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Campaign — UK policy

Access to the right funding will supercharge the UK’s growing businesses

Growing UK businesses don’t lack strategy, ambition or talent, but all too often, they’re not getting the finance they need to take their business to the next level. We want the UK to be the best place in the world to start and grow a business, and access to the right finance is critical to make that happen. Building back from the coronavirus pandemic and forging a new global future, now more than ever, is the time to go for growth.


The change we're calling for

To make great decisions and get access to the funds needed to supercharge growth, businesses need the right information at their fingertips. That’s why we’re calling on the government to improve financial literacy amongst SME business leaders to unlock their full potential, through a financial skills strategy.

  • Launch a new finance skills strategy with tangible activities to drive financial literacy

  • Create a network of growth ambassadors, made up of entrepreneurs and business leaders that have been on the journey already

  • The British Business bank should step up its efforts to make businesses aware of the funding available to them through webinars, teach ins and regular communication

Quote —

“Small and medium sized businesses form the lifeblood of the UK economy but continue to face challenges in realising their growth ambitions. The CBI’s SME Council is there to represent and champion the interests of all SMEs and ensure their voice is heard as the UK strives to become the best place to start and grow a business.”

Joanne Smith, Chair, CBI SME Council, CEO, TCC

Why it’s needed

Misinformation, poor communication and a lack of awareness of the finance options available are preventing firms across the UK from scaling up, which isn’t just bad for business, it’s bad for people.

Medium sized businesses have a crucial role to play in boosting productivity given their importance to the UK economy. Punching far above their weight, firms with 50-499 employees are responsible for one in six jobs and generate nearly a quarter of private sector revenue.

Scale up businesses are the entrepreneurial heroes of the UK economy, and critical to solving the UK productivity puzzle. Smaller firms are agile, they innovate, they disrupt, they challenge the status quo ensure there’s healthy competition – which is great for customers as well as the wider economy.

Launching from a strong start

When scale ups are scaling up, everyone stands to benefit

The UK is already a great place to start and grow a small business. We have the talent, the technology and the entrepreneurial culture that enables small businesses to succeed. But access to finance will help these young businesses to level up.

  • could be added to the economy by 2034 if the scale-gap is closed

  • jobs can be added to the UK economy by 2034 by closing the scale-up gap

  • The UK is third in the world for start-ups and thirteenth for successful scale-ups

Our progress and impact

The CBI campaigns tirelessly on behalf of our members so that business creates prosperity for all. Learn more about the work we do and the impact we are making on this issue.

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Support the change

  • Are you a business leader?

    Join the CBI

    Our members are our mandate, and the reason we're the most influential business organisation in the UK. Join the voice of business, and help us campaign to ensure the UK is the best place to start and grow a business.

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  • Are you a CBI member?

    Have your say

    Struggling to access the finance you need to grow? Share your views and ideas on how finance for growth can improve to ensure that businesses can thrive.

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  • Are you a policymaker?

    Make a difference

    This campaign is led by the CBI's Financial Services team. Contact Chris Wilford, Director of Financial Services Policy to find out about the change UK business urgently needs and how you can support it.

    Contact us