UK SMEs struggling to access suitable funding for scaling up

UK SME owners are struggling to find funding for their scale-up plans, with just 41 per cent of able to access capital through their preferred funding route.

This is according to new research from Close Brothers Group, which found that, of those business owners who received funding whether through banks, personal loans or specialist lenders, 34 per cent felt that it wasn’t enough for their investment plans. In addition, 24 per cent felt that the type of funding they used was too costly.

With access to funding widely regarded as crucial for scale-ups, 26 per cent of those who had secured finance claimed they were unsure how to use it. Potentially, smaller businesses require additional support when it comes to finance products. In fact, 20 per cent of UK SMEs said the funding they had received was not suited to their business.

Adrian Sainsbury, Banking Division managing director, Close Brothers commented: “Low productivity hinders economic growth and improving productivity is vital, particularly as the UK prepares to leave the EU. Given their importance to the economy, SMEs will be central to potential productivity gains.

“SMEs need access to the right finance and support to invest in training staff or adopting new technologies so increasing awareness of financial options is crucial. Bespoke funding solutions which align to specific needs and growth plans are always preferable to a one-size-fits-all approach.”

The problem is not limited to the UK either. Around 16 per cent of SMEs across the UK, Germany and France were unable to access capital at all. German SMEs were better able to secure finance through their chosen route (47 per cent) compared to French SMEs (33 per cent).

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