In the final edition of 2024, the NACFB’s Kieran Jones explores the rise of Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) and shares how they are fast-becoming a vital component in the commercial broker’s toolkit of business finance solutions for UK SMEs and start-ups in need of growth funding.

This 70-page bumper issue also includes special features from a host of NACFB Patrons and Partners including TRIVER on open banking, Proplend on underwriting commercial property loans, NETSOL Technologies on whether automotive subscription models will replace traditional leasing agreements, Time Finance on combatting SME apathy to business finance, and Redwood Bank on the need for flexibility and tenacity.

Our big interview is with Reward Funding‘s group managing director, Nick Smith. Anastasia Ttofis of iLA Law considers when and why independent legal advice is required. We also spend five minutes with Adam Ruffinato, head of structured finance at Charity Bank. Here at NACFB HQ, contract analyst Anwesha Saha explains why the Association advocates for fairer broker agreements, and digital marketing executive Sophie Olejnik offers five attributes that make a great relationship manager.

This edition’s Patron profile shines a spotlight on Horizon Energy Ventures and offers thoughts on why less is more from headline sponsor NatWest. You’ll also find a host of industry insight, opinion and commentary from Santander UK, Foundation Home Loans, GC Business Finance, TP24, Fleximize, Hilco Real Estate Finance, Charleston Financial Services, Brickflow, Asset Advantage, Hampshire Trust Bank and Swishfund.