People make New Year's resolutions, but in their own way businesses do the same thing, reflecting on what they did last year, and considering where they might build on those ideas or do things differently in the 12 months ahead. So, what are the top three things you want to do differently this year, and can we help you fund them? 

SME priorities for 2026 

Small firms drive the UK economy, but after a bumpy year, many owners tell researchers they want to change how they operate. Across sector surveys and policy reports from 2024 and 2025, three clear priorities keep coming up:  

• Invest more (but smarter) 
• Cut controllable costs  
• Move faster on sustainability  

Here's a summary of what business owners are reporting, and how small business can start today. 

1) Targeted and realistic investment for growth 

Small firms say they want to invest more in practical growth mechanisms like equipment, digital tools and staff training, but low confidence and tight cashflow often block those plans. Reports from banks and business groups in 2025 highlight a clear push amongst SMEs to increase investment as the route to higher productivity and revenue, while also noting that many feel under-capitalised or unsure how to prioritise investment. 

Funding solution: Business loans can be a great way to support sensible cash flow and add to your working capital reserve to help navigate planned expenses and the known fluctuations at different times of the year. They are also a wonderful way of enabling you to invest in new equipment, software, machinery, and staff training that will help your business become more efficient or increase your capacity, without having to use up your reserve cash.  

2) Reduce controllable cost pressures 

Cost pressures remain front-of-mind. Surveys repeatedly show small business owners want to do things differently around operating costs: reducing energy spend, managing business-rates exposure and navigating tax changes that bite into margins. The FSB’s Small Business Index in 2025 and multiple sector surveys flag affordability and policy costs as primary concerns. 

Funding solution: As well as helping to optimise cash flow in general, business loans can be used strategically to manage cost pressures, whether it's providing a buffer in quieter periods, or covering necessary costs without having to pay it all upfront directly from your own pocket. For example, one of the most popular uses for our short-term business loans is paying off corporation tax and VAT bills. They can be used to pay tax bills upfront and in full without disrupting your capital, especially if those dates occur during your business's quiet period. That way you know it's all paid; you don't miss deadlines or incur penalties.  

3) Practical moves towards sustainability  

A growing and well-documented theme in 2025 is that many SMEs want (or need) to move toward net-zero, but they want realistic routes and support. The British Business Bank’s Net Zero Census for SMEs shows firms are increasingly aware of the commercial benefits of sustainability (cost savings, customer preference) but say they need help — from finance to clear guidance — to translate intent into action. 

Funding solution: Once again, this is where business loans, especially medium-term business loans come into their own, allowing businesses to invest in these long-term initiatives without compromising day-to-day affordability and cash flow. Often these initiatives do not immediately result in commercial return, meaning organisations need to be able to take a longer-term view. Investing today but having a borrowing term of between 24 and 60 months to pay it off gives you an opportunity to get ahead to where you want to be, starting today. 

If you would like to find out more about Rivers Cash Flow Solution Loans or Business Growth Funding Loans you can contact the team or check your eligibility and possible repayment amounts using the business loan calculator on our homepage.