming contracts, while maintaining financial flexibility.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 300;">The Challenge: Growth vs Cashflow</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">In high-rise construction, project timelines are tight and mobilisation windows are short. Equipment such as passenger hoists is not only essential to site operations-it is often required at short notice once contracts are secured.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">For many businesses, this creates a familiar tension:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Invest quickly to meet demand</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Avoid tying up significant capital upfront</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Without the right funding structure in place, this can lead to delays, missed opportunities or unnecessary pressure on working capital.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 300;">The Solution: Structuring Finance Around the Business</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">In this case, the funding solution was designed to align with how the business operates:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">A low initial outlay to preserve cash</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">VAT deferral to ease short-term pressure</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">A structured repayment profile over five years</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">This approach allowed the client to deploy the equipment immediately, ensuring they could meet project demands without disrupting cashflow or wider operations.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 300;">Why Funding Structure Matters</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">In sectors like construction, it’s not just about securing the work-it’s about having the infrastructure in place to deliver it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">The businesses best positioned for growth are those that plan ahead:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Aligning funding with project pipelines</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Ensuring equipment can be deployed when needed</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 300;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 300;">Maintaining flexibility as demand changes</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Having the right funding structure in place can be the difference between reacting to opportunities and being ready to act on them.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 300;">Looking Ahead</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">With activity across high-rise construction continuing to build, the need for flexible, well-structured funding is only increasing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">If your business is experiencing similar pressures around growth, capacity or mobilisation, it may be worth reviewing how your current funding arrangements are structured-and whether they are aligned to where your business is heading.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 300;">Get in touch</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">We work closely with a panel of over<a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/about/"> 50 lenders</a> and help construction businesses to structure funding solutions that reflect how </span><b>they</b><span style="font-weight: 300;"> operate &#8211; supporting growth without compromising cashflow. </span></p>
<p>We&#8217;re just at the end of the phone, call us on 01634 386869.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/supporting-growth-construction-finance/">Supporting Growth With Construction Finance</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
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		<title>What Is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?</title>
		<link>https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/government-growth-scheme-business-loans/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[First Business Finance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:34:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Loan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/?p=7723</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Difference Between a Good Opportunity and a Missed One? Usually Timing &#8211; and Funding. Right now, rising costs, supply chain pressure and cashflow gaps are forcing UK businesses to make decisions that can&#8217;t wait. The businesses coming out ahead aren&#8217;t the ones with the deepest pockets &#8211; they&#8217;re the ones who moved faster and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/government-growth-scheme-business-loans/">What Is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>The Difference Between a Good Opportunity and a Missed One? Usually Timing &#8211; and Funding.</h3>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Right now, rising costs, supply chain pressure and cashflow gaps are forcing UK businesses to make decisions that can&#8217;t wait. The businesses coming out ahead aren&#8217;t the ones with the deepest pockets &#8211; they&#8217;re the ones who moved faster and smarter when it mattered.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">That&#8217;s not luck. That&#8217;s access to the right business finance at the right time.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-3"><span style="font-weight: 400;">For many UK businesses right now, one particular funding route is opening doors that traditional lending simply can&#8217;t: the </span><b>Growth Guarantee Scheme Business Loans.</b></p>
<h3 data-rm-block-id="block-4"><b>What Is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?</b></h3>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-5"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The <a href="https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-options/debt-finance/growth-guarantee-scheme/growth-guarantee-scheme-businesses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)</a> is a UK government-backed initiative designed to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses. It replaced the Recovery Loan Scheme in 2024 and is focused on helping viable businesses secure the SME funding they need to grow, invest and manage their cashflow &#8211; even when traditional lending options fall short.</span></p>
<h3 data-rm-block-id="block-6"><b>How Does It Work?</b></h3>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-7"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Under the scheme, the government provides lenders with a </span><b>70% guarantee</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on eligible loans. This reduces the risk for lenders, which in turn means they can offer business loans to SMEs that might not meet the criteria for a conventional loan &#8211; for example, those needing </span><b>business loans without collateral</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, or those with a shorter trading history.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-8"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Crucially, the guarantee is to the </span><b>lender, not the borrower</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. As a business owner, you remain fully liable for repaying the full amount borrowed. The government guarantee simply gives the lender more confidence to say yes.</span></p>
<h3 data-rm-block-id="block-9"><b>Key Facts About the Growth Guarantee Scheme</b></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-10"><b>Loan amounts:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Up to £2 million per business (up to £1 million in Northern Ireland)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-11"><b>Who can apply:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> UK-based businesses with an annual turnover of up to £45 million</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-12"><b>Eligible facilities:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Term loans, revolving credit facilities, overdrafts and asset finance</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-13"><b>Purpose:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Growth, investment, working capital and cashflow management</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-14"><b>Government guarantee:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 70% to the lender &#8211; you remain fully liable for repayment</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-15"><b>Subject to:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Lender criteria, credit assessment and eligibility checks</span></li>
</ul>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-16"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Growth Guarantee Scheme is not available directly from the government &#8211; it is accessed through </span><b>accredited lenders</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This is where working with a business loan broker UK like First Business Finance gives you a real advantage. We know which lenders are GGS-accredited, which products are most likely to suit your situation, and how to structure an application that gives you the best chance of success.</span></p>
<h3 data-rm-block-id="block-17"><b>Who Can the Growth Guarantee Scheme Help?</b></h3>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-18"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The GGS is particularly well-suited to UK SMEs that are fundamentally sound but face a specific barrier to traditional finance &#8211; whether that&#8217;s limited security, the need for </span><b>business loans without collateral</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a gap in trading history, or a requirement for a larger facility than standard unsecured business loans can provide.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-19"><span style="font-weight: 400;">You might benefit from GGS-backed small business funding if you are:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-20"><b>Investing in equipment, vehicles or plant</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &#8211; particularly where assets need to meet new regulatory standards</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-21"><b>Expanding into new markets or contracts</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &#8211; and need working capital loans to support growth</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-22"><b>Managing seasonal cashflow gaps</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &#8211; where you need a short-term bridge between invoices and outgoings</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-23"><b>Securing stock ahead of demand</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &#8211; in sectors where supply chain timing is critical</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-24"><b>Replacing or upgrading infrastructure</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &#8211; where the investment will protect or grow revenue</span></li>
</ul>
<h3 data-rm-block-id="block-25"><b>Case Study: Business Loans Without Collateral &#8211; How GGS Funding Made the Difference</b></h3>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-26"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A logistics firm with a turnover of £4 million needed to upgrade its entire fleet to comply with Clean Air Zone regulations. Without compliance, they risked losing contracts and being unable to operate in key urban areas.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-27"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The challenge? They needed </span><b>Clean Air Zone funding for their business</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> but lacked the collateral required for a traditional secured loan. Several high street lenders declined.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-28"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As their business finance broker, we assessed their situation and identified a Growth Guarantee Scheme lender UK through our panel &#8211; with a facility structured around their cashflow and trading cycle.</span></p>
<h3 data-rm-block-id="block-29"><b>The outcome:</b></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-30"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fleet fully upgraded to meet Clean Air Zone requirements</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-31"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key contracts retained and new ones secured</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1" data-rm-block-id="block-32"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cashflow protected throughout the process</span></li>
</ul>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-33"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is exactly the kind of scenario the GGS was designed for: a UK SME with strong fundamentals, a clear need, and a barrier that traditional lending couldn&#8217;t get past. The right small business funding, sourced through the right broker, made all the difference.</span></p>
<h2 data-rm-block-id="block-34"><b>Speak to Our Business Loans Team</b></h2>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-35"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The businesses that tend to come out strongest aren&#8217;t necessarily the biggest &#8211; they&#8217;re the ones that made the right small business funding decisions at the right time.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-36"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If funding is the thing standing between where you are and where you want to be, we&#8217;d like to help. As an experienced business finance broker, we&#8217;ll assess your situation, explain your options &#8211; including whether GGS-backed finance is appropriate &#8211; and connect you with the right UK lender quickly.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-37"><b>Get in touch with our business loans specialist, Carrie Hobday, today on 01634 386689.</b></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-38">
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/government-growth-scheme-business-loans/">What Is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Fleet Finance for UK Hauliers: How to Expand Your Fleet Without Tying Up Capital</title>
		<link>https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/fleet-finance-for-uk-hauliers/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[First Business Finance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:59:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clean Air Zone vehicle upgrade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial vehicle finance UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fleet finance haulage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HGV finance]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/?p=7703</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Fleet finance &#8211; growing a fleet without draining the business Haulage businesses face a familiar tension: the contracts are there, the demand is real, but adding vehicles means a significant capital commitment. Buy outright and you own the asset &#8211; but you&#8217;ve also locked up working capital that could be doing other things. Fleet finance [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/fleet-finance-for-uk-hauliers/">Fleet Finance for UK Hauliers: How to Expand Your Fleet Without Tying Up Capital</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3><b>Fleet finance &#8211; growing a fleet without draining the business</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Haulage businesses face a familiar tension: the contracts are there, the demand is real, but adding vehicles means a significant capital commitment. Buy outright and you own the asset &#8211; but you&#8217;ve also locked up working capital that could be doing other things.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Fleet finance offers a different approach. Instead of a large one-off purchase, you spread the cost over a fixed term with predictable monthly payments. The vehicle generates revenue from day one. The capital stays available for the operational demands of a business that never stops creating unexpected costs.</span></p>
<h3><b>The practical advantages of financing your fleet</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Predictability is the most underappreciated benefit. Fixed monthly payments make route profitability calculations and annual budgets significantly easier than managing large, irregular capital outflows.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Flexibility is the second. Combining Hire Purchase &#8211; for vehicles you plan to keep long-term &#8211; with Finance Leases for those you want to upgrade more frequently gives you a fleet strategy that adapts to changing requirements. As Clean Air Zone compliance becomes a growing operational consideration, the ability to upgrade vehicles on a rolling basis rather than face a large replacement programme is increasingly valuable.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Speed is the third. Finance decisions can be turned around in days. When a contract opportunity arrives and you need capacity quickly, that speed is a competitive advantage &#8211; you&#8217;re not waiting for capital to free up before you can respond.</span></p>
<h3><b>Clean Air Zones and the upgrade opportunity</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Major cities charge non-compliant HGVs up to £50 per day. For urban and regional operators, fleet compliance is becoming a commercial necessity rather than a future consideration.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/plug-in-van-grant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">government&#8217;s Plug-in Van and Truck Grant</a> provides up to £25,000 towards qualifying zero-emission HGVs, and the scheme has been extended to at least 2027. Financing the remaining cost &#8211; rather than absorbing the full step-up in vehicle price &#8211; is the route most smaller fleet operators are taking to make the transition manageable.</span></p>
<h3><b>Hire Purchase or Finance Lease &#8211; which works for your fleet?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Hire Purchase suits vehicles you plan to keep: the asset builds to ownership at the end of the term, it sits on your balance sheet, and you can claim capital allowances including the Annual Investment Allowance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Finance Lease suits vehicles you want to upgrade regularly: lower monthly payments, the option to hand back at the end of the term, and rental costs are fully tax-deductible as a business expense.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Many haulage businesses use a combination of both &#8211; HP for core long-term fleet assets, leases for vehicles likely to be replaced as regulations or requirements change.</span></p>
<h3><b>Talk to us about your fleet</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">We specialise in <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/commercial-vehicle-finance/">commercial vehicle finance</a> and work with haulage businesses of all sizes. Whether you&#8217;re adding one vehicle or reviewing how your entire fleet is funded, we&#8217;re happy to have a straightforward conversation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Call us on 01634 386869 </span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/fleet-finance-for-uk-hauliers/">Fleet Finance for UK Hauliers: How to Expand Your Fleet Without Tying Up Capital</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
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		<title>New Tax Year. Same £1 Million Annual Investment Allowance &#8211; Are You Making the Most of It?</title>
		<link>https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/1m-annual-investment-allowance/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[First Business Finance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:35:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Annual Investment Allowance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax Relief]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/?p=7696</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Every April, £1 million Annual Investment Allowance tax relief resets for UK businesses. Most don&#8217;t take full advantage of it. Some don&#8217;t know it exists. Others plan to &#8220;sort it later&#8221; and end up making rushed decisions in March. If you have equipment, vehicles, or machinery to invest in this year, here&#8217;s what you need [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/1m-annual-investment-allowance/">New Tax Year. Same £1 Million Annual Investment Allowance &#8211; Are You Making the Most of It?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3><b>Every April, £1 million Annual Investment Allowance tax relief resets for UK businesses.</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most don&#8217;t take full advantage of it. Some don&#8217;t know it exists. Others plan to &#8220;sort it later&#8221; and end up making rushed decisions in March.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have equipment, vehicles, or machinery to invest in this year, here&#8217;s what you need to know &#8211; and why the start of the tax year is the right time to think about it.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Is the </b><b>Annual Investment Allowance</b><b>?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The<a href="https://www.gov.uk/capital-allowances/annual-investment-allowance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Annual Investment Allowance</a> (AIA) lets you deduct 100% of the cost of qualifying plant and machinery from your taxable profits &#8211; in the year you buy the asset.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The limit is £1 million per accounting period. It was confirmed at this level in the 2025 Autumn Budget and will stay there for the duration of this Parliament.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It applies to both limited companies and unincorporated businesses &#8211; sole traders and qualifying partnerships included.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In practical terms: buy a £50,000 piece of equipment this year, claim the AIA, and you reduce your taxable profits by £50,000. At the 25% corporation tax rate, that&#8217;s £12,500 back. In the same year.</span></p>
<h3><b>What&#8217;s Changed From April 2026</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The headline AIA limit hasn&#8217;t changed. But something else has.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The writing down allowance (WDA) &#8211; the relief you get on assets once the AIA limit is used up, or on older assets already in your pool &#8211; has dropped from 18% to 14% from 1 April 2026 for corporation tax, and 6 April 2026 for income tax.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For most SMEs spending well within the £1 million limit, this doesn&#8217;t change much day to day. But if you have a large historic pool of assets, or your capital spending regularly exceeds the AIA cap, your tax relief on that excess will now come through more slowly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The practical upshot: using the AIA efficiently &#8211; claiming in the right period, on the right assets &#8211; matters more than it did before.</span></p>
<h3><b>Finance and Tax Relief Work Together</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You don&#8217;t have to buy an asset outright to claim the AIA on it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you acquire it through Hire Purchase, HMRC treats you as the owner from day one. That means you can claim the full AIA on the asset&#8217;s value in the year of acquisition &#8211; even though you&#8217;re paying in monthly instalments.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The interest on your HP payments is also generally tax-deductible as a business expense.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So you can protect your working capital, spread the cost, and still get the same upfront tax relief as if you&#8217;d paid for it outright. </span></p>
<h3><b>Why Timing Matters</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The AIA must be claimed in the period the expenditure is incurred. You can&#8217;t backdate it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That makes the start of the tax year the ideal time to plan. If you know you need a new vehicle, a piece of machinery, or a technology upgrade in the next 12 months, thinking about it now means:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">   </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">You have time to compare finance structures properly</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">   </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Your accountant can advise on the most tax-efficient timing relative to your year end</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">   </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">You&#8217;re not rushing a decision in January or February when your options are narrower</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Businesses that plan capital investment early consistently get better terms and better tax outcomes than those that treat it as an afterthought.</span></p>
<h3><b>A Quick Summary of the 2026/27 Position</b></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">   </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">AIA: £1 million per accounting period &#8211; 100% first-year relief on qualifying plant and machinery</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">   </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Full Expensing: available to limited companies on new main pool assets, no upper limit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">   </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Writing Down Allowance: reduced to 14% (was 18%) from April 2026</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">   </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">New 40% First Year Allowance: available from January 2026 for unincorporated businesses and leasing arrangements</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">   </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">HP and AIA: you can claim the AIA on a hire purchase agreement &#8211; you don&#8217;t need to buy outright</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As always, the right approach depends on your specific business structure, profitability, and accounting year. Speak to your accountant before making decisions.</span></p>
<p><b>Ready to Plan Your Investment for This Year?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">First Business Finance</a>, we work with businesses across <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/manufacturing-finance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">manufacturing</a>, <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/plant-and-construction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">construction</a>, <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/commercial-vehicle-finance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commercial vehicles</a>, <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/it-equipment-finance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IT</a>, <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/catering-equipment-finance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">catering</a>, and <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/sector-expertise/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more</a> &#8211; helping them find the right finance structure for the assets they need, with terms that work for their cash flow.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have equipment or vehicles on your list for 2026/27 and want to understand your options before committing, get in touch, we’re here to help. </span><b>Call us on 01634 386869</b></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">All figures correct at time of writing (April 2026). This article is for general information only &#8211; please speak with a qualified accountant for advice specific to your business.</span></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/1m-annual-investment-allowance/">New Tax Year. Same £1 Million Annual Investment Allowance &#8211; Are You Making the Most of It?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Short-Term Business Loans to Support Cashflow in Construction</title>
		<link>https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/cashflow-solution-construction-short-term-business-loan/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[First Business Finance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:40:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asset finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[short term business loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Short term financing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[short term funding]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/?p=7683</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Cashflow pressure in construction isn’t always about lack of work &#8211; it’s often about timing. Short-term business loans to support cashflow in construction can be an effective funding solution. We recently supported a medium-sized construction business in Kent that was experiencing delayed invoice payments. Despite a strong pipeline, the gap between completing work and receiving [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/cashflow-solution-construction-short-term-business-loan/">Short-Term Business Loans to Support Cashflow in Construction</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3 data-rm-block-id="block-1"><strong>Cashflow pressure in construction isn’t always about lack of work &#8211; it’s often about timing.</strong></h3>
<h3><span>Short-term business loans to support cashflow in construction can be an effective funding solution.</span></h3>
<p data-start="100" data-end="196" data-rm-block-id="block-3"><span style="font-weight: 400;">We recently supported a medium-sized construction business in Kent that was experiencing delayed invoice payments.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-4"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite a strong pipeline, the gap between completing work and receiving funds created immediate pressure &#8211; including the ability to meet staff wages.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-5"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The requirement was clear:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> • £130,000 funding</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> • Required urgently (next-day)</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> • To cover wages while awaiting incoming payments</span></p>
<h3 data-rm-block-id="block-6"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Approach</span></h3>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-7"><span style="font-weight: 400;">We arranged a funding solution with a <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/services/">short term business loan</a> over 24 weeks, structured to support immediate needs without creating unnecessary long-term burden.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-8"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This included:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> • Access to funds within a short timeframe</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> • A defined, manageable repayment structure</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> • Flexibility to settle early as invoices were received</span></p>
<h3 data-rm-block-id="block-9"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Outcome</span></h3>
<ul>
<li data-rm-block-id="block-10"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Staff wages were met on time</span></li>
<li data-rm-block-id="block-11"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cashflow pressure was stabilised</span></li>
<li data-rm-block-id="block-12"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Business operations continued without disruption</span></li>
<li data-rm-block-id="block-13"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Early repayment remained an option as funds came in</span></li>
</ul>
<h3 data-rm-block-id="block-14"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why This Matters</span></h3>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-15"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In sectors like <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/plant-and-construction/">construction,</a> cashflow challenges are often driven by timing rather than performance.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-16"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having access to the right funding structure &#8211; at the right time &#8211; can help maintain stability and avoid unnecessary disruption.</span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-17"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many businesses experience similar pressures, our team specialises in finding the right solution tailored to each business. Whether that is a <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/services/">business loan, asset finance or asset refinance</a>. </span></p>
<p data-rm-block-id="block-17"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If this resonates with you and you want to understand what options are available and how they can be structured around your business, <a href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/contact/">g</a></span>et in touch with our team on <span>01634 386869.</span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk/cashflow-solution-construction-short-term-business-loan/">Short-Term Business Loans to Support Cashflow in Construction</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://firstbusinessgroup.co.uk">First Business Finance</a>.</p>
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