By Ben Davies, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Hexa Finance
Most business owners start in the same place when they need funding, their bank.
And often, that works. But increasingly, we’re hearing the same thing from clients. The hands-on support that used to come with traditional banking relationships isn’t what it once was. That’s where brokers are stepping in more and more.
At its simplest, a broker connects borrowers with lenders. But in reality, the role is much more hands-on than that.
We take the time to understand the business properly. That means getting to grips with how it operates, what it’s trying to achieve, and what it actually needs from funding. From there, it’s about shaping things in the right way and placing it with a lender who is likely to see it as we do.
Lending is far less consistent than it used to be. Two lenders can look at the same deal and come back with completely different answers. Often it comes down to detail. How the numbers are presented, how the story is told, or how the risk is viewed internally.
Trying to navigate that on your own isn’t always straightforward. Knowing where to go, and just as importantly where not to go, can make a big difference.
A common misconception is that brokers are only valuable because they can access more lenders. That’s part of it, but it’s not the main point. The real value is in knowing which type of funding actually suits the situation. Often, the funding ends up back with traditional banks but packaged in a way that meets their credit criteria and funding appetite.
For example, if a business is buying IT equipment, a business may simply default to a bank loan. But asset finance could be a much better fit, both from a cash flow and tax perspective. It’s about matching the right product to the requirement, rather than forcing everything through one route.
Going direct can still be the right decision. If the need is simple and a bank already offers a good solution, there’s no issue with that. But it’s worth thinking about how those facilities are used as often businesses can reach funding exposure with their existing bank.
At Hexa Finance, our approach is built around that longer-term view. We work closely with clients to understand where they are now and where they want to get to, then structure funding in a way that supports that journey. It is less about placing a single deal and more about building a relationship that evolves alongside the business.
Another thing that often gets overlooked is that funding decisions aren’t usually one-offs. They form part of a wider plan. Whether it’s growing a business, improving cash flow, or investing over time, the way something is structured now can have an impact later.
That’s why a broker relationship tends to be ongoing. It’s not just about placing one deal. It’s about understanding where the business is going and making sure funding keeps up with it.
Unlike going direct, where options can be limited to what one lender offers, brokers work across a wide range of funding types. That puts us in a stronger position to support businesses as they grow and their needs change.
In the end, it’s not about adding another step into the process. It’s about making sure the funding you put in place actually works for the business, both now and further down the line.
Get in touch
If your business is looking for practical and accessible financial solutions, Hexa Finance is here to help. Get in touch with us to find out how we can support your growth.