Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance joins FUEL Roadshow in national drive to tackle SME access to finance
Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance, the UK’s only provider of personal guarantee insurance, has become a major partner of the FUEL Roadshow, a UK-wide initiative designed to help SMEs become investor and funding ready. Purbeck will join other major partners, NatWest, British Business Bank, CO4CH, CBI, and regional partner FW Capital.
The announcement comes as Blair McDougall MP, the government’s Minister for Small Business, pledged his support for the FUEL Roadshow ahead of its official launch in Newcastle upon Tyne on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
Delivered by funding solutions specialist UMi, FUEL will bring together SMEs, investors, lenders and business advisers in a series of practical, action-focused events taking place across the UK throughout 2026. Each regional event is expected to attract more than 250 business owners, offering direct access to funding opportunities and tailored advice.
The initiative aims to address the growing challenges SMEs face in accessing finance, particularly in a market where borrowing costs remain elevated and lenders increasingly require additional security.
Purbeck’s involvement in the FUEL Roadshow reflects the changing nature of SME finance. While funding remains available, many business owners are increasingly being asked to provide personal guarantees in order to secure working capital, equipment finance or growth funding – exposing directors’ personal assets if the business fails.
Todd Davison, managing director of Purbeck Insurance Services, said: “Access to finance remains one of the biggest barriers facing UK SMEs, and the landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Even strong, well-run businesses are increasingly being asked to provide personal guarantees as part of lending decisions, which places significant personal risk on directors and business owners.
“That’s why we’re proud to support the FUEL Roadshow. This is a practical initiative that connects business owners with the right expertise, funders and advisers, helping them understand their options and take the next steps towards becoming funding ready. Crucially, it also encourages SMEs to think about risk management alongside finance, ensuring that growth and resilience can go hand in hand.
Nicki Clark OBE, chief executive of UMi, said: “FUEL has been designed with one clear purpose: to make it easier for business owners to take action. We know many founders and leaders simply don’t have the time to navigate complex funding routes, so each event gives them direct access to the people, insight and support they need to take the next step with confidence.
“This only works when organisations across the ecosystem come together. That’s why having partners like Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance involved is so important. They each bring specialist expertise, real-world understanding of the challenges SMEs face, and a commitment to helping business owners make better, safer decisions around finance.
“Too many brilliant businesses are held back by complexity, jargon and missed opportunities. By working collaboratively with partners who share our focus on practical support, FUEL helps cut through that noise so more SMEs can secure the funding they need to grow and thrive.”
Business owners interested in attending can book tickets or register interest via www.fuelroadshow.co.uk.