DF Capital takes inaugural Asset Based Lending Finance Provider of the Year title

Finance Connect continues its series highlighting the winners of the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026, turning the spotlight to another of the new awards introduced for the Receivables Finance community.

DF Capital was named Asset Based Lending Finance Provider of the Year, recognising its relationship-led approach to delivering flexible working capital solutions for UK businesses.

For Sarah Barker, Managing Director of Structured Finance – Commercial at DF Capital, the award is recognition not only of the lender’s Structured Finance proposition, but of the team and approach behind it.

“Winning Asset Based Lending Finance Provider of the Year is a fantastic recognition of the way we work with our customers,” she said. “At DF Capital, we focus on building long-term relationships, taking the time to understand each customer’s business and structuring funding solutions around their specific ambitions rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

“This award is particularly meaningful because it recognises not only our Structured Finance proposition, but also the team behind it. It reflects the expertise, commitment and collaborative effort of colleagues across the business who work every day to help customers access the funding and support they need to grow with confidence.”

Businesses seek greater working capital flexibility

DF Capital’s award comes at a time when changing economic and trading conditions are prompting more businesses to consider alternative ways of funding their working capital requirements.

Barker said demand is increasingly being driven by businesses seeking funding structures capable of evolving alongside them.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen growing demand from businesses looking for greater flexibility in how they fund working capital,” she explained. “Economic uncertainty, changing trading conditions and growth opportunities have encouraged many SMEs to seek funding solutions that can adapt alongside their business rather than rely solely on traditional lending structures.”

There is also growing interest in combining different forms of finance within a more integrated funding proposition.

“We’re also seeing increased interest in integrated funding solutions that combine receivables finance, stock funding and other working capital facilities, without the clunkiness of traditional lending practices,” Barker said.

“Businesses want funding partners who understand their sector, can move quickly and can support multiple aspects of their growth journey through a single relationship.”

More than access to capital

For SMEs navigating an uncertain business environment, Barker believes the relationship with a funding provider has become almost as important as access to the capital itself.

“Above all, SMEs need certainty, flexibility and for funding partners to have a genuine understanding of their business,” she said. “Access to funding is important, but increasingly customers are looking for partners who can respond quickly, understand the realities of their sector and adapt facilities as circumstances change.”

With opportunities and challenges often emerging rapidly, she argues that businesses need lenders that are accessible and able to make decisions quickly.

“They need funding partners who are accessible, empowered to make decisions and willing to work collaboratively to find solutions,” Barker added. “In our experience, the strongest relationships are built when customers feel their lender is invested in their success rather than simply providing a financial product.”

Combining relationships, expertise and technology

In an increasingly competitive lending market, DF Capital is seeking to differentiate itself through a combination of specialist sector knowledge, flexible finance and relationship-led service.

“We operate in sectors we understand deeply, which allows us to make informed decisions quickly and structure facilities around the realities of each customer’s business,” Barker explained.

Technology is increasingly complementing that expertise. Direct system integrations, real-time data visibility and an expanding range of digital capabilities are being used to simplify access to funding while maintaining effective risk oversight.

But Barker stressed that technology does not diminish the importance of personal relationships.

“Ultimately, however, it comes back to relationships,” she said. “We focus on understanding what a customer is trying to achieve and building the right solution around that goal. That’s what enables us to support businesses over the long term and why many customers continue to grow with us year after year.”

Growing opportunity for asset-based lending

Looking to the year ahead, Barker sees significant potential for asset-based lending as SMEs search for efficient ways to unlock working capital and fund investment.

“As SMEs look to invest, expand and manage cashflow effectively, solutions that unlock value from existing assets and receivables are likely to become increasingly important,” she said.

Technology and data could also help the sector make these solutions faster and easier to access.

“There is also a major opportunity for the sector to use technology, data and automation to improve customer outcomes,” Barker said. “Better integration, faster decision-making and improved visibility can help businesses access funding more quickly while allowing lenders to maintain strong levels of control and support.

“We believe the lenders that combine technological innovation with strong personal relationships will be best placed to support customers and drive growth across the sector.”

Five nominations and an inaugural win

The Finance Connect Summer Awards proved a particularly successful evening for DF Capital, which was shortlisted across five categories before taking home the Asset Based Lending Finance Provider of the Year award.

“The Awards Evening was a fantastic celebration of the people, businesses and innovation that continue to drive our industry forward,” Barker said. “It was a great opportunity to connect with peers, recognise achievements across the sector and celebrate the important role finance plays in supporting businesses across the UK.

“Naturally, we were delighted to be shortlisted in five categories and incredibly proud to take home the Asset Based Lending Finance Provider of the Year Award. It was a memorable evening and a wonderful reflection of the progress being made across the industry.”