Asset-based lending searches jump 85% as SMEs turn to smarter finance

New data from Time Finance reveals a sharp rise in interest in asset-based lending (ABL), signalling that UK business owners are becoming more financially strategic in how they fund growth.

Analysis of search data from Semrush shows that average monthly searches for ABL increased by 85% year-on-year, climbing from 390 in February 2025 to 720 in February 2026.

The surge in search activity points to a growing awareness of ABL as a flexible alternative to traditional lending, particularly as SMEs navigate ongoing economic pressures.

Asset-based lending allows businesses to unlock capital using existing assets, such as invoices, machinery or property, while combining multiple funding streams into a single, scalable facility. This enables firms to access finance that grows alongside their operations, rather than relying on short-term borrowing solutions.

The data suggests a broader shift in mindset among SME owners, with more actively researching multi-product finance options that can support both immediate cashflow needs and long-term expansion.

Ed Rimmer, Chief Executive of Time Finance, said the trend reflects a more considered approach to business funding.

“We’ve seen a clear increase in searches and enquiries for asset-based lending in recent months, which points to growing awareness of ABL as a flexible and scalable funding solution for businesses underserved by traditional lending,” he said.

“Importantly, it also signals a shift away from quick-fix finance and business owners taking out multiple loans to plug immediate cashflow gaps. Instead, more business owners appear to be exploring finance that can support them over the longer term and evolve alongside their growth.”

One example cited by Time Finance is Speedflex Engineering, a Midlands-based subcontractor that secured a £650,000 ABL facility in 2025 through the independent SME lender.

The package combined a £250,000 invoice finance facility with £400,000 in asset finance, enabling the company to stabilise cashflow while investing in new machinery and recruitment.

According to Rimmer, this type of structured funding allows SMEs to build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

“When SMEs engage with funding that is built around their assets and designed to scale with their operations, it creates a stronger foundation for sustainable growth and more confident decision-making,” he added.

The rise in ABL interest comes as businesses continue to adapt to a challenging economic environment, with tighter lending conditions and rising costs pushing firms to explore alternative finance options.

For lenders, the trend highlights an increasingly informed SME market, one that is prioritising resilience, flexibility and strategic growth over short-term fixes.