60%
SMEs’ lack of awareness of finance options available remains the biggest barrier to demand
81%
Gaps in finance supply for SMEs, regardless of their development stage
55%
There is not adequate finance support for those looking to start their own business
75%
SMEs are not well-informed about early-stage equity
75%
SMEs are not well-informated about alternative finance
67%
of SMEs are not well-equipped to reduce their debt burden in the next 12-18 months
Findings presented are based on an Intermediary Survey conducted by the UK Network Team Oct-Dec 2023 with 725 responses from intermediaries who engage with SMEs in the UK. The UK Network Team has a local expert based in every English region and Devolved Nation and the team's role is to strengthen stakeholder relationships across the UK to help SMEs access finance.
Summary of key findings across the UK
- 81% of intermediaries believed that there are gaps in the supply of finance for small businesses, regardless of their stage of development. The main gaps were perceived to be in early-stage equity, growth stage equity and debt finance.
- Intermediaries believed that the top sectors impacted by gaps in the supply of finance were Business Services, Construction and Distribution.
- The changes that had the biggest impact on the UK financial ecosystem over recent years were viewed by intermediaries to be economic challenges, the digital transformation and government initiatives (various initiatives such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme to support small businesses).
- Please note the intermediary survey sample size for each region is relatively low, and therefore findings should be treated with caution. Data for each region is based on the survey information provided by intermediaries on where the SMEs they engage with operate.
Introduction to the research
About the research
This report presents findings from an intermediary survey undertaken between October and December 2023. Where figures in charts do not add to 100%, this is due to rounding of percentages, exclusion of responses (eg ‘Don’t know’) or because the question allows more than one response.
About the sample
Intermediaries taking part in the research included accountants, lawyers, business support specialists and brokers. Data for each UK nation or region is based on the survey information provided by intermediaries on where the SMEs they engage with operate. Sample sizes vary across UK nations / regions, and findings should be treated as indicative.
SME demand for finance
Lack of awareness of finance options remains the biggest barrier for demand for finance
- Lack of awareness of finance options available remains as the top barrier to finance (*2022 SME Intermediary Research: 70%)
- ‘Lack of awareness’ is even higher in some nations and regions of the UK (North West 69%, Scotland 70%, West Mids 66%, Yorkshire & Humber 70%)
- For some nations and regions of the UK ‘Aversion to taking on finance’ was one of the top three barriers
Intermediaries thought SMEs were not well-informed about equity or alternative finance
How well-informed are SMEs about finance options?
How informed SMEs were about early-stage equity varies across different UK nations and regions
SMEs in nations or regions that intermediaries believe are well-informed about early stage equity (%)
Two thirds of UK intermediaries thought that SMEs are not well equipped to reduce their debt burden
How equipped are small businesses to reduce their debt burden over the next 12-18 months %?
Debt finance remains considered as most likely to be needed by SMEs if there is an upcoming economic recession
To what extent do you agree or disagree that small businesses will require the following types of additional finance if there is an economic recession over the next 12-18 months?
Most UK intermediaries agreed there were gaps in finance supply for SMEs regardless of development stage
Are there gaps in the supply of finance for small businesses in this region or nation?
Two thirds of respondents believed that there is a gap in the supply of early-stage equity
What types of finance are you specifically thinking about when you identified gaps in the supply of finance for small businesses in your region or nation? Percentage of respondents selecting the option
- Other debt gaps identified included: Venture debt, grants (incl. regional), replacement capital, affordable finance and a desire that banks would refer more asset finance to brokers/ lenders if they cannot assist SMEs
Sectors most likely to be impacted by gaps in finance supply
Which sectors do you think are most likely to be impacted when you identified gaps in the supply of finance for small businesses in your region or nation? Percentage of respondents selecting the option
- Other sectors mentioned specifically by respondents included: technology and innovation, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism, creative and B2C businesses, life sciences, bioscience and deep-tech.
Sectors most impacted by gaps in the supply of finance varied across the UK
Over half of UK intermediaries believed there is not adequate finance for start-up businesses
Is there adequate finance support for those looking to start their own business?
Finance ecosystem
Impact on the UK financial ecosystem over recent years
Thinking about how the UK financial ecosystem has evolved over recent years, what do you think have most impacted the financial ecosystem in your nation or region? Percentage of respondents selection option
- 41% of respondents believe that Government initiatives to support small businesses, such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investments Scheme (SEIS), which offer tax incentives for investors in small businesses, as well as loans and grant schemes, were one of the top three changes that have impacted the UK financial ecosystem in recent years
Definitions of impact choices available for the question about how the financial ecosystem has evolved over recent years.
Definition of terms
Alternative funding sources
Small businesses have more options for raising equity capital. In addition to traditional sources like venture capital and angel investors, crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending platforms have gained prominence, allowing small businesses to access a broader investor base.
Brexit implications
The UK's exit from the EU brought changes to trade regulations and affected some small businesses with interational operations, leading to adjustments in their financial strategy
Digital transformation
Small businesses increasingly adopted digital tools and platforms for their financial operations, from online banking and accounting software to e-commerce solutions. This has also made it easier for small businesses to connect with potential equity investors, pitch their ideas and manage equity transactions.
Economic challenges
The financial ecosystem for small businesses faced fluctuations in the economy with challenges related to uncertainty, access to credit, and changing consumer behaviour
Fintech lending
The rise of fintech companies has offered alternative lending options for small businesses, providing easier access to financing outside of traditional banks.
Government initiatives
The UK government introduced various initiatives to support small businesses, including the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) which offer tax incentives for investors in small businesses, as well as loan schemes and grants, to make small businesses more attractive for equity investment and to help businesses during economic challenges.
Increased competition
Small businesses had more choices in terms of financial services, as traditional banks faced competition from digital banks, fintech companies, and non-bank lenders.
Open Banking
Open Banking initiatives began to benefit small businesses by enabling them to share their financial data securely with financial service providers to access tailored financial products.
Regulatory changes
Regulations aimed at protecting small businesses and enhancing transparency in financial dealings were introduced, including the Payment Service Directive (PSD2) and MiFID II
Supportive ecosystem
Incubators, accelerators and business support organisations have increased in prominence, offering small business guidance, mentoring and networking opportunities for those seeking equity investment.
Sustainability and ESG Focus
Small businesses are increasingly aware of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations and responsible business practices and investors are interested in small businesses with a strong ESG focus.
Appendix
SME demand for finance Appendix notes
How informed SMEs were about debt finance varies across different UK nations and regions
SMEs in nations or regions that intermediaries believe are well-informed or very well-informed about debt finance (%)
How informed SMEs were about alternative finance varies across different UK nations and regions
SMEs in nations or regions that intermediaries believe are well-informed or very well-informed about alternative finance (%)
Small Business Finance Markets Report 2024
This is the 10th edition of British Business Bank’s latest Small Business Finance Markets report, covering 2023.