By Andrew Ribbins, Group Sales Director, Ultimate Finance
Non-bank lending specialists (NBLS) like Ultimate Finance have contributed massively to supporting SME’s throughout the COVID pandemic. Every morning when I read the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) daily briefing the evidence of innovation and support from NBLS is clear to see. True it has not been totally altruistic, by helping SME’s through this crisis, we have benefited from helping our customers to survive & been able to continue to write new business.
However, from being at the very sharp end of our response to COVID in the first lockdown and in particular for our Asset Finance clients with payment holiday requests, I know Ultimate Finance have gone the extra mile to work with business owners who were trying to survive through the pandemic. And I know we are not the only ones as I regularly talk to lending peers who have the same stories to tell.
I was going to write about the various actions the NBLS have taken to keep business moving. Not just the asset finance payment holidays, but the provision of working capital facilities and CBILS backed property advances. However, I received a thank you from one of our clients that for me, brings into sharp focus the positive consequences of our actions for real people.
Regency Transport 5-star TrustPilot review of Ultimate Finance:
Have used Ultimate Finance for a number of years to help support and grow our business. Have always dealt personally with Andrew and his team, who are always available and very helpful. They have hugely supported us during the lockdown, which has meant our business has managed to survive, for which we will be ever grateful. Would highly recommend.
This is not an isolated case either. And the fact our client has taken the time to express their gratitude to us, makes the job more rewarding for our teams. I feel incredibly proud of everyone at Ultimate Finance and our NBIL peers who can hold their heads high and say they played their part in supporting our clients and SMEs generally through COVID. Without our funding, and that of the other NBILS providers, many businesses would not have survived until now, or to see out the pandemic into 2021.
