This provider category for the upcoming SME Awards, sponsored by KPMG, acknowledges those companies that have offered a standout service to the UK’s SMEs throughout the year.
The shortlisted companies in the alternative finance category include:
LDF – well-established market leaders with a wealth of knowledge, strong values and customer-focused principles.
Funding Circle – More than £1.3bn ($2bn) has been lent to 15,000 businesses in the UK, USA, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. Businesses can borrow directly from a wide range of investors, including more than 40,000 people, the UK Government, local councils, a university and a number of financial organisations.
Liquid Finance – LFPL’s ability to self-manage the split of funds on behalf of the merchant acquirer and settle same day to the customer’s account is a unique and market leading solution.
Bibby Financial – Is the largest independent factoring and invoice discounting company in the UK. Its experience allows it to offer a level of expertise and personalisation that traditional funding providers and banks often cannot match. Also offers local teams of finance specialists who can offer the best tailored finance solutions for your business.
Paypal – Allows you to set up a business account and start receiving payments in minutes and accept most types of payment, including cards, PayPal and bank payments. You can manage online and offline payments and send invoices from one PayPal account.
Angels Den – businesses are screened by experts and matched with an experienced lead investor. Angels and the crowd can invest online, and the platform offers a 90% success rate.
Invesdor – Invesdor is a pioneering equity-based crowdfunding platform. It provides an online investment matching service where entrepreneurs looking to raise equity financing can easily connect with investors who are seeking to discover and invest in exciting growth companies. Its technology facilitates and speeds up the investment process while preserving full customisation and control for the individual entrepreneur and investor.
