The number of UK SMEs that say finance is very difficult to access more than tripled in three months, rising from 7% to 23%, according to Capify’s latest Business Confidence Report.
The Q2 2026 survey of 245 business owners also found that almost seven in ten saw operating costs rise last quarter, while more than six in ten describe their cash flow as concerning. Late payments add to the strain: 71% say payment delays affect how they operate, and 38% have seen delays increase over the past year.
For wholesalers, these pressures are familiar. Large stock commitments, long payment terms and rising labour and transport costs mean cash often goes out long before it comes back in.
Yet confidence has not disappeared. Around half of SMEs expect revenues to grow over the next six months, and as we move into the final quarter of 2026, the focus will be on whether that confidence translates into investment and growth.
The upcoming Budget will therefore be closely watched by the wholesale sector, particularly for further measures that could ease operating costs, strengthen cash flow and give growing businesses greater confidence to invest.
Capify has a long history of supporting such investments. With almost two decades of experience in the sector, it has provided almost £15 million in funding to 316 UK wholesale companies, from food and drink suppliers to building materials and clothing wholesalers. That funding has helped businesses buy stock, smooth trading cycles and invest in growth.
Capify’s experience has shaped its Wholesale Growth Blueprint 2026, a free, practical guide for SME wholesalers. It covers five areas:
- Growth
- Cash flow
- Investment
- Resilience
- Funding
Each section includes a checklist to help owners turn ideas into action.
As the guide states: “The best time to explore funding options is before they become urgent.” With more SMEs now turning to alternative finance providers rather than banks, Capify offers funding from £10,000 to £3 million and can often help when other lenders say no.
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