“First class… A truly professional service with exemplary support. A company who wants to actually build a professional relationship.”

Mike Warner doesn’t do things by halves. As chairman of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain, founder of A Passion for Seafood, and co-founder of Quay Connections with award-winning food columnist Jenny Jefferies, he had a clear vision: transition from wholesale trade into full-time consultancy, media, and education.

Mike’s commitment to working with local fisheries and local people isn’t a marketing strategy. It’s just how he operates. His business is rooted in community, built on trust, and driven by long-term sustainability rather than short-term gain.

To make the transition work and capitalise on growing demand, Mike needed funding to:

Mike faced the same challenges as the businesses he supports – and traditional lenders just didn’t get it.

The consultancy and media side of things was relatively new, and most lenders want years of track record before they’ll even talk to you.

Without an established financial record in consultancy, proving affordability to conventional lenders was tough.

Here’s the problem: wholesale suppliers want paying upfront, but customers operate on lengthy credit terms. That gap between paying out and getting paid? It hurts.

Mike didn’t want a quick fix. He needed a sustainable funding partnership that would support real growth.

Finance partners these days love to talk about being “data-led, driven by algorithms, dashboards and decision trees.” But they don’t measure passion. They don’t get what drives people like Mike.

We believe in doing things differently.

We’re not like other brokers. We get it. Our team sat down with Mike, listened to what he actually needed, and put together a funding solution that made sense:

We’re genuinely passionate about Mike’s success. We share his commitment to helping the community, and we’re proud to support his journey: from book publications and celebrity partnerships to media releases and those brilliant cooking videos promoting British seafood.

The funding solution meant Mike could:

Mike’s now scaling operations efficiently, continuing his vital work showcasing British fishing. He’s proving that both wild-capture and farmed fish can be sustainable and regenerative, and he’s got the funding in place to keep doing it.

Mike’s work with A Passion for Seafood and the #Fish24 campaign has been featured across industry publications, highlighting his commitment to British fisheries and sustainable seafood.

“Response Business Finance gets it. Business isn’t just about numbers. It’s about passion, community, and sustainable growth. Their support has been brilliant in helping me transition into consultancy and media, so I can keep doing the work I’m passionate about in supporting British fisheries.”

Follow Mike’s work supporting British fisheries:

Response Business Finance is an FCA-regulated broker supporting UK SMEs with business finance. Facing challenges with cash flow, working capital, or growth funding? Get in touch and let’s talk.

“Excellent bespoke brokerage catered to the utmost of your financial position and needs… Their access to financial markets and knowledge of business needs versus business position to manage realistic loan products were very well positioned and tailored. Highly recommended.”

We are proud to have represented Alan from the early stages in realising his aspirations and objective, from leaving employment to establishing a local biotech and pharmaceutical distribution organisation suppling pharmaceuticals worldwide. Despite strong early traction with customer interest and distributor discussions, the business was less than six months into trading with lenders and brokers unable to assist, RBFs principles of founded by business owners for business owners we were able to lend our expertise not only short term, but long term allowing the business to thrive….

To scale operations and capitalise on growing demand, Alan required funding to:

Like many new biotech businesses, Alan faced hurdles that traditional lenders struggle to support:

With less than six months of trading, mainstream lenders were reluctant to provide support, despite clear market demand.

Without an established financial track record, demonstrating affordability to conventional lenders proved difficult.

Suppliers often require upfront payment for imported stock, while customers operate on lengthy credit terms both nationally and internationally. This created a significant cash flow gap between placing orders and receiving payments.

Finding not just a short-term fix, but a sustainable funding partnership to support accelerated growth.

 “The main challenge was cash flow: suppliers often require upfront payments, while customers operate on lengthy credit terms, creating a gap between orders and payments.”

RB Finance worked closely with Alan to structure a comprehensive funding solution that addressed both immediate needs and long-term growth:

By demonstrating strong market traction through early customer interest, distribution discussions, and sales representative agreements, our team was able to structure a compelling loan case that secured funding where traditional routes had failed.

The tailored funding solution enabled Alan’s biotech business to:

The funding has allowed the business to scale operations efficiently, avoiding the growth restrictions that often hold back early-stage companies in the biotech sector.

“Mark and his team understand the unique challenges facing biotech businesses. Their ability to structure funding for companies with short trading histories, while building a long-term partnership for future growth, made all the difference in scaling our operations.”

The Goal:

Float Hub founder, Tom, had a vision to introduce floatation therapy, a concept popular in the US, to the UK market. Despite the uniqueness of the idea, finding lenders or brokers who shared his passion proved difficult.

To bring this new concept to life, Tom required financial support to:

• Secure equipment financing for floatation therapy pods (Asset Finance).
• Fund renovations for the rejuvenation clinic.
• Establish a cash contingency for operational needs (Unsecured Finance).
• Create a credit/drawdown facility to support long-term growth and a potential franchise model (Termed Loan).

RB Finance’s Contribution:
Leveraging their extensive experience in the banking sector and as business owners, RB Finance worked closely with Tom to formalize a short-term and long-term financial strategy tailored to his needs.

Challenges:

1. Budget Overruns:
   As the build progressed to create the UK’s highest-quality float therapy centre, costs exceeded the initial budget.
2. Pandemic Impact:
   Just a few months into trading, Covid-19 disrupted operations, creating an urgent need for additional financial support.

Client Feedback:
“Mark acted with the presence of a trusted advisor, offering useful financial and business advice, as well as acquiring funding when most needed.”

The RB Finance Solution:

• Provided equipment financing to acquire premium floatation pods.
• Facilitated unsecured finance to create a cash contingency for operational stability.
• Set up a credit/drawdown facility to accommodate the clinic’s evolving needs, including expansion plans for a franchise model.
• Offered ongoing business and financial advice to navigate challenges such as budget overruns and the Covid-19 crisis.

Client Experience:
“It never felt as if RB Finance were simply looking to push lending. Their industry knowledge and personal approach were truly comforting.”

Results Achieved:

RB Finance’s tailored solutions enabled Float Hub to:

• Complete their build to the highest standard, becoming London’s premium floatation therapy centre.
• Establish financial stability with contingency funding.
• Develop a financial strategy to support potential franchising and long-term growth.
• Weather the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic with expert advice and timely funding.

Key Contributor:

• Mark Squires

Client Recommendation:

“RB Finance felt more like a trusted advisor than a broker. Their dedication to our success and ability to act quickly in difficult circumstances made all the difference.”

The Goal:

The Rub BBQ, led by successful entrepreneur Harp, has become a renowned name in Milton Keynes. With the brand’s ever-growing popularity, Harp envisioned franchising The Rub BBQ to expand its reach across the UK.

To achieve this ambitious goal, the business required:

• Funding for marketing to support the franchise rollout.
• Strategic support for the franchise concept to attract and enable new franchisees.

Understanding Harp’s passion and drive, RB Finance partnered with The Rub BBQ to turn this vision into a reality.

Challenges:

Franchising presents unique challenges that many lenders and brokers struggle to address, such as:

• Limited understanding of franchise models and their funding requirements.
• Difficulty in providing tailored advice and flexible funding options for such an expansion.

RB Finance’s Solution:
Leveraging our extensive experience in business funding, RB Finance:

• Formalised a strategy with a funding partner to support The Rub BBQ’s growth at every stage.
• Delivered bespoke funding solutions, including:
  • A business expansion loan for the franchise rollout.
  • A tailored franchise loan offering to help new franchisees with marketing and vehicle finance.

Results Achieved:

RB Finance’s tailored approach helped The Rub BBQ:

• Secure the funding necessary to roll out the franchise model nationwide.
• Provide franchisees with access to start-up loans for essential needs such as marketing and vehicle finance.
• Ensure the brand’s growth was backed by a solid and scalable financial strategy.

Client Feedback:
“Exceptional work from Mark! He managed to get us exactly what was required at the best rate available. He even worked through the weekend to get it secured. Highly recommend!”

Key Contributor:

• Mark Squires
  “Mark’s dedication and expertise were instrumental in helping us secure the funding needed to bring our franchise vision to life.”

Client Recommendation:

“If you’re looking for a funding partner who understands your business goals and goes the extra mile to make them happen, RB Finance is the team to trust.”

The Goal:

The Director of RuffEdge Sharpening Services, a seasoned entrepreneur, identified a niche in the market to expand the business into machinery and knife sharpening services. As a relatively new business, they required:

• Funding for new machine sharpening equipment.
• Cash flow for marketing, website development, and staff training.

Finding a funding partner who shared the Director’s vision and understood the challenges of starting a new business was a significant obstacle.

Challenges:

Many lenders and brokers were hesitant to support a new business due to the perceived risk. The main challenges included:

• Limited willingness from lenders to invest in a new and unproven venture.
• A lack of funding partners prepared to take the time to understand the business’s long-term goals.

RB Finance’s Solution:
Utilising extensive experience in banking and as business owners, RB Finance worked closely with RuffEdge to:

• Gain a thorough understanding of the client’s objectives and vision.
• Develop a strategy to support both short-term needs and long-term growth.

What We Delivered:

• Asset Finance to secure high-quality sharpening equipment.
• Cash Flow Support for marketing, website creation, and training.

Results Achieved:

RB Finance’s tailored approach allowed RuffEdge Sharpening Services to:

• Acquire the necessary equipment to establish a strong position in their niche market.
• Launch effective marketing campaigns and a professional website to attract customers.
• Provide comprehensive training to ensure operational excellence.

Client Feedback:
“I can’t thank Mark enough for helping me grow my business. I 100% recommend Response Business Finance. It really wouldn’t have been possible without their help!”

Key Contributor:

• Mark Squires
  “Mark took the time to understand our business and worked tirelessly to ensure we had the funding needed to succeed.”

The Goal:

Quickfix Profiles Limited, a newly acquired business in the drywall solutions sector, had ambitious plans for growth. Their goals included:

• Supporting a recent business takeover.
• Meeting the demands of a projected sales increase.
• Funding high-value machinery purchases essential for production.
• Expanding their operational site to scale effectively.

However, the business faced challenges due to low revenue from the previous year and operating in a high-risk industry with a relatively untested product.

Challenges:

Securing finance proved difficult because:

• The company was a relatively new entity in a high-risk sector.
• They required funding for expensive machinery with long lead times.
• Mainstream lenders were reluctant to provide support.

Client Feedback:
“Securing any sort of finance from mainstream lenders was practically impossible. The machinery we required was expensive, and lead times were long.”

The RB Finance Solution:

RB Finance crafted a tailored financial package to address Quickfix Profiles’ unique needs:

• Asset Finance: Enabled the purchase of essential machinery.
• Unsecured Loan: Provided cash flow support and covered the machinery deposit.
• Termed Loan: Funded the site expansion required for increased production.
• Credit Facility: Established for stock and additional machinery, allowing flexibility without penalties for early settlement.

Results Achieved:

RB Finance’s innovative approach allowed Quickfix Profiles to:

• Secure the high-value machinery needed to meet production demands.
• Expand their site to accommodate projected growth.
• Maintain cash flow stability during a critical expansion phase.
• Access a flexible credit facility for future needs, ensuring financial agility.

Client Feedback:
“RB Finance took the time to understand our business and requirements. They came through with different finance options and helped us secure the best deals. The experience was great, and I highly recommend them to businesses with complex needs and requiring out-of-the-box thinking.”

Key Contributor:

• Mark Squires
  “Mark was an absolute star. He took the time to fully understand our needs and secured financing that has allowed us to grow beyond all forecasts and expectations.”

Client Recommendation:

“RB Finance is an excellent partner for businesses looking to secure finance, especially for those with complex requirements. Their innovative approach and dedication to finding the best solutions made all the difference.”

The Goal

The client required a time-sensitive loan to support their new business operations. Funding was essential for maintaining current sales projections, breaking through growth barriers, and purchasing work leads.

Customer Feedback:
“During our first year of business, RB Finance has been the helping hand we needed. Always on hand to assist, Shareen and Mark have our best interests at heart. They are dedicated, committed, and genuine.”

The aim was to provide working capital to fund the pipeline business, enabling sustainable growth and scalability while ensuring a long-term funding solution.

Challenges

Many businesses, especially in their early stages, face cash flow constraints, making it difficult to invest in growth opportunities or scale operations.

Customer Insight:
“They do their utmost to ensure you get the right product at the right rate and time. Their support has been fantastic!”

RB Finance’s Approach:
Mark Squires explained:
“When businesses lack the capital to reinvest, scaling revenue to the next level can seem impossible. By providing a tailored WIP funding solution, we enabled the client to achieve a 30% ROI every three months, with the potential to exceed 120% ROI annually through reinvestment or loan repayment options.”

The solution included:

• Unsecured funding to purchase work leads and data.
• Flexible 3-month turnaround with options to settle or reinvest.
• Long-term funding partnership for scalable growth.

The Response Business Finance Solution

RB Finance delivered a custom funding solution to meet the client’s needs, providing the financial flexibility to grow their business.

Customer Feedback:
“Shareen has assisted my business on three occasions, and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. Both Shareen and Mark go above and beyond to help us, always prioritizing our needs.”

The loan allowed the client to:

• Purchase necessary work leads.
• Fund work in progress with quick turnaround cycles.
• Scale their business while maintaining profitability.

Results

The funding solution delivered tangible benefits, including:

• Long-term financial sustainability through a dedicated funding partner.
• Improved ROI with reinvestment options.
• Growth opportunities unlocked by breaking through cash flow barriers.

Experience Working with RB Finance

The client emphasized their positive experience:
“I cannot recommend the team enough. They feel like steadfast colleagues genuinely concerned with your business. Their approach is personal, meticulous, and without any sales element.”

Key Contributors

• Mark Squires
• Shareen Zaman

Client Recommendation

“RB Finance provides more than just financial solutions—they become part of your team, offering genuine care and unparalleled support for your business journey.”

The Goal:

Zen Beauty, a growing salon with ambitions to expand its professional services, required funding to:

• Purchase new equipment to offer advanced, non-invasive beauty treatments.
• Support cash flow for marketing, website development, and contingency planning.
• Invest in training to gain new qualifications and expand client offerings, increasing revenue and profitability.

RB Finance recognised the challenges of maintaining cash flow while limiting personal financial strain, providing tailored funding solutions to support the salon’s goals.

Challenges:

Like many new businesses, Zen Beauty faced difficulties in securing funding from traditional lenders and brokers, who often hesitate to support start-ups.

RB Finance’s Approach:
RB Finance leveraged its expertise in banking and business operations to:

• Understand the salon’s vision and long-term goals.
• Formalise a funding strategy to address both immediate needs and future growth.

What We Delivered:

• New Start Loan to cover marketing and start-up costs (Unsecured Loan).
• Asset Finance to fund the purchase of new equipment.
• Site Upgrades to enhance the salon’s rejuvenation clinic.
• Training Support to enable the expansion of service offerings.

Results Achieved:

RB Finance’s tailored funding solutions allowed Zen Beauty to:

• Invest in high-quality equipment to introduce advanced beauty treatments.
• Maintain cash flow stability during start-up operations.
• Upgrade the salon’s facilities to attract a broader client base.
• Expand professional qualifications, enabling the salon to increase revenue and offer diverse services.

Client Feedback:
“I felt that my issues were listened to and understood. RB Finance wanted to help support me in achieving my goals. The service I received was professional and personable, and my funding support came through quickly.”

Key Contributor:

• Mark Squires
  “Mark’s dedication and understanding were instrumental in securing the funding Zen Beauty needed to grow and succeed.”

Client Recommendation:

“RB Finance provided exceptional support throughout the funding process. Their professional yet personal approach made a huge difference, and I highly recommend them to any new business seeking financial solutions.”