Affinity Exchange unveils strategic finance solutions for UK SMEs

In response to increasing demand from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Affinity Exchange has unveiled a pair of new business finance products aimed at bolstering cash flow and supporting long-term growth. The solutions—Invoice Finance and Trade Finance—are designed to help UK businesses remain competitive in what continues to be a volatile economic environment, both domestically and globally.

The newly launched invoice finance product allows businesses to release capital tied up in unpaid invoices as soon as they are issued, improving liquidity without the delay of waiting for customer payments. Complementing this, the trade finance option provides upfront funds to pay suppliers, enabling businesses to secure inventory and pursue expansion opportunities with greater certainty.

These offerings mark a significant evolution in how SMEs manage working capital and fund their operations. Recent research from Shawbrook highlights a growing trend in the use of alternative finance, with 78 per cent of SMEs accessing such solutions in 2024—up from 73 per cent the previous year. Notably, 56 per cent reported using invoice finance, compared to 48 per cent in 2023.

Affinity Exchange’s leadership views this development as a strategic step aligned with broader client needs. The firm has long supported SMEs through services that integrate financial tools into business growth strategies. By providing international payments and risk management support, the company helps its clients enhance working capital efficiency, minimize cross-border transaction barriers, and mitigate currency volatility.

In launching the new finance products, Affinity Exchange drew on insights gathered through extensive client consultations. Businesses had expressed the need for more flexible financing mechanisms to address both current challenges and upcoming opportunities. The company recognized that traditional financial solutions were no longer sufficient on their own and moved to expand its offerings accordingly.

The new tools were developed with the goal of extending the company’s support beyond conventional services. Affinity Exchange is positioning these products as central components of a broader financial strategy—tools that allow businesses to scale, manage risk, and remain agile amid rapid market shifts. The company believes that finance products like these are no longer just reactive stop-gaps, but instead integral to long-term planning and sustainable growth.

Ultimately, this expansion underscores Affinity Exchange’s vision for the future: one where SMEs are empowered with smart, integrated financial models that help them thrive regardless of market uncertainty.