Access to Finance Made Easier — What the Government’s Small Business Plan Means for You

As the new government begins to outline its priorities, the Small Business Plan has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring entrepreneurs and SMEs have better access to the finance they need to grow. For many small businesses, the ability to secure funding quickly and on fair terms is the difference between stagnation and expansion.

Government’s Focus on Access to Finance

One of the clearest commitments in the plan is to tackle the barriers small firms face when trying to secure funding. According to recent surveys, many small business owners feel shut out by traditional banking systems that are often risk-averse and slow to respond. The government has pledged to:

• Boost alternative lending: Encouraging competition to ensure small businesses have more options beyond the high street banks.
• Strengthen the British Business Bank: Expanding its remit to channel more funding into small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Support regional finance initiatives: Recognising that local businesses often need tailored solutions, the government aims to back regional investment funds to spread opportunities across the UK.
• Close the late payment gap: Access to finance isn’t just about loans—it’s also about cash flow. The government intends to crack down on late payments to SMEs, ensuring businesses can better manage their working capital.

This framework reflects a recognition that financial inclusion for small businesses is central to driving productivity, innovation, and local growth.

What This Means for Business Owners

For SMEs, this could mean an improved financial landscape, where funding is more readily available, diverse, and aligned with business needs. Entrepreneurs may find it easier to secure the working capital required to invest in staff, equipment, or expansion without being held back by restrictive lending practices.

However, as these policies roll out, navigating the finance market will still require expertise. Knowing whether to approach a traditional lender, a challenger bank, or an alternative finance provider will remain a critical decision for business owners.

How Hammond Rock Can Help

At Hammond Rock, we specialise in helping businesses find the right funding solution—whether that’s through asset finance, invoice finance, or tailored lending packages. Our expertise sits exactly at the intersection the government is targeting: giving SMEs the confidence and tools to access finance that fits their ambitions.

Here’s how we support businesses in practice:

• Asset Finance: Enabling companies to invest in vital machinery, vehicles, or technology without draining cash reserves.
• Working Capital Solutions: Helping businesses unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices or seasonal trading cycles.
• Independent Advice: Unlike traditional banks, we work across the lending market to secure the most suitable terms.
• Streamlined Access: We simplify the process, saving business owners time and reducing the stress of navigating multiple lenders.

By combining government-backed initiatives with specialist financial guidance, SMEs can make the most of this new era of opportunity.

The government’s Small Business Plan signals a shift towards a more supportive, accessible finance ecosystem for SMEs. But accessing the right funding still requires careful planning and market knowledge. Hammond Rock is here to help businesses bridge that gap—ensuring they are well-placed to grow, invest, and thrive.