Simply Asset Finance named SME Growth Partner of the Year 2026

One of the new categories introduced at the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026 celebrated lenders making a measurable difference to the UK’s small business community. Simply Asset Finance was named the inaugural winner of the SME Growth Partner of the Year award, recognising its long-term commitment to supporting ambitious businesses with the funding, expertise and partnerships they need to grow.

As Finance Connect continues its series highlighting this year’s Summer Awards winners, we spoke to Mike Randall, CEO of Simply Asset Finance, about the evolving needs of SMEs, the importance of flexible funding and why partnership sits at the heart of the company’s approach.

For Mike Randall, the award reflects the philosophy that has underpinned Simply since its launch.

“We’re delighted to be recognised as SME Growth Partner of the Year after being shortlisted alongside some strong businesses,” he said.

“Simply is more than money. We see ourselves as a bridge to expansion through the products and services we offer and our mission from day one is to be a partner to the customers we serve, supporting their growth.”

That commitment is backed by significant investment in UK businesses. Since its inception, Simply has provided more than £2 billion of funding to over 14,000 SMEs, with around 80% of lending supporting businesses outside London and the South East, helping to drive regional economic growth. The business estimates its funding has supported around 80,000 jobs across the UK.

Randall believes understanding the realities of running an SME is fundamental to delivering the right support.

“We know that SME business owners wear many hats,” he said. “Simply is a provider who can support them in all the roles they have to play, and the data insights we have collected since inception support us to do so.”

However, he acknowledges that the environment remains challenging for many businesses.

“The last 10 years have presented SMEs with several challenges,” Randall explained. “Some of the issues our expert salespeople are hearing every day include rising costs, pressure on margins, tight cash flow, late payments and difficulties accessing finance.”

To address those challenges, Simply has continued to broaden the range of funding solutions available to customers, while also building strategic partnerships across the finance market.

“The way Simply has set up multiple lending channels enables us to give businesses access to a multitude of products, increasing our ability to find the right solution for them at the right time,” Randall said.

“We’re also able to tailor our own finance solutions in a way that works for the customer.

“With the growing requirement to support SMEs with the right finance at the right time, and to help close the persistent funding gap, Simply has formed a series of strategic partnerships. By taking a multichannel approach spanning vendors, funders, introducers and brokers, we’re building a more connected, responsive lending ecosystem.

“These partnerships allow Simply to ensure we’re providing the right solution for our customer, whether that be through an asset finance loan on Simply’s own book or a commercial loan or invoice finance facility through one of our partner funders.”

Looking ahead, Randall is optimistic about the opportunities emerging across the specialist finance sector.

“Innovation throughout the industry is driving excitement and strategic partnerships are opening up new growth opportunities for SMEs that were previously unavailable,” he said.

“These developments are making finance more accessible, which will help stimulate growth in the UK economy.”