Published by Bdaily Bdaily Business News on 06 Sep 2026
More than 1000 businesses have accessed funding support from a County Durham-based service since its launch last year. UMi Get Funding, which launched in January 2025, has helped businesses secure £4.4 million to date, with a further £54 million of potential funding currently progressing through its pipeline.
The service has also provided more than 950 businesses with funding and investment readiness guidance, helping firms understand the finance available and prepare stronger applications. More than 600 referrals have been made to organisations providing grants, start-up loans and other public and private sector support.
Among those to benefit is Beamish Park Golf Club, which secured a £400,000 package to invest in new facilities and strengthen its financial position. Sports and orthopaedic supplier Brace Yourself also accessed £150,000 to scale its operations and support a new product launch backed by tennis star Novak Djokovic.
UMi says demand reflects the challenges businesses can face when navigating a fragmented funding landscape. The service has developed a UK-wide network of hundreds of lenders, investors, grant providers, professional advisers and business support organisations, allowing it to direct companies towards appropriate funding and expertise. Its growth has also led UMi to expand its specialist funding team as it looks to increase capacity nationwide.
Julie Cuthbertson, chief funding solutions officer at UMi, said: “Businesses today are faced with more funding options than ever before, but understanding what support is available and finding the right route can be challenging and time-consuming.
“We created UMi Get Funding to make that process easier.
“Our role is not simply to help businesses access funding, but to help them understand the wider landscape, prepare for investment, strengthen their propositions and connect with the right expertise to achieve their ambitions.
“Passing the milestone of more than 1000 businesses supported demonstrates the demand for this kind of support and highlights the importance of having trusted advisers who can help businesses navigate their options with confidence.”
UMi Get Funding has been shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers Awards, including Pioneering Broker of the Year and the Intermediary Excellence Award. Business funding executive Claire Hinde is also shortlisted for Unsung Hero of the Year.
Julie added: "Being shortlisted for three national awards is encouraging recognition of the impact the team is making.
“It reflects our commitment to raising standards, embracing innovation and, most importantly, helping businesses find the support they need to do more and go further.
“We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved so far, but this is just the beginning.
“With significant demand continuing and a strong pipeline of opportunities, we look forward to supporting even more businesses across the UK in the years ahead.”
