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Reinventing the Bank Manager: How Leonard Curtis is redefining SME support
For decades, the local bank manager was the go-to figure for securing finance. They knew their clients personally, understood their ambitions, and offered practical financial support built on trust. But as banking has become increasingly managed online or via call centres, that personal connection has faded. Today, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) often find themselves navigating rigid systems, automated decisions, and limited product ranges. Unable to speak directly to a business manager and explain their needs, when flexibility and understanding is needed the most.
In their place, a new kind of financial partner has emerged. Brokers are now the driving force behind SME funding in the UK, facilitating around £38 billion of transactions (source: NACFB). The reason is clear: brokers combine the personal relationship that business owners value, with access to the entire lending market and have the expertise to structure finance that truly fits.
At Leonard Curtis, that combination defines our approach. We work with clients to understand their business, not just the numbers, but the story behind them. With access to the whole of the market, we’re able to design flexible, efficient funding structures whilst guiding clients through the process, providing expert support, and negotiating on their behalf - all while simplifying what can be a complex, intimidating experience. For our clients, that means choice, independence, and delivery shaped entirely around their needs.
Over and above this, having the support of the wider Leonard Curtis group is unique in the broker market and through our extensive service lines we go further, whether guiding a business through a period of rapid growth or navigating a complex challenge, our approach is always proactive, practical, and focused on long-term success.
Recent NACFB data reinforces the importance of ongoing adaptability. One in four SME’s secured a different type of finance from their initial request, and a third of Brokers expanded their services in 2024 to meet rising demand. We are taking the lead, from acquiring Newsource Commercial Finance, one of the UK’s leading Commercial Finance Master Brokers operating in the Specialist Property Finance sector, to taking a majority stake in Virtualnonexecs, which gives Leonard Curtis access to 27,000 non-execs, chairpersons and fractional board members and access to over 40,000 company boards worldwide, we are at the forefront of change, innovation and adding value to our clients.
At Leonard Curtis clients trust us and with the growing reliance on brokers in the market, we provide an essential role in the UK's financial ecosystem. Put simply, we’re here to help businesses. We bring together what the old-fashioned bank manager once offered, personal understanding and reliability, with the modern capabilities of a national advisory firm.
In an era where banking has become impersonal, Leonard Curtis is redefining what a financial relationship should look like: personal, professional adding real value and delivery for our clients.
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Leonard Curtis is a trading style of Reach Commercial Finance Limited, registered at Riverside House, Irwell Street, Manchester, M3 5EN. Company Register number is 09056450. Reach Commercial Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN: 753686. Reach Commercial Finance Limited is an authorised credit broker and not a lender. We work with a an unrestricted number of lenders to find a potentially suitable arrangement for your consideration. ICO registration ZA069234 and you can check via www.ico.org.uk. We will receive commission from lenders. Different lenders pay different amounts depending on different commission models. For transparency we work with the following commission models: fixed fee, fixed rate of commission, percentage of the amount you borrow and rate for risk (this is based on the risk profile of the business). Further details of the commission model, calculation and amount will be disclosed to you throughout your customer journey. Privacy notice.
Leonard Curtis Legal Limited is a limited company, registered in England and Wales with registered number 09820186. Registered office: Riverside House, Irwell Street, Manchester M3 5EN. Leonard Curtis Legal Limited is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority with number 626004.