A smiling man in a tan blazer and glasses looks at his phone while standing in front of a wooden wall with a pink curved design and some green plants nearby.

The M Agenda

The Medium-Sized Business Gap

Download the full report

The Medium-Sized Business Gap

Download the full report

Medium-sized businesses are one of the UK’s most important drivers of growth. Yet too often, the ‘M’ in SME can be overlooked.

The critical ‘M’ in SME

Medium-sized businesses are outperforming smaller peers and scaling with intent. Nearly half increased turnover last year, most expect further growth ahead, and four in five are investing over the next 12 months.

Acquisition is now central to that ambition, with 85% actively planning or pursuing deals. But despite this momentum, many still find themselves underserved by a market not built for their complexity.

64%

say they are too big for small business finance but too small for complex corporate solutions.

25%

report delays in funding applications, with 22% losing opportunities as a result.

61%

believe most financial products are designed with either smaller or larger businesses in mind.

The message is clear. Medium-sized businesses are not looking for lifelines. They are seeking tailored funding structures, specialist deal expertise and strategic partners who understand the demands of scaling.

At Shawbrook, we work closely with management teams, investors and advisers to deliver finance that truly fits. From structured funding that supports acquisitions to facilities that evolve as businesses grow, we provide expertise that goes beyond capital.

The M Agenda

Our latest research, based on insights from 1,000 senior decision-makers, puts the spotlight firmly on medium-sized firms. It explores their ambitions, the barriers they face, and why the right specialist finance and expertise are critical to unlocking their next phase of growth.

From scaling and investment to mergers and acquisitions, this report examines how mid-sized businesses are shaping the UK economy and why they need financial partners built for their complexity, pace and ambition.

Discover why medium-sized businesses are reshaping the UK economy and what needs to change to support their next stage of growth.

Download the full report
A bald man in a blue blazer and white shirt smiles at the camera, standing in front of a dark background with a large light green abstract shape.

Neil Rudge, Chief Banking Officer                                

Our business

A person wearing a red hoodie and backpack sits on a rocky outcrop, looking thoughtfully into the distance under a cloudy sky.

About Shawbrook

Shawbrook provides finance to a wide range of customers who value the premium experience, flexibility and certainty we deliver.  We are a purpose-led organisation, with a focus on delivering long-term sustainable value for all our stakeholders.

More about Shawbrook
Four people in an office with greenery, focusing on a computer screen. Two are seated and discussing something on the monitor, while the other two, one holding a tablet, stand and observe. The atmosphere is collaborative and modern.

Sustainability

Our sustainability strategy is designed to create value for our customers, colleagues, communities, suppliers and shareholders, while having a positive impact on society and the wider environment. 

Our sustainability strategy
A group of five people posing. Three of them, wearing Saracens Foundation red shirts, stand in front, while two others in black sports jerseys stand behind. The background has a pink and dark textured design.

Sponsorship Programme

As official banking partner of Saracens Rugby Club and lead partner of London Mavericks netball, we are proud to champion inclusive elite sport and the opportunities it can bring for all participants, both on & off the field & court.

Sponsorship