Registration opens for NACFB Expo 2026
Registration is now open for the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo 2026 which takes place on Wednesday 10th June at
Birmingham’s NEC. The largest trade show of its kind, this free-to-attend, award-winning event welcomes the brokers, lenders and suppliers who keep UK businesses supported with the finance they need to grow. After drawing 3,200 industry professionals through the doors last year, the NACFB Expo is set to raise the bar once again. The vibrant metropolis theme returns - bigger, bolder and more immersive than ever. Commenting, NACFB CEO, Jim Higginbotham, said: “The NACFB Expo is where our community comes to life. Whether you’re a long-established broker or new to the sector, this is the place to build partnerships, discover new opportunities and help shape the future of SME finance.” The trade body’s senior events manager,
Becky McGarrity, added: “This year will be the 16th NACFB Expo and each
year seems bigger and better than the one before, so we encourage everyone who
is planning to attend to register in advance to avoid queuing on the day.”
Secure your place at this year’s event by registering your free attendance here.
NACFB Commercial Finance Expo, Register here
NACFB enhances the Assurance platform with lender access
The NACFB is continuing to develop enhancements to its Assurance programme and the
online platform that supports its delivery, as part of wider efforts to
streamline due-diligence processes between brokers and lenders. NACFB Member
brokers who have already completed their Assurance review through the new
platform will begin to receive information requests from a limited number of
lenders who are accessing the system. These requests relate to sharing
Assurance information and are entirely optional. Brokers will always be able to
authorise or decline any request before information is shared. Not all NACFB
Members have completed their annual Assurance via the new platform, but firms
will be approached in the coming months as the trade body continues to migrate
Assurance reviews onto the system. At the same time, additional NACFB Patron
lenders will be invited to participate. Sarah Cunningham, head of compliance at
the NACFB, said: “Our aim is to make it easier for brokers to share validated
due-diligence information with lenders, without adding complexity or removing
control. The platform is designed to reduce duplication, save brokers time, and
support confidence in broker standards - while ensuring brokers always decide
what is shared and with whom.”
NACFB, Assurance update
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Commercial Finance for Property
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Together strengthens intermediary team
Together has made two appointments to its growing intermediary team. Lewis Wheeler joins the NACFB Patron with nearly 15 years’ mortgage experience, including 12 in the specialist sector and 18 years in financial services overall. He previously spent seven years as a BDM at Pepper Money and held several roles at Saffron Building Society. In his new position, Lewis will represent Together and support intermediary partners across the region. Michael Kelsey returns as a concierge telephone account manager, bringing 29 years’ experience in mortgage and property finance. His career includes roles at Blemain Finance, First Choice Finance and Sterling Green, and most recently head of sales at Yellowstone Finance. Kelsey will support a new cohort of brokers, building relationships and delivering a comprehensive packaging service. Tanya Elmaz, managing director of intermediary sales, said: “Both of our new starters bring exceptional sales expertise, a results driven approach, and a genuine passion for uncovering opportunities and strengthening partnerships."
Together, Press Release
Albatross delivers five-day completion on £5.3m London asset
Albatross Lending Group has successfully completed a £470,000 equitable charge facility against a prime £5.35 million residential asset in Notting Hill, London – delivering funds within five days to meet a highly compressed timeline. The borrower, a Dubai-based British and German passport holder, required immediate execution after losing confidence in their existing lender’s ability to perform within agreed timeframes. With a £3.35 million first charge in place with a high-street lender, the transaction required both precision structuring and swift navigation of consent requirements. Recognising the urgency, the broker instructed the NACFB Patron to retake the valuation and assume control of the process. The facility was structured at 71% LTV and completed by way of an equitable charge, enabling the transaction to proceed without delay while second charge consent from the existing lender was being addressed. The funds enabled the client to deploy capital into an existing business interest in Nigeria, unlocking immediate growth opportunities while the UK asset was prepared for sale. The agreed exit strategy was executed via sale of the Notting Hill property.
Albatross Lending Group, Press Release
MS Lending Group completes £5.2m bridging loan
MS Lending Group has successfully completed a £5.2 million bridging loan for a corporate borrower. The 12-month term loan, secured against five multi-unit freehold blocks of flats located in Derby, Manchester and Huddersfield, was agreed at 59% LTV based on market value, with a total asset value of £8.65 million. Following an initial enquiry on Monday, the NACFB Patron instructed valuations and legal work by Wednesday, once day-one terms were agreed. Reports on title were received by Friday, with the transaction successfully completing the following Monday. Desktop valuations were utilised to streamline the process, enabling the borrower to meet tight acquisition deadlines without compromising due diligence or structure. Michael Stratton, MS Lending Group’s CEO, commented: “It’s a great example of what can be achieved when a lender can think and look outside the box, and find solutions."
MS Lending Group, Press Release
Aquilae secures commercial funding and bridge refinance
Aquilae Capital has supported a client with a capital raise secured against two unencumbered commercial properties in Dudley and Whittlesey, and a bridge refinance for a client to facilitate the timely sale of a residential investment and development opportunity in Westerham, Kent. They had been refurbished and successfully let by the client ahead of arranging term finance of just under £1 million at 75% LTV with NACFB Patron Shawbrook Bank. The second deal was with a private lender who provided funding at 71% LTV against an asset valued at £1.35 million. Given the client’s historic credit issues and a previous lender withdrawing at short notice due to their own funding constraints, it was critical to secure a flexible lender with a strong understanding of the asset and the ability to move at pace. Jeremy Robinson, director at the NACFB Member firm, said: “Another two deals successfully placed as we cultivate and consolidate long-term relationships in line with our philosophy.”
Aquilae Capital, Press Release
Pivot Lending secures £100m buyout boost
Pivot Lending Ltd has finalised a management buyout, supported by a £100m debt facility and equity from Foresight Group. This capital will enable the lender to increase maximum loan sizes to £15m, enhancing its offerings in short-term finance and development projects. CEO Shahil Kotecha stated: “This new capital base enables us to accelerate organic growth.” The buyout aims to improve support for SME developers through better capital availability and decision-making processes. Foresight Group's Oliver Bates highlighted the strategic importance of this investment in high-quality specialist lenders.
Development Finance Today
Close Brothers appoints new director
Close Brothers Property Finance has appointed Shon Pallickaleth as business development director for the South West, Midlands, and Wales. He will focus on expanding the company's presence in these regions, collaborating with developers on residential, Build to Rent (BTR), and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) projects. Previously, Shon worked at Lloyds Banking Group for 15 years, managing a loan portfolio over £450m and facilitating £1bn in senior debt funding.
Development Finance Today
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Asset, Leasing & Business Finance
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Momenta Finance enhances lending capability
Momenta has announced a significant evolution of its lending capabilities after closing a £125 million forward flow facility from a leading global investment bank to enhance its institutional roster of funding partners. This landmark transaction will enable the NACFB Patron to launch an innovative, streamlined tiered loan structure designed to scale origination across its core SME lending offering. Momenta will now be able to offer loans with interest rates starting from 7% per annum, alongside extended tenors. Tim Boag, CEO of Momenta Finance, commented: "This is a pivotal moment for Momenta and, more importantly, for the brokers and SMEs we serve. We are delivering institutional power with the agility of an alternative lender, ensuring that UK businesses can access the right capital, at the right price, exactly when they need it."
Momenta Finance, Press Release
Purbeck: Record surge in PGI among construction firms
New data from Purbeck Insurance Services reveals a sharp increase in demand for personal guarantee insurance (PGI) among UK construction firms. The NACFB Partner’s analysis shows that applications reached record levels at the end of 2025. December 2025 marked the highest number of PGI applications ever recorded, while total applications in Q4 2025 were 10% higher than the same quarter in 2024. More than half of PGI applications in Q4 related to loans taken out for working capital, indicating firms are borrowing to sustain operations rather than invest in growth. Only 16% of applications were linked to expansion initiatives, while 54% involved unsecured loans. Todd Davison, managing director of Purbeck Insurance Services, said: “For construction firms navigating tight margins, fragile cash flow and cautious lenders, PGI has become a practical way to keep businesses trading while ensuring that personal risk remains proportionate.”
Purbeck Insurance Services, Press Release
365 Finance publishes guide to Days Sales Outstanding
365 Finance has published a guide to help businesses and brokers gain a deeper understanding of Days Sales Outstanding (DOS). Sending an invoice instead of taking immediate payment means businesses are effectively extending an interest-free loan to customers. And if those invoices aren’t collected quickly, growth can turn into a cash crunch, putting serious pressure on cash flow and working capital. This is where DSO becomes very important as it measures how quickly a business converts credit sales into actual cash. For those who are unfamiliar with the pros and cons of DSO, the NACFB Patron's guide explains how DSO is calculated and used by lenders, why it is a good liquidity signal, and identifies some of the common pitfalls and actions to help improve DSO. Read the guide here.
365 Business Finance, Press release
Last chance to complete iwoca’s SME Expert Index survey
iwoca is encouraging NACFB brokers to take part in its quarterly survey, contributing to the SME Expert Index for Q4 2025. The survey, consisting of 25 questions, aims to gather brokers' insights to help shape the NACFB Patron’s products for SMEs. Brokers who participate can enter a prize draw to win one of three Virgin Experience Vouchers: one worth £259 and two worth £90 each. The survey should take around five minutes to complete, and iwoca values honest feedback to improve its support for small businesses. The survey closes tomorrow (Wednesday 11th February) and can be completed online here.
iwoca, Survey
Lloyds supports £5.2m pharmacy acquisition and refinance
Lloyds has supported the £5.2 million acquisition and refinance of a group of community pharmacies, enabling the owners to consolidate their operations, expand clinical services, and strengthen long‑term sustainability. Delivered through close collaboration between their healthcare business development manager, coverage and credit teams, and the broker, it demonstrates a continued commitment to backing healthcare businesses with the right funding at the right time.
Lloyds, Press Release
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Lending Conditions & Policy
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Third of January sales were to first-time buyers
First-time buyers accounted for 34.3% of property purchases last month, the highest January figure in 20 years, according to Connells Group. Research director Aneisha Beveridge noted that falling mortgage rates have made homeownership more accessible. She added: "Rising first-time buyer numbers should also help support overall transaction levels this year." However, Beveridge cautioned that transaction costs, particularly stamp duty, remain significant barriers for many. The data also revealed that nearly half of agreed sales in London were to first-time buyers. The research also showed that falling borrowing costs are allowing some first-time buyers to choose shorter mortgage terms. In January, 52% took out mortgages longer than 30 years, down from 55% a year earlier and 60% in 2023, according to Connells Group.
Daily Mail London Evening Standard The I
Non-doms exodus triggers slump in prime rental market
London's high-end rental market has seen a sharp decline over the past year, with the value of new tenancies charging over £1,000 per week falling £23m to £356.3m, according to LonRes data. The number of new lettings at this level also dropped by almost 10%, from 3,814 to 3,442, with steep falls across Mayfair, Belgravia, St John's Wood, Chelsea, Primrose Hill and Hampstead. Westminster and Whitehall recorded the most dramatic decline, with nearly half fewer tenancies taken out. Analysts attribute the downturn to rising taxes on landlords, including the end of non-dom status and measures in the Renters' Rights Act.
The Times
Building projects becoming more affordable
The average cost of building projects has dropped significantly, falling 14% over the past year and 25% below its 2023 peak, saving homeowners around £2,000 per project, according to Checkatrade. The decline is driven by cheaper, more stable material prices, calmer labour cost increases, and the disappearance of "supply risk premiums" that builders had added during the volatile price period. Increased competition among tradespeople, due to lower demand and fewer new builds by major firms, is also helping reduce quotes. At the same time, many homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than move, further shaping the domestic construction market.
The Times
Younger borrowers more likely to pay brokers
A survey commissioned by L&C Mortgages reveals that 91% of 18–34-year-olds have paid a broker fee for mortgage advice, compared with 64% of 45–54s and 42% of over-55s. David Hollingworth, associate director at L&C Mortgages, noted this adds pressure on younger buyers already struggling with deposits, moving costs and rising living expenses.
Daily Mail
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SMEs face £680m hit from Labour’s union plans
Labour’s plan to let trade unions into workplaces could hit small businesses with a £680m bill, the Telegraph reports. Under the Employment Rights Act, union officials will be granted "statutory right of access" to workplaces on a weekly basis so they can work to increase membership. Employers who block union access could face a fine of £75,000 for a single offence, rising to £150,000 for repeated offences. The Adam Smith Institute (ASI), a free market think tank, has called for the Government to exempt all SMEs from the statutory access rules after finding they will be disproportionately harmed by the policy. Both Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, and Sarah Olney, the Liberal Democrat business spokesman, called for measures to ensure small businesses wouldn’t suffer any added burdens.
The Daily Telegraph
Freeman warns against EU farming restrictions
George Freeman MP has urged Sir Keir Starmer to maintain the UK's freedom in plant breeding and regulation post-Brexit. He warned against sacrificing advancements in gene-edited crops, which could benefit UK farmers. Freeman said: "Agritech is a huge global growth market for both exports and investment." He stressed the need for policies that encourage innovation in agriculture, particularly in developing disease and drought-resistant crops. Concerns have been raised by the National Farmers' Union regarding potential regulatory compromises in negotiations with the EU.
Daily Express
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Wetherspoon's boss backs Reform’s pub rescue plan
Wetherspoon’s boss Sir Tim Martin is the latest hospitality chief to come out in support of Reform UK’s plans to support pubs. Nigel Farage's party advocates for a VAT reduction to 10%, a 10% cut in beer duty, and reversing recent increases in employers' national insurance contributions. Martin said: "There's no question that this initiative would utterly transform the competitiveness of pubs." Despite some government support, Price Bailey reported that one in eight pubs is in severe financial distress, with rising costs and inflation continuing to threaten their viability. Sir Tim’s comments come just a few days after Fuller’s boss Simon Emeny also backed Reform’s plans. Both men stress they are commenting on specific policies, not backing one party over another.
The Daily Telegraph
Daily Mail
NatWest confirms Evelyn Partners acquisition
NatWest has announced its acquisition of wealth manager Evelyn Partners for £2.7bn, marking its first significant purchase since returning to private ownership. This merger combines Evelyn's £69bn in assets under management with NatWest's £59bn. The acquisition is projected to increase NatWest's fee income by approximately 20% and generate annual cost savings of around £100m. The deal brings 2,400 Evelyn employees into NatWest and positions the bank to attract affluent clients.
Daily Mail The Daily Telegraph The Guardian
Scrap tourist tax for £7bn boost, businesses say
Business leaders urge Sir Keir Starmer to scrap the tourist tax, claiming it could generate a £7bn boost for UK high streets. The Heart of London Business Alliance, the Association of Town and City Management, and the Association of International Retail argue that reinstating VAT-free shopping for foreign tourists would enhance Britain's appeal as a shopping destination. They also highlight the need for a complete overhaul of the business rates system, which they describe as "fundamentally broken."
Daily Mail
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OBR to reduce transparency after Budget leaks
A report by the National Cyber Security Centre reveals that the Chancellor’s November Budget was accessed nearly 25,000 times ahead of its official publication due to a leak from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). An initial review suggested it has been downloaded about 43 times. The probe also found that Rachel Reeves’s Spring Statement last March was accessed 16 times before her speech, not once as previously thought. The leak forced OBR chairman Richard Hughes to resign. The Treasury now says it will tighten security around forecasts and keep dates of OBR evaluations secret. This prompted Sir Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, to say: "Less transparency will only add to suspicions about what went on at the Budget, and whether it will happen again." Martin Beck, chief economist at WPI strategy, agreed suggesting markets might become less confident in the "predictability of fiscal policy" as a result.
Financial Times
The Daily Telegraph
Retail sales surge in January
Retail sales in the UK rose by 2.7% in January, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG. The increase follows a sluggish December, driven by consumers taking advantage of post-Christmas discounts. Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG, noted that personal electronics and children's items were among the top categories. Despite the growth, concerns remain about retailers needing to offer discounts to stimulate demand, which may impact profit margins. The Office for National Statistics reports that retail sales are still 1.5% below pre-pandemic levels.
The Times
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