Demand for asset finance among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK is expected to grow over the next year, according to a recent survey conducted by SME funding provider Asset Advantage. In the survey, 72% of commercial finance brokers indicated that asset finance will be the main area of business funding demand for SMEs in the upcoming 12 months. Business acquisition and expansion loans are also expected to see higher interest, named by one in four brokers as areas likely to attract atte ...

The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has named Simon Featherstone as its new chair for a two-year term. Featherstone has more than 30 years of experience in commercial banking, SME lending sector and broker networks. His previous positions include senior roles at Barclays and Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance before serving as Bibby Financial Services’ global chief executive. In recent years, he served in non-executive and advisory roles at specialist lenders such as Funding Xchang ...

A recent study by Asset Advantage has revealed a growth in the number of clients seeking funding to acquire businesses, according to feedback from commercial finance brokers. The research indicates that client interest in obtaining finance for business purchases is growing, with nearly 60% of brokers observing an increase in such demand. The Asset Advantage survey found that 47% of participating commercial brokers have witnessed a modest rise in requests for acquisition funding while 12% have encountered ...