Posted: Monday, 9 March 2026 @ 10:37
Rivers Finance Group began its life more than 16 years ago as Rivers Leasing - a company dedicated to asset finance, and with a specialist understanding about its value to the UK's small and medium-sized enterprises.
We grew our business in asset finance, not least thanks to our ongoing ability to offer small ticket soft asset leasing as well as our non-sector-specific outlook. While we have expanded our portfolio of funding services to also include business loans and block discounting, asset finance and leasing remain at the heart of our business, and our commitment to helping SMEs thrive.
Here, we wanted to reflect on where we started, what makes us different, and to take a moment to revisit the reasons asset finance is one of those quietly powerful tools that many small businesses benefit from.
A business supporting businesses
Rivers is a lender with a different type of heritage. Our team members come from a variety of backgrounds - some traditional finance, others from a range of consumer industries, and many who have been instrumental in growing small businesses themselves. This is a pivotal part of what makes Rivers special, shaping our perspective, and ensuring our mindset is always focused on delivering against the practical needs of businesses.
For example, at a senior leadership level we have Non-Executive Director, Stephen Bassett, who was MD of Arkle Finance; Michael Friend is a non-executive director who has been qualified as a solicitor for over 30 years; and our Chairman, Ratan, came from senior roles at The Body Shop and Virgin Group. That diversity spans the whole the team, so that together we’re able to bring a combination of fresh perspective, innovation and new ideas as well as the due diligence that’s integral to financial services.
Crucially, when it comes to understanding both the financial products we offer and the processes in which they are delivered (e.g., response times and repayment terms), we approach it from a position of truly understanding the practical needs of businesses. We are an SME ourselves and our team members have grown up in SMEs; we know how important those businesses are to the UK economy, and how essential reliable funding solutions are for them to grow.
What makes asset finance an essential funding option for SMEs?
Asset finance is a deeply practical way of delivering funding for businesses, especially SMEs, enabling them to move forward with plans for growth and development today, rather than having to wait for that piece of machinery that will move the company forward. Amongst the ways it helps small businesses, some of the most common benefits include:
1. Preserves cash flow and working capital
Small businesses live and die by cash flow. Asset finance allows them to spread the cost of essential equipment over time rather than tying up large sums up front. That leaves cash available for wages, stock, marketing, and day-to-day operations - the things that keep the business moving.
2. Enables growth without over-stretching
Access to the right equipment can be the difference between stagnation and growth. Asset finance lets businesses invest in machinery, vehicles, or technology earlier than they otherwise could, helping them take on more work, improve productivity, and scale faster without putting strain on reserves.
3. Easier access than traditional lending
Compared with unsecured loans or overdrafts, asset finance is often more accessible for small businesses, especially startups or those with limited trading history. As the asset itself acts as security, lenders may have more flexibility to make the funding feasible.
4. Matches costs to revenue
Asset finance can align repayments with the period in which the asset generates income. A coffee machine or IT system starts earning money immediately, while the cost is paid gradually. This ‘pay as you earn’ structure makes financial planning more predictable and sustainable.
5. Tax efficiency benefits
Many forms of asset finance offer tax advantages, such as deductibility of lease payments or capital allowances under hire purchase agreements. For small businesses, this can significantly reduce the effective cost of investment when structured correctly.
6. Improves competitiveness and professionalism
Modern equipment and up-to-date technology help small businesses deliver better service, operate more efficiently, and present a more professional image. Asset finance lowers the barrier to accessing these tools, helping SMEs compete in their market.
7. Reduces pressure on existing credit lines
Using asset finance keeps overdrafts and bank facilities free for short-term needs and unexpected costs (although you should be mindful that when applying for finance these things will be considered against affordability). This diversification of funding sources strengthens the overall financial resilience of a small business.
8. Supports resilience in uncertain times
In periods of economic uncertainty, preserving liquidity is vital. Asset finance allows businesses to continue investing while keeping cash buffers in place, making organisations better equipped to handle shocks, delays, or seasonal fluctuations. At Rivers, we consistently review and refine our processes and products to make sure they are fit for their purpose in helping businesses thrive. If you want to find out more about our latest rates and services, contact our team at any time.
Contact Rivers