Northern Ireland SME Access to Finance Report 2025 (British Business Bank)

Summary

• Around 21% of SMEs in Northern Ireland faced barriers when trying to access finance, primarily due to the ability to obtain or repay finance (41%) and lack of awareness or availability (27%).p.13
• The vast majority (91%) of smaller businesses with debt regarded their debt burden as manageable.p.13
• Nearly half (48%) of Northern Ireland SMEs anticipated needing additional finance in the next 12 months, of which 74% sought £50k or less.p.13
• Among businesses expecting to seek finance, business loans and grants were the most commonly cited options, each selected by 45%.p.13
• Planned uses for future finance included working capital (59%) and capital expenditure (58%), with 61% of SMEs feeling confident about securing the required funds.p.13

Key insights

1. External finance usage in Northern Ireland stood at 57%, with the lowest rates recorded in North East/East and South at 53%.p.17
2. Mid Ulster had the highest regional reliance on Covid-19 loans, with 42% of businesses still using this funding type.p.18
3. Belfast businesses showed the highest propensity to anticipate needing additional financing in the coming year at 60%, compared to 42% in North East/East.p.28