iwoca SME Expert Index

Our quarterly survey with influential UK SME brokers who collectively submit thousands of small business finance applications per month.

SME Expert Index data

Colin Goldstein
Chief Commercial Officer

Our SME Expert Index provides a regular snapshot on what’s driving small business owners to borrow, according to finance industry experts. It shows trends in the types and value of finance being accessed, and how these patterns change as the country navigates economic shifts in the market.

SME Expert Index
Q1 2026 headline statistics

54%

of brokers say SMEs are worried about a recession

70%

of brokers say SMEs are concerned about rising energy prices

57%

of brokers expect demand for SME finance to rise over the next six months

74%

of brokers predict CPI inflation will remain above 3% by the end of 2026

See full data trends

The survey asked lots of interesting questions on what is important to brokers. I hope to see some of the recommendations implemented into iwoca's already large and helpful loan offering soon.