For most UK business owners, the instinct when they need finance is to call their bank. It’s familiar. But familiar isn’t always best.

When you approach your bank directly, you’re choosing from one set of products assessed against one set of criteria. If your business doesn’t fit – specialist sector, shorter trading history, unusual asset – the answer is no, with no obvious next step.

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 – but only if you’re looking across the whole market.

What a broker actually does

A commercial finance broker doesn’t lend money. They understand your situation and go to a panel of lenders to find the right match – knowing which lenders are active in your sector, which have appetite for your deal size, and how to structure an application properly.

The numbers make the case. NACFB 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.

Being declined by your bank is not the same as being declined by the market.

Asset finance in particular

Asset finance has an approval rate of around 96% when applications are structured correctly – 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.

If you only ever ask one lender, you only ever know what one lender can offer.

We’re always happy to have a straightforward conversation. Call 01634 386869 or visit firstbusinessgroup.co.uk.

The post Why Going Straight to Your Bank Could Be Costing Your Business appeared first on First Business Finance.

First Business Finance is building a best-in-class trading function – and we’re looking for a commercially astute person to join our team.

This is not a case-handling role.
This is ownership of trading performance.

You will lead the lender-facing function, taking full accountability for pipeline quality, deal conversion, lender relationships and commercial optimisation – ensuring every transaction is structured effectively, placed strategically and completed efficiently.

The Opportunity:

You will sit at the centre of our credit broking operation, acting as the senior bridge between:

• Internal sales teams
• Third-party introducers
• Panel lenders
• Compliance and senior leadership

Your influence will directly impact approval rates, turnaround times, margin quality and sustainable customer outcomes.

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

• Owning and optimising the end-to-end trading process from submission to payout
• Managing and developing strategic lender relationships
• Negotiating mandates, appetite and commercial terms
• Improving deal quality and conversion ratios
• Escalating and restructuring complex or high-value proposals
• Driving Consumer Duty-aligned trading standards
• Delivering high-quality management information and performance insight

You will have real authority to shape standards, structure and strategy.

What We’re Looking For:

• Significant experience in asset finance brokerage or commercial lending
• Strong technical expertise across HP, lease, refinance and specialist funding
• Proven lender relationship management and negotiation experience
• Demonstrable record of improving trading performance and conversion
• Strong commercial judgement and risk awareness
• Experience within an FCA-regulated environment (desirable)

You’ll be confident challenging, influencing and leading – with a clear ownership mindset.

Why Join First Business Finance?

• We’re a growing, ambitious business with strong lender panel relationships
• Opportunity to shape and elevate a core function
• Senior-level influence and visibility
• Commercially focused environment with real growth plans

This role is ideal for a senior trading professional ready to step into a strategic leadership position and build something that drives measurable impact.

If you’re ready to take ownership of trading performance and help shape the future of our credit broking function, we’d like to hear from you.

Call or email Tom Castle for a confidential initial conversion and for more details.

e: comms@srtpartners.co.uk        t: 01634386869

The post We’re Hiring – Trading Manager, Asset Finance appeared first on First Business Finance.

As the financial year-end approaches, many UK businesses face specific cash flow pressures, tax obligations, and seasonal spikes in demand. Whether you need to cover VAT payments, pay suppliers, or bridge gaps between invoices, having access to flexible funding can make a critical difference. At First Business Finance, we offer tailored business loans designed to help your business navigate these challenges efficiently and securely.

Flexible Loan Options to Suit Your Business Needs

We provide a range of secured and unsecured business loans, giving you the flexibility to choose terms that suit your financial strategy:

• Loan terms: From 3 months up to 6 years
• Loan amounts: £1,000 – £500,000
• Early repayment options: Many products allow early settlement with no penalties
• Overpayment options: Pay more when convenient to reduce interest costs
• Interest-only periods: Available on selected products
• Fast decisions: Our team works quickly to provide lending decisions and guidance

These options are designed to give business owners control over borrowing while ensuring manageable repayment plans.

How Business Loans Can Support Your Company

Many businesses use short- or long-term finance to manage key operational needs:

• Maintain healthy cash flow during high-demand or low-income periods
• Pay suppliers promptly and meet obligations
• Cover VAT or tax payments
• Fund business expansion projects or new opportunities
• Bridge the gap between invoices and payments
• Support seasonal trading cycles
• Purchase stock or materials
• Cover staffing and operational costs

With the right funding, your business can meet obligations confidently while positioning for growth into the new financial year.

Speak to Our Specialists Today

Our team at First Business Finance is here to help you find the right solution for your business needs. Whether you are looking for a short-term boost or long-term support, we can advise on the loan products most suited to your situation.

Call us on 01634 386869 or read more about our business loans here to explore flexible funding options for your business.

The post Financial Solutions for Year End Cash Flow Challenges appeared first on First Business Finance.

At First Business Finance, we help businesses understand not just what funding is available, but which option is most appropriate for your circumstances. Below is an overview of the main types of business loans and how they can be used effectively.

Short-Term Business Loans

Short-term loans are designed to support immediate or temporary funding needs. They are commonly used for:

• Managing cashflow gaps
• Covering VAT or tax liabilities
• Bridging delayed payments
• Funding short-term opportunities

These loans typically run from a few months up to 1–24 months and offer quick access to capital, with repayments structured over a shorter timeframe.

Best suited for: temporary funding requirements or time-sensitive needs.

Long-Term Business Loans

Long-term loans provide funding over a longer period, often several years, making them suitable for larger or more strategic investments. They are often used for:

• Business expansion
• Recruitment and growth plans
• Large capital purchases
• Longer-term restructuring
• Purchasing assets from abroad

Spreading repayments over a longer term can reduce monthly commitments and improve cashflow stability.

Best suited for: planned growth and long-term investment.

Revolving Credit Facilities

Revolving loans (or revolving credit facilities) offer flexible access to funds up to an agreed limit. Businesses can draw down, repay and re-use funds as needed. They are commonly used for:

• Unexpected Expenses
• Temporary cash flow challenges – such as paying suppliers before invoice payments are received
• Ongoing working capital needs
• Managing seasonal trading
• Covering fluctuating cashflow

Interest is usually charged only on the amount drawn, making this a flexible option for businesses with variable funding requirements.

Best suited for: businesses needing ongoing access to flexible funding.

Government-Backed Loans

Government-backed loans are designed to support businesses that may not meet traditional lending criteria, by providing lenders with a level of security. These loans can support:

• Growth and expansion
• Investment in assets or premises

Availability and criteria vary, and suitability depends on the business’s circumstances and objectives.

Secured Business Loans

Secured loans are backed by business or personal assets, such as property, equipment or other tangible security. They often offer:

• Higher borrowing limits
• Longer repayment terms
• Potentially lower interest rates

However, assets used as security may be at risk if repayments are not maintained.

Best suited for: larger funding requirements where security is available.

Unsecured Business Loans

Unsecured loans do not require asset security, relying instead on the business’s financial position and affordability. They offer:

• Faster access to funds
• No asset security requirement
• Flexible use of funds

These loans typically run from 24 months to 84 months. Borrowing limits may be lower, and rates can be higher compared to secured lending.

Best suited for: businesses needing quick access to funding without providing security.

Development Finance and Bridging Loans

Bridging loans are short-term property finance solutions designed to provide fast access to funding while a longer-term exit, such as sale or refinance, is arranged. They are commonly secured against property and used where speed and flexibility are essential. They often offer:

• Fast funding decisions and quick completion
• Short-term borrowing (typically up to 24 months)
• Flexible interest options, including rolled-up interest
• Funding for purchases, refurbishments or development exits

A clear and viable exit strategy is required, and the property used as security may be at risk if the loan is not repaid as planned.

Best suited for: property investors and developers needing short-term finance to seize opportunities, bridge funding gaps, or transition to long-term lending. Finance starts are £200,000 up to £4-5 million.

Cash Back Credit Cards

Cash back credit cards provide flexible access to working capital while rewarding everyday business spending. They allow businesses to manage short-term cash flow, spread costs, and earn cash back on eligible purchases, all without committing to fixed borrowing. They often offer:

• Cash back on business spend, helping reduce overall costs
• Short-term interest-free credit on purchases
• Flexible use with no obligation to draw funds
• No charges if the card is not used
• A simple way to support day-to-day expenses and supplier payments

Used responsibly, cash back credit cards can support smoother cash flow management and provide an additional financial buffer without the need for asset-backed security.

Best suited for: businesses looking for flexible, short-term funding for regular expenses, while earning rewards on everyday spend and maintaining control over cash flow.

Choosing the Right Loan

No single loan type suits every business. The most effective funding solutions are built around:

• Cashflow and trading patterns
• Risk profile
• Growth plans
• Affordability and sustainability

At First Business Finance, we take a consultative approach – helping businesses understand their options and structure borrowing in a way that supports long-term stability, not short-term strain.

How First Business Finance Can Help

We work with a wide panel of specialist lenders and we provide clear, practical guidance and funding solution options that work around your business. Our goal is to provide straightforward, responsive funding solutions that align with your business’s specific circumstances. Our team is here to support your business with a wide range of flexible funding options tailored to your needs.

Contact Us On 01634 386869 or visit our calculator page.

This blog is for information only and does not constitute financial advice. All finance facilities are subject to status, affordability checks and individual business circumstances. Failure to meet repayment obligations may put your business or assets at risk. First Business Finance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 685879).

The post Business Loans: Flexible Funding to Support Growth, Cashflow and Opportunity appeared first on First Business Finance.

At First Business Finance, we believe that using finance cleverly and strategically can unlock opportunity, improve cashflow, and give your business the flexibility it needs to thrive. While the right funding solution can be a powerful tool when aligned to a wider business strategy, smart business in 2026 will consider mitigating risk, as well as driving growth. 

A Smarter Way to Protect What You’re Building

Being part of the SRT & Partners, we work closely with our sister company Readhunt, an independent corporate insurance broker that shares the same values of personal service, transparency and long-term partnership.

Why Businesses Choose Readhunt

Readhunt is not a volume-driven, call-centre broker. They are a relationship-led, independent insurance partner focused on:

• Personal service with a dedicated adviser
• Tailored insurance solutions, not off-the-shelf policies
• Access to leading UK and specialist insurance markets
• Transparent, honest advice
• Long-term partnership, not short-term transactions

Readhunt also has a London Market division creating direct access to the world’s leading specialist insurance market giving clients even greater flexibility for complex or bespoke risks.

Together, First Business Finance and Readhunt provide a smarter, more connected way to support your business. By combining your finance and insurance under one trusted group, many businesses benefit from:

• More joined-up business support
• Better understanding of risk and funding together
• Time savings
• Potential cost efficiencies
• One trusted group supporting two critical areas of their business

Rather than dealing with multiple providers who don’t speak to each other, you gain a coordinated view of both protection and funding.

Let’s Talk About Your 2026 Plans

If you are reviewing your goals, challenges or growth plans for 2026, we would love to be part of that conversation. Whether it’s finance, insurance, or both – our team is here to support your journey. 

We Would Love to Introduce You

If you would value a review of your current insurance arrangements, or simply want a second opinion from a relationship-led broker who puts service first, Readhunt would be delighted to speak with you. There is no obligation – just an open, honest conversation about how your business is protected.

Please call 01634 386869 or email us info@firstbusinessgroup.co.uk

This blog is for information only and does not constitute financial advice. All finance facilities are subject to status, affordability checks and individual business circumstances. Failure to meet repayment obligations may put your business or assets at risk. First Business Finance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 685879).

The post Work Smarter By Protecting Your Business – Introducing Our Insurance Partner appeared first on First Business Finance.