Business funding in a crisis
–
Whether due to economic downturns, unexpected challenges, or a range of other factors, businesses in the UK at risk of crisis or bankruptcy may find themselves in dire need of financial assistance. Fortunately, there are various funding options available to support struggling businesses during tough times. In this article, we will explore some of the key sources of funding that can help businesses weather the storm and get back on the path to sustainability.
–

–
Business support organisations
Business support organisations in the UK, such as local chambers of commerce, often provide financial support to struggling businesses. These organisations can offer advice, mentoring, and financial assistance through various grants and schemes. As well as the support we offer at the Growth Hub, you may also wish to look at the British Business Bank, the Federation of Small Businesses, or Funding Circle.
Commercial finance
Beyond government and grant-based options, businesses at risk of crisis or bankruptcy can explore commercial finance solutions. These include:
- Asset-based lending: Businesses can leverage their assets, such as stock, property or income due, as collateral to secure a line of credit or a loan.
- Invoice factoring: This option allow businesses to sell their outstanding invoices to a finance company, which provides immediate cash in exchange for a fee.
- Business loans and credit: Traditional bank loans or lines of credit may be available to businesses that meet their lender’s criteria. Private lenders and online lending platforms can also be considered.
Turnaround specialists
If your business is in severe financial distress or at risk of bankruptcy, it may be advisable to speak to a turnaround specialist or insolvency practitioner. They can provide guidance and financial support to navigate the challenging process of restructuring and recovery. These professionals can help negotiate with creditors, develop restructuring plans, and manage the company’s financial affairs during a crisis.
Facing a financial crisis or the possibility of bankruptcy can be a daunting and distressing experience for any business-owner and their team. But there are a number of potential options available to try and navigate these challenges, and, along with a proper financial plan that plots a path out of the crisis, they can help businesses at risk of crisis or bankruptcy regain stability and thrive once more. If you are in this situation, we encourage you to consult with financial experts as soon as possible.
Learn more
See what sorts of business funding are available
Find out more about managing costs in your business
–

–
Articles
Sausage maker uses technology to cut energy costs and power future growth
HECK, based in Bedale, produces premium sausages, burgers, mince and meatballs. The family-firm installed a digital Energy Management System (EMS) with support from Made Smarter Yorkshire after soaring electricity prices almost tripled its energy bills.
North Yorkshire brewery taps into technology to fuel growth
Founded in 2013 as a small-batch microbrewery, Harrogate Brewing Company was acquired by Joe and Julie Joyce in 2020 with ambitions to build a larger, more resilient business that could create a long-term future for their family. Just weeks later, the Covid-19 pandemic brought the hospitality industry to a standstill. With its pub customers disappearing almost overnight, the family adapted by launching online sales, home deliveries and a taproom.
New employers: what you need to know about the National Minimum Wage
Taking on your first workers is a milestone moment for any new business. It’s important to pay your workers correctly from day one, as this helps build trust, demonstrates your commitment to treating workers fairly, and lays the foundations for a positive and productive working relationship.
Resources
Webinar Recording: Protect Your Business from Cyber Attacks
Delivered by the North East Cyber Resilience Centre (NECRC), this webinar is designed to help SMEs strengthen their cyber resilience and understand the practical steps needed to protect their business from increasingly common cyber threats. Alongside this, attendees will be offered free membership of the NECRC and access to funded cyber security services.
Webinar Series: Data Protection
In this engaging and practical webinar series, Privacy Protect Group Ltd will guide you through everything you need to know to build a confident, compliant, and resilient approach to data protection in your business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your practices, each session is designed to build your understanding step-by-step.
Farm Business Support Programme: Webinar Recordings
This programme is a designed to help farm businesses understand where they are now, where they want to be next, and how to make confident decisions in a fast-changing industry. The focus is simple: real world, farm focused business skills that can be applied straight back at home.






