Unlocking Opportunities: Asset Finance Solutions Delivers Inaugural Cashflow Summit

On 15th May 2025, Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd (AFS) brought together over 50 brokers for an engaging and informative event in central London. Chaired by Lee Simms, Managing Director of AFS, the event was designed to arm brokers in the network with the knowledge and tools to help their clients better navigate the evolving finance landscape. 

In collaboration with four key funding partners: Funding Circle, Momenta Finance, Bibby Financial Services and Premium Credit the event centred on how brokers can broaden their product offering and support clients with innovative cashflow solutions. 

A Changing Economic Landscape – Funding Circle’s Market Update 

Dan New from Funding Circle was the first presenter and offered an overview of the current economy. He noted that whilst inflation has dropped, and interest rates have begun to decline future economic uncertainty remains. With muted GDP growth and fragile business confidence, May has already shown signs of increased funding demand from UK SMEs. 

He went on to discuss how this market demand has fuelled product development at Funding Circle and cited some of their recent innovations including: 

• Revisions to their Flexible Loan (formerly STL): Fast access to £10k–£750k over 6, 12 or 24 months, with flexible repayment options and no lender fees on shorter terms. 

• FlexiPay: A revolving credit facility enabling businesses to manage cashflow with instalment options and flat, transparent fees. 

• Cashback Business Credit Card: A new solution supporting everyday business spending with added benefits. 

All of these new products have been designed to help increase the speed and flexibility of their funding decisions. 

Momenta Finance – Solving the Case of Missing Opportunities 

Momenta Finance took a creative look at how brokers can uncover opportunities for cashflow finance, presented through the eyes of their ‘Cashflow Detective’. By highlighting the critical link between cashflow management and SME growth potential, the presentation revealed that many SMEs stall rather than fail due to missed cashflow opportunities. 

Through a detective-themed approach, audience members were introduced to likely “suspects” in order to familiarise them with the common challenges they may face. The session also included an “Interrogation Room” segment, where attendees refined their questioning techniques to better understand client cashflow situations. 

This case demonstrated how Momenta Finance’s Unsecured Business Loans and Asset Finance can help SMEs bridge cashflow gaps through their product range which includes: 

• Unsecured Business Loans: Flexible funding from £50,000 up to £500,000 with terms typically ranging from 6 months to 6 years, with no asset security required.
• Secured Loans: Larger loan amounts starting from £50,000 up to 1.5 million pounds, secured against property or business assets.
• Asset Finance: Finance for equipment or machinery purchases from £50,000 upwards, with terms from 24 to 60 months. Repayments structured as hire purchase or lease agreements, soft assets only.
• Short-term loans from £200,000 to £5 million, usually with terms up to 24 months.

Bibby Financial Services – Cashflow Loans vs. Invoice Finance

Bibby Financial Services provided an in-depth look into the difference between cashflow loans and invoice finance, reinforcing when and how each product should be considered. 

While invoice finance provides funding based on receivables for work already done, cashflow loans require confidence in a business’s future earnings. Key lending criteria such as EBITDA and debt service ratios were explored, with examples illustrating how cashflow loans can facilitate acquisitions, shareholder exits, and other purchases. 

Bibby showcased a number of recent deals to demonstrate their agility and approach which allows brokers to find viable options even in complex circumstances. 

Premium Credit – Tackling Accounts Payable with Strategic Financing 

Richard Crossland from Premium Credit, was the last presenter of the day. He highlighted that 82% of UK business failures are linked to poor cashflow, with accounts payable (AP) frequently being the largest outflow after payroll. He introduced the concept of Convenient Payments for AP, a practical way for businesses to spread large bills, such as rent, insurance, and tax across 3 to 12 months. 

This approach not only preserves working capital and strengthens supplier relationships but also offers a compelling alternative for brokers to present to clients. 

Richard encouraged brokers to focus on sectors most affected by AP pressures, such as construction, healthcare, and professional services and to frame these products as strategic tools to support growth and resilience. 

The event closed with a Q&A and a chance to catch up over networking drinks. 

Supporting Brokers Through Events and Expertise 

AFS is committed to supporting their broker network not just with market-leading products, but with knowledge-sharing events such as this one. These events empower brokers to expand their offering and build stronger client relationships.  

Our sincere thanks go to all the presenters: Funding Circle, Momenta Finance, Bibby Financial Services and Premium Credit for their valuable insights and continued partnership.