Beyond the Bank Manager: How Commercial Brokers Are Helping SMEs Navigate Rising Costs

Rising labour costs and rents are placing real pressure on businesses across Sussex.

According to a recent Flagstone Poll, 53% of financial advisers believe labour costs will be the biggest factor influencing how SMEs manage their cash in 2026. A British Chamber of Commerce study supports this, with 73% of SME respondents citing labour costs as their greatest pressure – and even modest wage increases can directly impact monthly liquidity.

For businesses feeling the squeeze, speaking to a commercial finance broker could make a real difference.

When Should a Business Speak to a Commercial Broker?

A business may benefit from speaking to a broker if it is:

• Experiencing cash flow gaps due to rising wage bills or rent

• Struggling to meet operating costs between payment cycles

• Needing to invest in equipment, vehicles or technology

• Waiting on outstanding invoices to free up funds

• Looking to review existing borrowing arrangements

More Than Just Mortgages: The Full Range of Commercial Finance

Many business owners associate commercial brokers with mortgages or development finance. In reality, the range of solutions is far broader – and often more immediately relevant to everyday business needs.

Seico Group’s commercial finance team can help businesses explore options including:

• Cash flow and liquidity funding – short-term facilities designed to bridge gaps caused by rising costs

• Revolving credit facilities – flexible access to funds that can be drawn on and repaid as needed

• Asset finance – spreading the cost of essential equipment, machinery or vehicles

• Invoice discounting – unlocking cash tied up in unpaid invoices for immediate access to working capital

Whole-of-Market Access – and the Experience to Use It

“Working across the full spectrum of lenders means we know what is available, which lenders are most competitive, and what criteria they are applying – market intelligence that most business owners simply do not have.”

Andrew Page, Head of Commercial Finance, Seico Group

This is particularly relevant now that fewer SMEs have a dedicated bank manager to turn to. Seico Group’s brokers bring many years of commercial finance experience, offering impartial guidance tailored to each business’s circumstances. Whether a retailer, hospitality business or professional services firm, the team understands the local landscape and can identify the right solution – quickly and efficiently.

For businesses that do not want to wait until cash flow becomes a crisis, Seico Group’s commercial finance specialists are on hand to help find the right borrowing solution.

Contact Commercial Finance Manager, Andrew Page to start the conversation: Andrew@seicogroup.com or 01273 778888

** Flagstone Poll, 2025. British Chamber of Commerce Business Survey, 2025.