5 ways Funding Circle are backing independent retailers

Creating jobs, nurturing talent and generating profit at a regional level, independent retailers are at the heart of their local communities. We love independent retailers at Funding Circle and back lots of indie retail businesses to succeed.

Globally, July is Indie Retailer Month, with a focus around Independents’ Day in the UK, which this year is the weekend of 6th and 7th July 2024. 

Independents’ Day, supported by our partners the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), is a celebration of the independents that make up approximately 65% of the UK’s retail outlets. 

Here are 5 ways Funding Circle backs independent retailers – and how we can help you.

Buying from small businesses 

At Funding Circle we put our money where our mouth is. So whenever we’re looking to purchase supplies for the office, reward our team or host an event, we support our small business customers.  

The tea bags in our office are all from Bird and Blend, the award-winning tea company who used a loan to fund their growth plans during the pandemic. We also use speciality coffee roasters Perky Blenders for customer gifting, and we source local food and drink providers for our team socials – to ensure we’re supporting small businesses in everything we do. 

Providing free mental health support

Last year our Resilience in Small Business report told us that business leaders are concerned about their employees wellbeing and mental health.

In fact, 79 per cent of the small business leaders we surveyed said they would greatly value external support in this area.

So we listened. In 2023, Funding Circle partnered with Thrive Mental Wellbeing, an innovative, full-service mental health provider trusted by the NHS. Through this partnership we are able to help small business leaders and their employees get more support with their mental health.

Access to the Thrive app is free for 12 months to existing Funding Circle customers, or discounted for all small business leaders in the UK. You can find out more and get mental health support for your team here.

Partnering to offer small business more choice  

We know running a small business can be challenging, which is why we’re always looking for ways to make life easier. By joining forces with selected partners, we can offer more choice to independent retailers.

Finance partners – We’ve partnered with BIRA, Worldpay, PayPoint and others to give their customers quicker and easier access to hassle-free finance with us.

Environmental partners – Last year we joined forces with Rainbow Energy to help small businesses get the infrastructure in place to make the switch to green energy. 

Rugby partnership – Our Premiership Rugby sponsorship gave small business owners across the UK chances to win business grants, marketing workshops and hospitality.

Helping you find the finance that’s right for you

We offer a range of business finance products so you can find the one that is best for you and your business. Whether you’re funding exciting opportunities, buying stock or managing cash flow, our specialist finance can take you further.

Business Loans – Expand, buy new equipment, hire staff or manage cash flow — whatever your business goals, our loans can lend a hand.

FlexiPay – Spread your business costs over 3, 6, 9 or 12 months and manage short-term cash flow with our interest-free line of credit. There’s no annual fee, just a simple flat fee on each transaction.

Asset Finance – Fund vehicles, equipment or machinery through our specialist partners. We’ll do the legwork to find the right asset finance deals for you.

And if we can’t help, we’ll connect you with someone who can

As the business finance provider that backs you and your business to succeed, we want to help. If we can’t offer you finance, we will put you in touch with one of our chosen partners, such as Sage or Tide, who will be able to offer you a product better suited to your business needs.

If you’re considering finance to help your independent retail business grow, check if you’re eligible in 30 seconds and apply online in 10 minutes. We’ve got your back.

01/07/24: While we want to help as much as we can, the information found here is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. To the extent permitted by law, Funding Circle does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained here. If you have any questions, please speak to your professional adviser or seek independent legal advice.