The first quarter of this year has been anything but straightforward for business.
On the surface, the numbers look strong. Broker-led SME lending reached £33 billion in 2025, up 25% year-on-year, with intermediaries playing a more central role than ever before.
But behind that growth sits a more nuanced story, one shaped by uncertainty, shifting lender appetite, and a rate environment that continues to keep everyone on their toes.
Over the past 18–24 months, we’ve seen a sharp rise in both Bank of England base rate and SONIA, followed by a period of relative stability.
Despite the headwinds, Q1 has been positive. Demand remains strong. Opportunities are still there. And importantly, deals are still being completed.
If anything, the environment is reinforcing the value of experience and skill so far as brokers are concerned…
Click here to read more details in Marc McLoughlin’s Deep Dive.
CASE STUDY – MBO FUNDING & INVOICE FINANCE
This case study is a great example of what happens when the right people come together around a transaction. It highlights a management buyout, where the goal wasn’t just funding the transaction; it was creating a platform for the next phase of growth.
We’ve been really impressed with Paragon Banking Group PLC, recently which is why we’ve chosen them as March’s Lender of the Month.
We’ve done several deals so far this year, in the region of £600,000 total lending, but it’s the variety of product types, assets and commercial underwriting that have really helped us offer more flexibility to our clients.
Whether that’s been commercial vehicles or machinery or even unsecured GGS scheme growth loans, they’ve been ready and willing to support our clients with quick decisions, swift payouts and competitive rates.
Further, our new Broker Manager, Lauren Cargill, has been really responsive, accessible, and able to overcome and obstacles and answer any questions we’ve had during our business together. Thanks Paragon and Lauren!
Kristian Bibby and the team at Ribble Valley Accountants have been working with us for around a year now and we’ve worked together on several deals for a number of clients and it’s been a breeze.
The relationship and trust has developed fantastically well over that period as has the mutual understanding of each other’s businesses, clients and needs. Kris is also a regular fixture at our monthly padel event at Clubhouse Blackburn.
Whether he’s better with numbers or with a racket – you’d have to come along to find out!
Community Corner: Supporting Lancashire Together 🌹
The Community Foundation for Lancashire is delighted to welcome Aqualease Aquarium Rentals as the newest member of Lancashire Investors in Community (LIiC), our growing network of purpose‑driven businesses who share a commitment to strengthening communities across our county.
LIiC brings together organisations that recognise that collective action creates greater opportunities for change. By joining the initiative, Aqualease will help us bring in new charitable funds, increase investment into the region, and ensure we can continue supporting the most vulnerable communities across Lancashire.
Established in 2003, Aqualease is the North West’s market leader in aquarium rental and maintenance. Their living, immersive displays transform workplaces, schools, healthcare settings and residential environments, promoting wellbeing and inspiring curiosity. Through hands‑on learning projects such as the British Shore Rock Pool Experience and the Happy Habitats Marine Reef Aquarium, Aqualease engages children in sensory exploration and environmental protection, encouraging the next generation to protect and celebrate our oceans.
Aqualease’s commitment to education, wellbeing and ethical environmental practice aligns closely with our own mission.
Welcome to the Lancashire Investors Community Aqualease Aquarium Rentals!
Orca Finance are proud members and ambassadors of the LiiC community – are you ready to get involved? Contact Marc McLoughlin.
Thank you for reading this month's Making Waves.
We hope you found it interesting, informative and entertaining!
And remember, when you need to arrange business finance, stop swimming with the sharks, and join the Orcas!
