As the year draws to a close, Complete Commercial Finance’s Karl Lanham takes a look at the trends in business finance and forecasts what’s ahead for 2026.
For most of us, the end of the year provides a moment for reflection on past performance and the excitement of planning for the year ahead. Many of the businesses which I speak with as a local commercial finance broker say that 2025 has been a year to ‘keep calm and carry on’. There is a truth in the saying, ‘sail on’, and the need for active progress rather than stagnation is a good mantra to adhere to, even in the toughest of trading conditions.
I believe there is good reason for optimism in 2026 and many of the lenders which we work with are eager to do more business. Yet the key to a successful funding application is inextricably linked to early planning. Whether seeking asset finance, cashflow support or growth funding, by working with a broker at the outset you can find and secure the best deal for your unique needs. Too often, I hear that a company has applied for an online loan because it is a quick and easy solution, but this can often restrict future borrowing.
Digital tools are an everyday part of business life and clients sometimes say that AI has suggested a particular funding solution, yet I strongly believe that we have not yet reached the stage where technology can replace ‘real person’ advice. The complexity of a company’s individual needs and the wider context of a business owners’ situation cannot be factored in by a ’bot. I always advise speaking with a broker who can spend time understanding and working with you to achieve the optimum outcome with a sympathetic and willing lender.
After a stop-start period, it has been encouraging to see demand returning for asset finance for machinery, vehicles and equipment upgrades, as local firms move forwards with investment, and also to see many of our region’s leisure and tourism businesses seeking finance for property acquisition and merchant cash advances to fund refurbishment.
With increased government defence spending, funders are also expanding their offering with specialist finance for simulation and training technology, automation, cybersecurity and advanced engineering. Although niche, there are a number of highly skilled manufacturing companies in our region and this may be an opportunity to tap into in next year and beyond.
As we look ahead to 2026, I would urge any business which is either uncertain or simply curious about how commercial finance can bolster their cashflow to get in touch. People often shy away from professional advice, wrongly assuming that talking to us costs money, but an initial consultation is free and we don’t charge for advice. Explore the opportunities and plan for success in the year ahead.
Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to thank every local business who has worked with Complete Commercial Finance in 2025, a year when we marked our fifth anniversary and received the Synergy Standard, a recognised mark of excellence within the commercial finance industry. We wish everyone a happy Christmas and a successful 2026!
Call 01553 611619 to arrange a free business finance review.
