Shawbrook backs Portman Finance with £10m SME lending facility

Shawbrook Bank has announced a significant new partnership with Portman Finance Group, structuring an eight-figure funding line to support the fast-growing lender-broker’s expansion into direct SME lending.

The £10 million facility, arranged by Shawbrook’s Specialist Finance team, marks a major milestone in Portman’s ongoing growth journey and will enable the business to scale its operations and broaden its reach within the UK SME finance market.

Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Alex Read, Portman Finance Group has evolved from a brokerage into a prominent lender, supporting over 20,000 small and medium-sized businesses with more than £1.5 billion in funding to date. The company’s growth has earned it a place on the prestigious FEBE Growth 100 list for 2025 and a Top 3 ranking in the inaugural AF Broker 30 ranking in the Asset Finance Broker 30 Report, further cementing its reputation as a rising force in the sector.

Now employing more than 100 people, Portman is set to significantly scale its direct lending activities, targeting larger and longer-term loans for SMEs across the UK. The new funding line from Shawbrook will provide the flexibility and capacity needed to deliver on those ambitions.

Shawbrook’s Specialist Finance team worked closely with Portman’s leadership, including Founder Alex Read, Directors Simon Pratt and Ben Laidler, and Finance Director Mark Craigen, to structure a tailored block facility that aligns with the company’s long-term strategic goals.

Commenting on the new partnership, Alex Read, Founder of Portman, said: “We are delighted to have Shawbrook as a partner as we look to grow and expand our offerings. This funding line is crucial for us to achieve our ambitious plans and to assist even more SMEs across the UK.”

Simon Pratt, Director at Portman, added: “Chris and the team have in-depth knowledge of this industry and their ability to interpret our long-term objectives and help meet our growth aspirations were key to forging this relationship. We view this partnership as an ongoing growth journey for both parties.”

From Shawbrook’s side, Chris Clarke, Director of Structured Lending, highlighted the strength of the Portman team and their alignment with Shawbrook’s approach:

“Right from the start, Portman’s Board demonstrated they had built a strong, experienced group and their robust systems and data-led approach aligned perfectly with our vision. We believe that this funding line is only the start of a long and prosperous relationship.”

In a further sign of the partnership’s depth, Shawbrook has also joined the Portman Broker Panel, reinforcing its commitment to long-term collaboration and to supporting the UK’s SME ecosystem.