Fix Funding

A Fundability Reflection | March 2026 Introduction This month marks the end of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) — one of the most ambitious, frustrating, and ultimately unfinished experiments in post-Brexit regional funding policy. Launched as the domestic replacement for European Structural and Investment Funds, the UKSPF aimed to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, becoming a central pillar of the previous government's Levelling Up agenda. As

In July 2025, the UK's Department for Business and Trade published it's Strategy setting out a long-term plan for government support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). On February 11th 2026, The Business and Trade Committee published it's response correctly identifying a range of cost pressures - including rising National Insurance contributions, energy costs, business rates, and late payments - that are placing enormous strain on SMEs across the country. Howeve

The investment landscape in the UK presents a brutal reality for aspiring entrepreneurs. With rejection rates by both VC and Angel investors exceeding 90%, 000s SMEs are turned away from equity investment each year. This staggering rejection rate represents more than just rejected applications—it represents innovation stifled, jobs not created, and economic potential squandered. The reasons behind these astronomical rejection rates are multifaceted and most SMEs, particularly

Government and institutional grants are often touted as a lifeline for growing startups and SMEs unable to secure loans or investment. The reality is far less encouraging. With rejection rates around 90%, grant funding represents more mirage than oasis for desperate businesses seeking funding. The main provider of innovation grants – Innovate UK – has been in turmoil for over 2 years. The number of grants available has halved. The Smart grant was suspended  in 2025 and outrag

1 in 2 Loan applications are rejected This 50% rejection rate represents a dramatic decline from the 80% success rate recorded in 2018 and highlights a growing crisis in SME access to finance. Businesses need funding most when they're starting and growing, precisely when banks refuse to provide it and this is typified by Government's failure to provide sufficient funding to the British Business Bank. The bank is wholly owned and funded by the UK government, specifically thr

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the UK economy, comprising 99.9% of all businesses, employing roughly 16.9 million people (60% of the private sector workforce), and generating approximately £2.8 trillion in turnover (52% of GDP) as of 2025. They drive regional growth, innovation, and competitiveness, with potential to add billions more in annual investment. Yet despite their critical importance, SMEs face an unprecedented funding crisis that thre