When your business needs funding, a bank loan isn’t the only game in town. In fact, for many small and medium businesses, the bank is often the slowest, most rigid option. Over the years, we’ve seen companies across Nottinghamshire and beyond, thrive by tapping into creative alternatives that fit their cash flow and growth plans far better than a standard loan.
At FundingRound, we specialise in helping business owners cut through the noise and find funding that actually works in the real world, not just on paper.
Why Look Beyond your Bank?
Banks are known for long forms, endless checks, and repayment terms that don’t bend. That might suit some firms, but if you need quick cash, flexibility, or you simply don’t tick every box on their checklist, alternative finance can be a lifesaver.
We’ve seen businesses unlock growth, cover short-term gaps, and even rescue themselves from sticky situations by using the right creative funding solution at the right time.
Invoice Factoring: Cash Now, Not in 90 Days
Picture this: you’ve finished a £50,000 job, sent the invoice, and your client cheerfully reminds you they’ve got 60-day terms. That’s two months of waiting while wages, suppliers, and bills don’t wait at all.
Invoice factoring solves that. You hand over the invoice to a factoring company, and they’ll advance most of the value straight away (say £45,000). When your client finally pays, you get the rest, minus their fee.
We’ve worked with manufacturers, contractors, and service firms who used factoring to smooth out lumpy cash flow. It’s not free, but it’s often the difference between turning down work and keeping momentum going.
Merchant Cash Advances: Borrow Against Future Sales
If your tills are constantly ringing through card payments, a merchant cash advance can be a quick fix. Instead of a fixed repayment every month, you repay through a slice of your daily card takings. Busy day? You pay more. Quiet day? You pay less.
We once helped a restaurant owner in Nottingham access funds for a refurb in just a few days through this route. They didn’t have to wrestle with rigid loan schedules; repayments flexed with their trade. The key is to go in with your eyes open, because this form of borrowing can be pricier than a bank loan – but for speed and flexibility, it’s hard to beat.
Equipment Leasing: Get the Kit Without the Big Outlay
Buying machinery, vehicles, or specialist tech outright can hammer your cash reserves. Leasing flips that problem on its head. You spread the cost over time, keep capital in the bank, and often get extras like maintenance included.
We’ve seen transport firms lease entire fleets without tying up huge sums, and manufacturers stay competitive by upgrading to newer machines mid-contract. At the end of the lease, you can buy, upgrade, or simply hand the kit back. It’s predictable, flexible, and often comes with tax perks too.
Crowdfunding: Raise Money and Build a Fanbase
Crowdfunding isn’t just about money – it’s about building a community. Platforms let you pitch your idea directly to the public. In return, people might get early access, a perk, or even a stake in your business.
One local start-up raised capital for a new food product this way, but the real win was the customer feedback they got before launch. By the time they hit the shelves, they already had a queue of people ready to buy. Done right, crowdfunding doubles as both funding and marketing.
Peer-to-Peer Lending: Investors Without the Bank
Peer-to-peer platforms connect businesses with everyday investors who want a return. Think of it as cutting out the middleman. Applications are usually slick and quick, with decisions in days rather than weeks.
We’ve seen everything from retailers plugging short-term gaps to engineering firms funding expansion through P2P loans. Interest rates vary, but the speed and flexibility make it attractive for many.
Finding the Right Fit
Not every option suits every business. The right choice depends on your cash flow, your sector, and your growth ambitions. That’s why we don’t push one product – we look at the whole market and match you with what actually works.
We’ve helped companies access everything from quick bridging funds to multi-year growth finance. Sometimes the answer is simple, sometimes it’s a blend of different options. The important bit is knowing where to look and how to negotiate the right terms.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you’re tired of the bank’s red tape or simply want to know what else is out there, let’s talk. At FundingRound, we’ll guide you through the alternatives, explain the pros and cons in plain English, and help you find funding that keeps your business moving forward.