ART Business Loans reports 20% lending growth as demand rises

ART Business Loans has reported a 20% increase in lending during the 2025/26 financial year, as the community development finance institution continued to support small and medium-sized businesses across the West Midlands and neighbouring counties.

The Birmingham-based lender said the growth reflects strong demand from SMEs seeking funding to invest in expansion, create jobs and strengthen local economies, particularly among businesses that struggle to access finance through mainstream lending channels.

ART has also started the 2026/27 financial year strongly following the allocation of £7 million from the British Business Bank’s Community ENABLE Fund. The funding will enable ART to provide loans of more than £25,000 to underserved smaller businesses across the West Midlands, expanding the range of finance available through the organisation.

The lender currently supports businesses seeking loans between £10,000 and £250,000.

“More than 75 per cent of the businesses we support come from underserved areas and communities, and we are proud that our lending is making a tangible difference to people’s lives and livelihoods.

“Demand has been especially high for larger deals in sectors where growth potential is significant, with some funding deals agreed in partnership with other sources of finance. The signs for 2026/27 are looking very promising, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Among the businesses to benefit from ART funding is Wolverhampton-based roadside assistance and vehicle recovery specialist Rockhopper Recovery & Rescue.

The company approached ART Business Loans for support to purchase additional vehicles and recruit new employees to meet rising demand during the busy summer season.

The funding enabled Rockhopper to acquire new vehicles outright and recruit two additional team members. It also allowed the business to employ a commercial technician and purchase a specialist vehicle capable of providing roadside assistance to vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes.

The investment has expanded the company’s service offering while reducing maintenance costs by enabling in-house servicing of its growing fleet.

Adam Court, Director of Rockhopper Recovery & Rescue, said: “The funding allowed us to purchase new vehicles outright with no further need for expensive vehicle finance. It also meant we could secure the employment of our current team as well as employ two additional team members, which we have since done.”

Established in 1997 as Aston Reinvestment Trust, ART Business Loans has now lent more than £40 million to over 1,800 businesses. The organisation estimates its funding has helped create or safeguard more than 8,500 jobs across the Midlands and adjoining counties.

ART focuses on supporting viable businesses that have been unable to secure all of the finance they require from traditional lenders, helping to improve access to funding for underserved communities and growth-focused SMEs.