After peaking in 2020, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom (UK) decreased overall. In 2024, lending to UK SMEs amounted to approximately ** billion British pounds.

SME - Synthetic UK Businesses financial statistics

Contains the financial and basic information about the 1000 small and medium enterprises in the UK. It contains attributes as far-reaching as the profit and losses of the entities and even their credit scores. It can be used to analyze the survival and success prediction of the enterprise.

This sample data is part of the statistically accurate representation of the UK economy that can be found at https://nayaone.com/digital-twin/. Our mission is democratization and quality data governance in areas where the lack of data is a major hurdle for innovation and progress. To learn more, contact us: contact@nayaone.com

Content

All the Synthetic datasets have been generated with programmatic stimulation to represent the real-world data. Description of the datasets are as follows: - Account Receivable: Funds that customers owe your company for products or services that have been invoiced. - Businesses: List of enterprises and their information - Covid: Financial stats of the companies during the pandemic waves - Credit Account History: History of a credit account and usage of - Credit Card History: History of the credit card usage and debt amount of an enterprise - Credit Rating: credit rating of listed businesses which is a quantified assessment of the creditworthiness of a borrower in general terms or with respect to a financial obligation. - Director: UK Individual who is on the Director position in companies listed in Businesses - Factoring: Financial transaction and a type of debtor finance in which a business sells its accounts receivable to a third party at a discount. - Individual: UK Individuals information - Loan: Information of the paid and unpaid Loans by the enterprise

Acknowledgements

The real data stats used to generate synthetic data are mainly gathered from the ONS, Public datasets and Known statistics.

Inspiration

This data can be used to train Machine learning models for better accuracy.

The main reason for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to apply for external financing in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2024 was ***************, indicated by ** percent of companies who had done so. A further ** percent of UK SMEs who sought financing claimed to have applied to *********************.

As at end of September 2025, the total repayment amount by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom (UK) amounted to around 5.6 billion pound sterling (GBP). The repayment amounts from SMEs have increased since the two-year low in May 2025.

Forecast: New Business Lending for SMEs in the UK 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

United Kingdom Credit Cond: CL: L3: Default Rate: Small Business data was reported at 10.900 % Point in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of -19.700 % Point for Mar 2018. United Kingdom Credit Cond: CL: L3: Default Rate: Small Business data is updated quarterly, averaging -6.800 % Point from Dec 2009 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 35 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 38.000 % Point in Dec 2009 and a record low of -34.800 % Point in Jun 2015. United Kingdom Credit Cond: CL: L3: Default Rate: Small Business data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of England. The data is categorized under Global Database’s UK – Table UK.KB020: Credit Conditions Survey: Corporate Lending: Last 3 Months.

In 2024, the most used type of external finance sought by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom (UK) were bank overdraft facilities, and loans building society or other financial institution. 37 percent of SMEs had applied for external finance from a bank overdraft facility in the previous 12 months. A further 36 percent of SMEs had applied for a loan from a bank, building society or other financial institution.

The market share of the largest UK banks in SME lending declined significantly between 2007 and 2024. In 2007, prior to the global financial crisis, the top four UK banks held approximately ** percent of the market. By 2024 - following mergers and rebranding - the combined market share of the big five banks had fallen to below ** percent.

This survey is commissioned by the Business Finance Taskforce to provide an independent and authoritative report into the key issues of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) Finance. 4,500 telephone interviews are conducted per quarter, across the UK (5,000 prior to 2016), with a carefully structured sample of SMEs by size, sector and region.

The survey explores the demand for external funding amongst SMEs and the response to requests for funding made to banks in the last 12 months. It also asks for future finance needs and assesses business confidence, growth, and barriers to growth for the future, as well as the impact of a lending experience on the overall banking relationship. As well as identifying the proportion of SMEs that have approached a lender for external finance, the survey identified those who would have liked to apply but have not, the barriers to such an application, and the impact of the decision not to seek funding on business performance. A wide range of business demographics are collected to allow for sub-group analysis by criteria such as age of business, external risk rating, type of facility requested, and the 'formality' of the business (planning, HR policies, importing, exporting etc). The intention is for this to become the definitive data set on this topic for banks, government, business organisations and other interested parties, including academics. It is hoped it will be used to provide answers, obviate the need for similar quantitative research, and provide the starting point for spin-off projects into specific aspects of SME Finance. Further information may be found on the http://www.sme-finance-monitor.co.uk"> BVA BDRC SME Finance Monitor website.

Each data file includes all data collected for the last 10 waves, whilst the reports focus on data gathered from the last 4 quarters. The report is now released once per year, after Q4, but data is released twice a year (after Q2 and Q4).

Latest Edition Information
For the 26th edition (June 2025), additional data and documentation were deposited to extend the coverage to Quarter 4, 2024.

Survey data on UK small and medium sized enterprise (SME) finance rejection rates.

United Kingdom Credit Cond: CL: N3: Small Business:DU: Credit Card data was reported at 6.800 % Point in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 13.600 % Point for Jun 2018. United Kingdom Credit Cond: CL: N3: Small Business:DU: Credit Card data is updated quarterly, averaging 9.750 % Point from Jun 2007 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 46 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 50.000 % Point in Mar 2011 and a record low of -12.900 % Point in Jun 2016. United Kingdom Credit Cond: CL: N3: Small Business:DU: Credit Card data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of England. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.KB021: Credit Conditions Survey: Corporate Lending: Next 3 Months.

United Kingdom Gross Lending (GL): MFI: excl OD: NFC: SMEs: Agri, Hunt, For & Fish data was reported at 268.000 GBP mn in Mar 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 217.000 GBP mn for Feb 2020. United Kingdom Gross Lending (GL): MFI: excl OD: NFC: SMEs: Agri, Hunt, For & Fish data is updated monthly, averaging 267.000 GBP mn from Jan 2016 (Median) to Mar 2020, with 51 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 384.000 GBP mn in May 2018 and a record low of 169.000 GBP mn in Jan 2018. United Kingdom Gross Lending (GL): MFI: excl OD: NFC: SMEs: Agri, Hunt, For & Fish data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of England. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.KB017: MFIs Lending to Non Financial Businesses: SMEs.

United Kingdom Gross Lending: MFIs: SMEs data was reported at 4,464,000,000.000 GBP in Apr 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 4,180,000,000.000 GBP for Mar 2019. United Kingdom Gross Lending: MFIs: SMEs data is updated monthly, averaging 4,639,000,000.000 GBP from May 2011 (Median) to Apr 2019, with 96 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,240,000,000.000 GBP in Jan 2016 and a record low of 2,745,000,000.000 GBP in Nov 2012. United Kingdom Gross Lending: MFIs: SMEs data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of England. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.KB016: MFIs Lending to Non Financial Businesses: By Size of Business.

Value of outstanding residential mortgage lending by postcode sector for 9,273 Great Britain postcode sectors. Areas with a small number of loans cannot be reported because it might compromise individuals' data privacy. These figures form part of a joint data reporting exercise, covering lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), residential mortgages and personal loans, coordinated by the British Bankers' Association (BBA) and the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Data covering lending to SMEs and personal loans is published by the BBA. Participating lenders comprise: Barclays Bank, Clydesdale Bank & Yorkshire Bank, HSBC Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide Building Society, Santander UK and RBS. Collectively these institutions account for about 60 per cent of bank lending to SMEs, 73 per cent of mortgage lending and 60 per cent of unsecured personal loan markets in Great Britain. More information from CML website.

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Online Financing Platform For SMBs Market Size 2025-2029

The online financing platform for smbs market size is forecast to increase by USD 23.48 billion, at a CAGR of 21.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing trend of digital transformation in business financing. The surge in the number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) worldwide is a key factor fueling this growth. These businesses are increasingly turning to online financing platforms for their funding needs due to the convenience, speed, and flexibility they offer. However, the market is not without challenges. Privacy and security concerns are a significant obstacle, as SMBs must ensure the protection of their financial data when using these platforms. Additionally, regulatory compliance and the need for transparency are crucial considerations for both financing platforms and SMBs. Navigating these challenges requires a robust security framework, clear communication, and a strong commitment to regulatory compliance. Companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities in this market must prioritize these factors to build trust and confidence among their SMB clientele.

What will be the Size of the Online Financing Platform For SMBs Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free SampleThe online financing market for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) continues to evolve, with dynamic market activities unfolding across various sectors. Entities offering lines of credit, financial statements analysis, decisioning engines, real estate financing, equipment financing, automated underwriting, risk assessment, invoice financing, and online application processes are seamlessly integrated into comprehensive loan management systems. These systems enable SMBs to access essential funding options, including working capital loans, startup funding, and growth capital, through digital lending platforms. Fraud prevention measures, such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols, are also integrated into these systems to ensure secure transactions. The ongoing development of digital lending platforms encompasses API integration, mobile lending apps, and loan origination, enabling SMBs to apply for loans and manage their portfolios online. Credit reports, loan amortization, interest rates, and debt financing are assessed through credit scoring and cash flow projections. Entities providing loan servicing, merchant cash advances, venture capital, equity financing, debt collection, business plans, and due diligence contribute to the evolving landscape of online financing for SMBs. The integration of data encryption and data privacy measures further enhances the security of these platforms, ensuring that sensitive business information remains protected. As market dynamics continue to shift, the online financing market for SMBs will remain a vital source of growth capital and essential funding solutions.

How is this Online Financing Platform For SMBs Industry segmented?

The online financing platform for smbs industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. TypeEquity financingDebt financingServiceBank-led online lending platformsAlternative lenders and fintech platformsPeer-to-peer (P2P) lendingEnd-userInterest-based revenueTransaction feesReferral and partnership feesPlatformPeer-to-Peer LendingBank-AffiliatedIndependent PlatformsGeographyNorth AmericaUSMexicoEuropeFranceGermanyItalySpainUKMiddle East and AfricaUAEAPACAustraliaChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaSouth AmericaBrazilRest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The equity financing segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The online financing market for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) is witnessing significant activity and evolving trends. Equity financing, which involves selling an ownership interest of a business in exchange for capital, held the largest market share in 2024. However, the process of securing equity financing is challenging, as finding investors willing to buy the business is a significant hurdle. The amount of equity financing a borrower takes also impacts their management control and future sale options. Digital lending platforms and online application processes streamline the loan origination process, enabling quicker access to various financing options. These include working capital loans, merchant cash advances, lines of credit, and term loans. Credit reports and credit scoring are crucial components of the decisioning engines used by these platforms to assess risk and make informed lending decisions. Real estate financing, equi

In a survey conducted between October 2024 and May 2025, small and medium enterprise (SME) employers in the United Kingdom (UK) were asked if they were using any of the given types of external finance for their businesses. The largest share of respondents (** percent) stated that they used credit cards. A further ** percent of SME employers stated that they used bank overdraft facilities for their businesses in 2024.

This report analyses the total unsecured gross lending to individuals within the United Kingdom; this includes lending by monetary financial institutions (MFIs) and other consumer credit lenders, albeit excludes lending for the purposes of student loans. The data is sourced from the Bank of England (BoE) and values presented represent the sum of seasonally adjusted monthly figures over a given financial year (i.e., April-March). Forecast estimates are produced by IBISWorld.