SMEs

The new vehicle will look for opportunities in the underserved SME market in Canada.

The deal with US-based Wafra Capital Partners will enable ThinCats to make £2bn of loans over the next few years.

Last year saw small company financing dominated by state-backed schemes. But as they come to an end, fund managers can reclaim lost territory.

Private debt has played a major role in funding small UK businesses and is set to be vital to SME recovery post-covid.

UK SMEs are increasingly looking to fund managers rather than banks, according to Connection Capital's Claire Madden

SMEs are struggling due to extended lockdowns intended to prevent the spread of covid-19, and in the UK a generous government lending scheme now dominates the market. But private fund managers also have a role to play, maintains John Bakie

The fund is backed by Greater Manchester Pension Fund and will particularly focus on businesses in the north of England.

There is still demand for alternative finance, and this is set to grow further as government schemes are pulled back.