Skipton Business Finance marks 25 years of supporting UK SMEs

Skipton Business Finance is celebrating 25 years of supporting UK businesses, having provided more than £840m in funding to help SMEs unlock working capital, manage cash flow and support growth through changing economic conditions.

Founded in 2001 with a team of seven colleagues, the business has grown into a nationwide operation employing more than 125 people across its head office in Skipton and regional offices throughout the UK.

Over the past two and a half decades, Skipton Business Finance has supported businesses through a series of major economic and market shifts, including the 2008 financial crisis, Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and the accelerating pace of technological change.

Part of Skipton Group and closely aligned with the values of Skipton Building Society, the business said it has continued to evolve its proposition in response to the changing needs of SMEs.

Alongside its established invoice finance offering, the lender recently launched an Asset Based Lending (ABL) proposition, which has already delivered nearly £12m of funding to businesses seeking broader and more scalable funding structures.

The business also continues to support eligible SMEs through the Government-backed Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), helping businesses access additional funding to invest, grow and strengthen cash flow.

“Over the last two and a half decades, the business landscape has transformed. Markets move faster, customer expectations are higher and businesses increasingly need funding solutions that are flexible, responsive and able to evolve alongside them.

“What has remained constant throughout that time is the importance of relationships. We take the time to properly understand our clients, their ambitions and the challenges they face, allowing us to provide funding solutions and support that genuinely help them move forward with confidence.”

Bell added that the business remains focused on continuing to evolve its proposition and investing in its people as SME funding requirements continue to change.

“As we look ahead, our focus remains firmly on the future, continuing to evolve our proposition, invest in our people and support businesses through the next generation of growth and change.”