Behind Every Tap: The Hidden Insights Powering Smarter Decisions and Funding Opportunities

As a small or medium business owner in the UK, you’re likely acutely aware of the funding gap that exists. Despite their significant contribution towards economic growth many SMEs can’t access capital to grow – and this is a big problem.

If you’re running a non-digital business and are struggling to prove your creditworthiness, then we’re here to help. The good news is, card payments and modern POS terminals offer businesses an edge – real-time proof of trading. And with this comes data and insights that can be used to your advantage when it comes to accessing funding to grow. Here's how that can work in your favour.

‍

Turn daily transactions into lending power

‍

Many card machines offer an insight into daily transaction volumes, whether that be a live real-time view of transactions as they occur or a round-up at the end of the day. Unlike annual or historic reports this gives an up-to-date reflection of your repayment capacity – which can translate into smoother underwriting and faster access to funding.

But why stop there.

Give yourself the confidence to go one step further. POS systems often do more than process payments and you can use this to your advantage.

- Sales trends (monthly/daily/hourly) → prepare forecasts and understand revenue trends. Identify seasonal fluctuations and capitalise on opportunities.

- Product mix and margin data → understand profitability and make informed decisions. Ditch the guesswork, focus on what’s profitable and cut what’s not.

- Monitor customer behaviour → plan for slower periods and tailor marketing campaigns to support quieter periods.

All this helps you build a clearer, more convincing case when it comes to borrowing.

‍

Funding that fits your flow

‍

UK lenders are moving with the times. Data shows a trend towards lenders prioritising revenue-based signals over traditional collateral, with challenger and specialist banks now accounting for 60% of lending to SMEs. This reflects a move towards a flexible approach to lending, and one that businesses with a card machine can absolutely capitalise on.

Use your POS insights to:

- Understand what kind of funding suits your business.

- Show predictable revenue patterns that give lenders confidence.

- Borrow with flexibility and repay in sync with your sales cycle.

‍

Boost your business

‍

Flexible funding allows you to access capital on your terms. Draw less in quiet periods, more when you need a boost.

Lenders will typically look at your recurring revenue to see how much they’d be willing to lend you. Once approved you’d get access to a set credit limit, that draw from, repay, and draw again. Which is ideal for managing peaks and troughs.

POS-powered businesses are particularly well-suited to this type of facility:

- Dynamic risk assessment: lenders can link directly to your POS or payment provider to see real-time sales trends. This flexibility allows you to draw on credit when needed without reapplying.

- No collateral needed: revolving credit often doesn't require personal guarantees, or assets like property

- Interest only on what you use: you pay for the credit you draw, not the total limit, which supports you even during quieter trading periods

This is a game-changer compared to traditional term loans.

‍

Go beyond payments

‍

You understand the power of revenue-based financing. Now, take it a step further and turn your POS system into a strategic growth engine. Used right, it can help you grow, plan, and market better.

1. Get to know your customers -  Card machines and POS systems track how people shop—what they buy, how often they come back, and how they like to pay. Use this knowledge to improve service and product mix.

2. Make smarter moves, faster - With real-time data on what’s selling, what’s sitting, and who’s buying, you can make quick, confident decisions. Optimise pricing, adjust promotions, and refine your product mix – all backed by data.

3. Marketing that hits - use customer data to tailor campaigns that speak directly to your audience. Personalised messaging means higher engagement and better results.

4. Simplify stock control - card machine integrations with your POS system ensure real-time stock updates. Reduce overstock, avoid shortages, and keep popular products on the shelves when it matters most.

5. Look better to lenders - strong, consistent revenue patterns backed by data help you stand out to lenders – and give you the confidence to grow on your terms.

‍

Let your sales do the talking

‍

In a UK lending environment where traditional banks are restricting credit and seeking collateral, your growing turnover (documented via card sales) can become your strongest argument for flexible, cost-effective funding—especially revolving credit facilities that match your cashflow rhythms.

Empower your business with real-time insights, and let your POS open the doors to the funding you need.

‍