ThinCats Hits a New High in SME Lending
In the latest turn‑of‑year report, ThinCats—the go‑to alternative finance firm for mid‑size U.K. SMEs—announced a record year of lending for its fiscal year ending 30 June 2025.
Funding Numbers That Keep the Lights On
- £381 million transferred to small and medium businesses over the last 12 months.
- A modest bump from the previous year’s £378 million.
- More than £2 billion lent in total across the UK to date.
- Assets under management hovering just below £1 billion.
Steering Through a Sea of Uncertainty
Business owners are bracing for a mix of global tariffs, rising corporate taxes, and a Base Rate that’s not dropping quite as often as they’d hoped. All of these create a stormy backdrop that could dampen borrowing demand.
Even so, ThinCats is still the top pick for M&A funding amid a 24% YoY decline in U.K. merger & acquisition activity, per the most recent Experian M&A MarketIQ snapshot.
What’s Driving the Numbers?
- Owner‑managed businesses are taking a front seat—an uptick especially after the Autumn Budget.
- ThinCats’ transactional capital product is being tapped more frequently. It’s a flexible borrowing tool that’s perfect for companies that love to “buy and build.”
- Private‑equity backed deals? They’re steady—no dramatic ups or downs.
Industry Voice: “Challenges Turn Into Opportunities”
Mike Hackett, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “It’s been a seriously tough year for UK firms—at home and abroad. But when the world throws challenges our way, it often opens the door to new chances. We’re seeing a surge in activity across sectors like healthcare, telecoms, and B2B services.”
Hackett added that the market is showing “more certainty” and that SMEs are still resilient, looking to grow and invest despite the hurdles.
Bottom Line
ThinCats is rock‑steady, staying at the front of the lending pack even when the market feels like a roller coaster. Their numbers speak for themselves: steady growth in a challenging climate, a robust loan book, and a solid asset base—all while keeping the spirit of business hog‑frogs alive.
