SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) represent around 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment globally (according to the World Bank) and often play a substantial role in driving innovation, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.  

For many SMEs, they can often face challenges when it comes to securing the finance they need to support their growth trajectories and help them succeed. With rising start-up and operating costs, the tightening of cashflow and the ongoing climate of economic uncertainty, it can make it even more difficult.  

Flexible funding can help SMEs:

• Access working capital, ensuring smooth business operations.

• Benefit from growth opportunities such as facilitating expansion and scaling of their business.  

• Access the financial flexibility they need, tailored specifically for their business to help them thrive.  

Challenges SMEs face

One of the challenges many SMEs can often face is finding the right finance solution that aligns with their business needs and financial health. With each business having unique funding requirements, understanding what options are available and making informed financial decisions can feel overwhelming.  

Many SMEs are met with limited access to traditional finance providers, often unsure of where to begin or who to trust – for time-poor business owners, the admin alone can be enough to stall progress, let alone the stresses of navigating confusing terminology and financial arrangements.  

Without the right funding in place, SMEs may risk:

• Missing out on growth opportunities.

• Struggling to maintain cash flow.

• Stretching already limited resources even further.

Empowering SMEs with broker solutions

What small businesses require is the knowledge of specialist funders who understand the day-to-day realities of running an SME in today’s economic climate, and access to a broad panel of lenders who can help them find the finance solution that works for them.  

Whether you’re a startup investing in your first pieces of equipment, or an established business ready to scale, access to the right finance at the right time can make all the difference.

Cashflow finance and asset finance solutions can support businesses by accessing the finance they need to grow now - instead of large upfront payments, monthly payments can make budgeting easier, protect working capital, and reduce financial pressure. With fixed, low rates, businesses can plan confidently, keeping credit lines open and reducing risk across the board.

Finance also has the ability to unlock possible tax advantages, as businesses can benefit from 100% tax relief on many finance agreements and offset repayments against taxable profits. Most importantly, it gives you the power to make decisions when the time is right, not just when your cash reserves allow.

The Bluestone Portal

The Bluestone Portal has been purpose-built to make finance faster, easier, and more accessible for businesses. SMEs can get a quick quote or apply for finance from a panel of trusted lenders. Using intelligent technology, it connects your business with the most suitable funding options and returns decisions and quotes within minutes.

Through the portal users can:

• Receive free, no-obligation quotes.

• Monitor the progress of their application in real time.

• Securely upload documentation.

• Communicate directly with Bluestone’s finance experts at each stage of the process.

By removing unnecessary complexity and minimising administrative burden, the portal offers a more efficient, transparent route to securing the finance needed to support business growth. Whether you are establishing your business or expanding into new markets, the Bluestone Portal provides the tools and support to help you move forward with confidence.

Apply Now.

You can request a no-obligation quote or apply now for equipment, cashflow loans, technology and more through the Bluestone Portal.  

Alternatively, if you want to discuss your options with one of our team of industry experts, fill in our contact form, or give us a call on 0330 135 8660.  

Finance for your business

Bluestone is an ethical and FCA-regulated finance intermediary. We are committed to ensuring that our clients make informed financial decisions based on their requirements and always recommend that our clients seek independent financial advice from an authorised source before committing to any financial agreements.  

If you would like to explore software finance solutions in more detail, get in touch using the enquiry form below, or contact us here. One of our friendly and experienced team will be in touch as soon as possible.

^{Last updated: 2nd July 2025. Version: BS2025.06.01.SMG}