SME awareness of specialist finance rises as web searches jump by 30%

Time Finance has reported a significant rise in awareness of specialist business finance among UK SMEs, as new search data from Semrush reveals growing online demand for tailored funding solutions in 2026.

The latest figures show that searches related to specialist finance products have increased sharply over the past year. Queries for Asset Finance have risen by 26%, while Invoice Finance searches are up 19%, reflecting a clear shift towards more flexible and targeted funding options.

The data signals a notable change from 2024, when Time Finance research indicated that awareness of specialist funding remained low. At that time, nearly 40% of SMEs had never heard of or used asset-based lending solutions, and 58% had not explored finance options beyond their primary bank.

Now, the upward trend in search activity suggests that SMEs are becoming more proactive and informed in how they approach funding, moving beyond traditional lending routes.

Ed Rimmer, CEO of Time Finance, said the change reflects broader economic pressures shaping business decision-making:

“Historically, many SMEs have behaved like consumers when it comes to finance, often defaulting to familiar products such as standard loans. However, the current geopolitical climate is redefining what long-term financial planning looks like, and this is forcing SMEs to look beyond traditional routes as they actively seek out and engage with a broader range of solutions.”

The data also highlights a surge in interest in more advanced funding options. Searches for asset-based lending have climbed by 85% year-on-year, while overall business finance searches have increased by 26%, rising from 1,900 in 2025 to 2,400 in 2026.

According to Rimmer, this reflects a growing recognition that different financial challenges require more specialised tools.

“The rise in searches for Asset Finance and Invoice Finance suggest that more business owners are moving beyond general finance,” he said. “These figures are showing a strategic openness to specialised solutions that better suit business needs.”

Specialist finance solutions such as Asset Finance and Invoice Finance enable businesses to unlock working capital tied up in equipment or unpaid invoices. This can improve cash flow, support daily operations and fund growth without relying solely on traditional bank lending.

As awareness continues to grow, Time Finance believes lenders have a key role to play in sustaining momentum by improving accessibility and transparency.

“As awareness grows, so too does the opportunity for businesses to make smarter funding decisions,” Rimmer added. “The role of lenders now is to ensure that this momentum continues, by making specialist finance more accessible, more transparent and easier to understand for the businesses that need it most.”

The findings suggest that 2026 could mark a turning point in how UK SMEs approach finance, with increasing openness to specialist solutions reshaping the funding landscape.