Comments on the end of the furlough scheme

“The end of the furlough scheme will undoubtedly have a significant impact on business up and down the country. The scheme has provided a lifeline to SMEs when they most needed it, allowing them to continue operating while preventing the UK from a major unemployment crisis.

“Although the outlook is more positive than it has been for some time, we’re not over the worst yet. The scheme’s end could leave many SMEs struggling to survive and exacerbate the financial and mental health challenges many business owners have faced over the last 18 months.

“Moving forward, government and industry must work together to communicate the support available to SMEs and demonstrate how they can help businesses thrive beyond the pandemic. This is where the alternative finance industry has a crucial role to play, in providing businesses with the flexible finance they need at speed, to help them deliver on their ambitions.”