UMi – funding solutions specialists, has announced a UK-wide roadshow to help businesses understand, prepare for and access the finance they need to fuel their growth or overcome cashflow hurdles.

‘FUEL’ will be tackling one of the biggest challenges facing UK businesses, not just accessing finance, but being truly ready for it by cutting through industry jargon and bringing businesses leaders face to face with national funders, investors and advisers. The first two locations are confirmed as Edinburgh and Liverpool, with details of other events to be held in the North East, Yorkshire, the Midlands, the South East, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to be released shortly.

Each full-day roadshow will bring together funders and experts to support over 250 local business leaders from different industries, commercial backgrounds and disciplines to help them identify what type of funding is right for them, understand how to get their business funding-ready, and discover who is actively looking to back businesses like theirs.

‘Meet the Money’ sessions have been designed with this in mind, with 250 appointments scheduled at each event. These are tailored meetings between attendees and pre-matched funders that can provide support for their specific business needs.

Being ready for finance is one of the biggest challenges facing UK businesses today with research showing a 50% reduction in lending to SMEs (who make up 99.8% of the private sector) since 2011.[1] According to the British Business Bank[2], 60% of SMEs don’t know where to go to access finance which highlights a systemic barrier in finding and navigating the funding landscape, as well as in the availability of finance.

The FUEL roadshow, backed by national partners including the Minister for Small Business, Office of the Small Business Commissioner, CBI, and British Business Bank, is expected to attract thousands of businesses across multiple locations and has been announced following UMi’s recent funding milestone – the organisation has unlocked a staggering £1bn of investment for British businesses since 2007. This has included grants, loans and private sector investment to get behind ambitious start-ups, SMEs and larger, established companies across the UK.

Nicki Clark OBE, CEO of UMi, said: “The FUEL roadshow recognises that there aren’t enough hours in the day for many founders and leaders, so it’s designed in a way that in one day attendees walk away with the ability to take action and the next step depending on what that looks like for them. FUEL will cut through industry jargon and tailor each attendee’s path to secure the funding they need.

“This isn’t a typical ‘trade expo’ but rather a series of ‘no-fluff, get it done’ workshops and one to one meetings where business owners delivering ambitious growth plans, overcoming cash flow challenges, or diversifying, can get the support they need.

“Too many brilliant businesses are held back by complexity, jargon and missed opportunities, and despite the UK having a world-class financial services sector, many SME’s face persistent and quantifiable barriers to securing finance to survive and thrive.”

Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Businesses and Economic Transformation, said: “The UK’s 5.7 million SMEs are the beating heart of our growth mission, but too many lack the finance to reach their full potential, which is why programmes like these are so important.

“As part of our Small Business Plan, we’re increasing access to finance with a massive £4 billion finance boost, so those with the ambition to start and scale up can succeed, growing the economy and creating jobs.”

Emma Jones, Small Business Commissioner, said: “As the UK’s Small Business Commissioner, I am on a mission to make life easier for small firms by getting money moving faster through the economy, that’s why I’m excited to see FUEL’s agenda. The mix of straightforward guidance from those in the know, opportunities to connect alongside honest discussions about finance and funding will help give businesses the practical tools to grow.”

Henry Aldridge, Director of Business Networks at CBI said: “SMEs are the beating heart of the UK economy, powering growth, innovation, and opportunity in every community. When they thrive, so do our regions, nations and people. The CBI champion a business environment where ambition is matched by access to finance, skills, and meaningful support.

“UMi’s FUEL roadshow embodies that spirit – practical, inspiring, and focused on helping businesses take the next step with confidence. It is exactly the kind of initiative that can turn great ideas into growth and drive prosperity right across the country.”

FUEL roadshows will be taking place throughout the UK at the following locations:

• Edinburgh, 28 January 2026 at Murrayfield Stadium
• Liverpool, 12 March 2026 at the Adelphi Hotel
• The Midlands, April 2026 at a venue to be confirmed
• South East, June 2026 at a venue to be confirmed
• Scotland (West), September at a venue to be confirmed
• Yorkshire, October 2026 at a venue to be confirmed
• North East, November 2026 at a venue to be confirmed
• Northern Ireland, 2027 at a venue to be confirmed
• Wales, 2027 at a venue to be confirmed.

Organisations interested in partnering with UMi and supporting the FUEL roadshow are asked to get in touch. Additionally, anyone interested in attending can book tickets or register interest in future events via the website: www.fuelroadshow.co.uk.

[1] UK Government

[2] British Business Bank’s 2025 response to the UK Government’s call for evidence on SME debt finance