Exploring the success and barriers to SME access to finance and its potential role in achieving growth: ERC Research Paper 53
Working paper
Owen, R., Botelho, T. and Anwar, O. 2016. Exploring the success and barriers to SME access to finance and its potential role in achieving growth: ERC Research Paper 53. Enterprise Research Centre (ERC).
| Type | Working paper |
|---|---|
| Title | Exploring the success and barriers to SME access to finance and its potential role in achieving growth: ERC Research Paper 53 |
| Authors | Owen, R., Botelho, T. and Anwar, O. |
| Abstract | What are the potential growth impacts of external finance on UK SMEs? Who seeks it, who gets it, and who is discouraged? Drawing on analysis of the 2015 UK Longitudinal Small Business Survey of 15,502 SMEs and interviews with six senior staff from Oxford Innovation who provide finance support to high growth firms, we provide robust contemporary evidence and key policy implications. |
| Research Group | Centre for Enterprise, Environment and Development Research (CEEDR) |
| Publisher | Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) |
| Publication dates | |
| Online | 14 Dec 2016 |
| Nov 2016 | |
| Publication process dates | |
| Deposited | 26 Jan 2017 |
| Accepted | 14 Dec 2016 |
| Output status | Published |
| Publisher's version | File Access Level Open |
| Copyright Statement | The published paper is reproduced in the Middlesex University Research Repository with permission of the publisher, Enterprise Research Centre (ERC). |
| Additional information | ERC Research Paper 53 |
| Web address (URL) | https://www.enterpriseresearch.ac.uk/publications/exploring-success-barriers-sme-access-finance-potential-role-achieving-growth-research-paper-no53/ |
| Language | English |
Permalink -
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/86w86
Download files
250
total views5
total downloads1
views this month0
downloads this month
Export as
Related outputs
Solving SME nature positive finance: a UK green innovation perspective
Owen, R., Burnett, A. and Lodh, S. 2026. Solving SME nature positive finance: a UK green innovation perspective. Sustainable Futures. 11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2026.101927Financing SME green and sustainable innovation [Editorial]
Owen, R., Deffains-Crapsky, C., Hussain, J. and Mac an Bhaird, C. 2026. Financing SME green and sustainable innovation [Editorial]. Venture Capital. 28 (2-3), pp. 137-148. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2026.2643997An investigation into public finance for potential high growth sustainable start-ups: the case of France
Deffains-Crapsky, C., Nze-Obame, J.-H. and Owen, R. 2026. An investigation into public finance for potential high growth sustainable start-ups: the case of France. Venture Capital. 28 (2-3), pp. 215-243. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2026.2641221The early-stage, equity finance journey of potential high-growth companies in the UK
Roper, S. and Owen, R. 2026. The early-stage, equity finance journey of potential high-growth companies in the UK. London, UK Department for Business & Trade (DBT).Developing London’s SME green business transition: finance and support services
Elf, P., Owen, R. and Vedanthachari, L. 2026. Developing London’s SME green business transition: finance and support services. London, UK Centre for Enterprise, Environment and Development Research (CEEDR), Middlesex University London. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.12010.17608Examining the patient capital problem for green technology start-up and scale-up businesses
Van der Schans, D., Owen, R. and Hussain, J. 2026. Examining the patient capital problem for green technology start-up and scale-up businesses. Venture Capital. 28 (2-3), pp. 177-214. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2025.2577855Developing sustainable entrepreneurial finance ecosystems in an emerging market context: the role of keystone actors in managing competing institutional logics
Elf, P., Owen, R., Lyon, F. and da Gama Torres, H. 2026. Developing sustainable entrepreneurial finance ecosystems in an emerging market context: the role of keystone actors in managing competing institutional logics. Venture Capital. 28 (2-3), pp. 333-358. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2025.2496192Financing green innovation startups: a systematic literature review on early-stage SME funding
Mukherjee, A., Owen, R., Scott, J.M. and Lyon, F. 2026. Financing green innovation startups: a systematic literature review on early-stage SME funding. Venture Capital. 28 (2-3), pp. 149-175. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2024.2410730Delivering net zero and beyond: addressing the financing challenges for UK green SME transition
Owen, R. and Burnett, A. 2025. Delivering net zero and beyond: addressing the financing challenges for UK green SME transition. in: de Ruyter, A., McCabe, S. and Nielsen, B. (ed.) Examining Net Zero: Creating Solutions for a Greener Society and Sustainable Economic Growth Emerald Publishing Limited. pp. 175-185Early-stage nature positive innovation finance in the UK
Owen, R. and Burnett, A. 2025. Early-stage nature positive innovation finance in the UK. Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP).Longitudinal exploration of the role of external finance in helping SMEs achieve growth, higher productivity and potential in relation to their transition to net zero: ERC research paper No 120
Gottschalk, S., Owen, R. and Mcgeown, E.A. 2025. Longitudinal exploration of the role of external finance in helping SMEs achieve growth, higher productivity and potential in relation to their transition to net zero: ERC research paper No 120. London, UK Enterprise Research Centre (ERC). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.15989.64482Are English SMEs disadvantaged in accessing Green Finance? A study of UK (bank and non-bank) debt finance provision
Gottschalk, S., Owen, R. and Coban, I. 2024. Are English SMEs disadvantaged in accessing Green Finance? A study of UK (bank and non-bank) debt finance provision. Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP).Understanding equity access and use in early-stage ventures: phase 1 report
Roper, S. and Owen, R. 2024. Understanding equity access and use in early-stage ventures: phase 1 report . Coventry, UK Enterprise Research Centre (ERC).Developing Brazil's sustainable finance entrepreneurship ecosystem: The role of keystone actors and institutional logics
Elf, P. and Owen, R. 2023. Developing Brazil's sustainable finance entrepreneurship ecosystem: The role of keystone actors and institutional logics. in: Hussain, J.G., Salia, S. and Scott, J.M. (ed.) Entrepreneurial Financial Resilience and Financial Innovation in a Turbulent Era Edward Elgar Publishing. pp. 190-207The role of the university entrepreneurial ecosystem in entrepreneurial finance: case studies of UK innovation knowledge centres
Owen, R., Vedanthachari, L. and Hussain, J. 2023. The role of the university entrepreneurial ecosystem in entrepreneurial finance: case studies of UK innovation knowledge centres. Venture Capital. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2023.2205606Editorial entrepreneurial finance for green innovative SMEs
Owen, R., Botelho, T., Mac an Bhaird, C., Hussain, J., Pierrakis, Y., Scott, J. and Lodh, S. 2023. Editorial entrepreneurial finance for green innovative SMEs. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. 70 (3), pp. 942-949. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2022.3224870Finance and funding for upscaling sustainable fashion
Lyon, F., Elf, P., Owen, R. and Werner, A. 2023. Finance and funding for upscaling sustainable fashion. in: Charter, M., Pan, B. and Black, S. (ed.) Accelerating Sustainability in Fashion, Clothing and Textiles London Taylor & Francis (Routledge).Demand for external finance by environmentally-motivated SMEs: An exploration of geographical disparities and potential in relation to Net Zero: ERC research paper 108
Gottschalk, S. and Owen, R. 2023. Demand for external finance by environmentally-motivated SMEs: An exploration of geographical disparities and potential in relation to Net Zero: ERC research paper 108. London, UK Enterprise Research Centre (ERC).Solving the SME finance puzzle: an examination of demand and supply failure in the UK
Owen, R., Botelho, T., Hussain, J. and Anwar, O. 2023. Solving the SME finance puzzle: an examination of demand and supply failure in the UK. Venture Capital. 25 (1), pp. 31-63. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2022.2135468Turning job seekers into job creators through entrepreneurship mentoring at Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust, India
Sanyal, C., Haddock-Millar, J., Sepulveda Ramirez, L., Owen, R., Syrett, S. and Kaye, N. 2023. Turning job seekers into job creators through entrepreneurship mentoring at Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust, India. in: Cannio, S., Carvalho, C. and Yu, F. (ed.) Mentoring with a Coaching Attitude: International Corporate Mentorship that Works London, UK Open University Press.Exploring the role of U.K. Government policy in developing the university entrepreneurial finance ecosystem for Cleantech
Owen, R. and Vedanthachari, L. 2023. Exploring the role of U.K. Government policy in developing the university entrepreneurial finance ecosystem for Cleantech. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. 70 (3), pp. 1026-1039. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2022.3153319Startup ventures and equity finance: How do Business Accelerators and Business Angels' assess the human capital of socio-environmental mission led entrepreneurs?
Pierrakis, Y. and Owen, R. 2023. Startup ventures and equity finance: How do Business Accelerators and Business Angels' assess the human capital of socio-environmental mission led entrepreneurs? Innovation. 25 (4), pp. 371-395. https://doi.org/10.1080/14479338.2022.2029706Lessons from government venture capital funds to enable transition to a low-carbon economy: the U.K. case
Owen, R. 2023. Lessons from government venture capital funds to enable transition to a low-carbon economy: the U.K. case. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. 70 (3), pp. 1040-1054. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2021.3094992Does the cost of energy matter for innovation? The effects of energy prices on SME innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Hussain, J., Karimu, A., Salia, S. and Owen, R. 2022. Does the cost of energy matter for innovation? The effects of energy prices on SME innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research. 28 (2), pp. 548-566. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-10-2021-0855SME Financing for Biodiversity: Building Nature Measurement and Impacts into SME Financing (‘SME FinBio’)
Owen, R., Lyon, F., Burnett, A. and Lodh, S. 2022. SME Financing for Biodiversity: Building Nature Measurement and Impacts into SME Financing (‘SME FinBio’). Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).SME Finance for Biodiversity (‘FinBio’) in the UK - project summary
Owen, R., Lyon, F., Burnett, A. and Suman, L. 2022. SME Finance for Biodiversity (‘FinBio’) in the UK - project summary. Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).Rural social enterprise: contributions, challenges and support needs
Vickers, I., Owen, R., Lyon, F. and Darko, E. 2022. Rural social enterprise: contributions, challenges and support needs. Newcastle, UK Newcastle University.Reducing early-stage Cleantech funding gaps: an exploration of the role of Environmental Performance Indicators
Harrer, T. and Owen, R. 2022. Reducing early-stage Cleantech funding gaps: an exploration of the role of Environmental Performance Indicators. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research. 28 (9), pp. 268-288. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-10-2021-0849Exploring external finance to build back better a green UK SME economy: ERC research paper 99
Owen, R., Lodh, S., Anwar, O. and Plekhanov, S. 2022. Exploring external finance to build back better a green UK SME economy: ERC research paper 99. Enterprise Research Centre (ERC).Policy briefing: Exploring external finance to build back better a green UK SME economy
Owen, R., Lodh, S., Anwar, O. and Plekhanov, S. 2022. Policy briefing: Exploring external finance to build back better a green UK SME economy. Enterprise Research Centre (ERC).Home-based self-employment: combining personal, household and employment influences
Daniel, E. and Owen, R. 2022. Home-based self-employment: combining personal, household and employment influences. Journal of Enterprising Culture. 30 (02), pp. 123-160. https://doi.org/10.1142/s0218495822500054How Blockchain technology can monetize new music ventures: an examination of new business models
Owen, R. and O'Dair, M. 2020. How Blockchain technology can monetize new music ventures: an examination of new business models. Journal of Risk Finance. 21 (4), pp. 333-353. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRF-03-2020-0053Social Enterprise: Market Trends 2019
Owen, R., Lyon, F., Vickers, I. and Gottschalk, S. 2021. Social Enterprise: Market Trends 2019. London DCMS.Annex 1 IKC and Stakeholder Topic Guide Summary
Owen, R. and Vedanthachari, L. 2021. Annex 1 IKC and Stakeholder Topic Guide Summary.Financing Cleantech SME innovation: Setting an agenda
Owen, R., Brennan, G., Lyon, F. and Harrer, T. 2021. Financing Cleantech SME innovation: Setting an agenda. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. 68 (4), pp. 1168-1172. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2020.3005702Early stage investing in green SMEs: the case of the UK
Owen, R., Lehner, O., Lyon, F. and Brennan, G. 2020. Early stage investing in green SMEs: the case of the UK. ACRN Journal of Finance and Risk Perspectives. 8 (1), pp. 163-182. https://doi.org/10.35944/jofrp.2019.8.1.011The evolution of entrepreneurial finance – 10 years after the global financial crisis [Editorial]
Mac an Bhaird, C., Owen, R. and Freel, M. 2019. The evolution of entrepreneurial finance – 10 years after the global financial crisis [Editorial]. The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. 20 (4), pp. 235-238. https://doi.org/10.1177/1465750319877017Finance pathways for young innovative small‐ and medium‐size enterprises: a demand‐side examination of finance gaps and policy implications for the post‐global financial crisis finance escalator
Owen, R., Deakins, D. and Savic, M. 2019. Finance pathways for young innovative small‐ and medium‐size enterprises: a demand‐side examination of finance gaps and policy implications for the post‐global financial crisis finance escalator. Strategic Change. 28 (1), pp. 19-36. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2243Blockchain and other innovations in entrepreneurial finance: implications for future policy
Owen, R., Mac an Bhaird, C., Hussain, J. and Botelho, T. 2019. Blockchain and other innovations in entrepreneurial finance: implications for future policy. Strategic Change. 28 (1), pp. 5-8. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2250Emerging trends in government venture capital policies in smaller peripheral economies: lessons from Finland, New Zealand, and Estonia
Owen, R. and Mason, C. 2019. Emerging trends in government venture capital policies in smaller peripheral economies: lessons from Finland, New Zealand, and Estonia. Strategic Change. 28 (1), pp. 83-93. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2248The role of government venture capital funds: recent lessons from the U.K. experience
Owen, R., North, D. and Mac an Bhaird, C. 2019. The role of government venture capital funds: recent lessons from the U.K. experience. Strategic Change. 28 (1), pp. 69-82. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2247Financing new creative enterprise through Blockchain technology: opportunities and policy implications
O'Dair, M. and Owen, R. 2019. Financing new creative enterprise through Blockchain technology: opportunities and policy implications. Strategic Change. 28 (1), pp. 9-17. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2242Small beer? Peer-to-peer lending in the craft beer sector
Mac an Bhaird, C., Owen, R., Dodd, S., Wilson, J. and Bisignano, A. 2019. Small beer? Peer-to-peer lending in the craft beer sector. Strategic Change. 28 (1), pp. 59-68. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2246An investigation of UK SME access to finance, growth and productivity, 2015-2017: ERC research paper 79
Owen, R., Botelho, T., Anwar, O., Harrer, T. and Lodh, S. 2019. An investigation of UK SME access to finance, growth and productivity, 2015-2017: ERC research paper 79. Enterprise Research Centre (ERC).Financing social enterprises and the demand for social investment
Lyon, F. and Owen, R. 2019. Financing social enterprises and the demand for social investment. Strategic Change. 28 (1), pp. 47-57. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2245The influence of institutional environment on venture capital development in emerging economies: the example of Nigeria
Ekanem, I., Owen, R. and Cardoso, A. 2019. The influence of institutional environment on venture capital development in emerging economies: the example of Nigeria. Strategic Change. 28 (1), pp. 95-107. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2249Enabling investment for the transition to a low carbon economy: government policy to finance early stage green innovation
Owen, R., Brennan, G. and Lyon, F. 2018. Enabling investment for the transition to a low carbon economy: government policy to finance early stage green innovation. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 31, pp. 137-145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2018.03.004Monitoring and evaluating business mentoring: towards a research and evaluation toolkit to measure impact
Haddock-Millar, J., Sanyal, C., Kaye, N., Sepulveda Ramirez, L., Owen, R. and Syrett, S. 2018. Monitoring and evaluating business mentoring: towards a research and evaluation toolkit to measure impact. International Journal of Human Resource Development: Practice, Policy & Research. 3 (2), pp. 35-47. https://doi.org/10.22324/ijhrdppr.3.115The role of government co-investment funds in the supply of entrepreneurial finance: An assessment of the early operation of the UK Angel Co-investment Fund
Owen, R. and Mason, C. 2017. The role of government co-investment funds in the supply of entrepreneurial finance: An assessment of the early operation of the UK Angel Co-investment Fund. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space. 35 (3), pp. 434-456. https://doi.org/10.1177/0263774x16667072Which SMEs seek external support? Business characteristics, management behaviour and external influences in a contingency approach
Mole, K., North, D. and Owen, R. 2017. Which SMEs seek external support? Business characteristics, management behaviour and external influences in a contingency approach. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space. 35 (3), pp. 476-499. https://doi.org/10.1177/0263774X16665362An assessment of the business impacts of the UK's Enterprise Capital Funds
Owen, R. 2016. An assessment of the business impacts of the UK's Enterprise Capital Funds. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space. 34 (8), pp. 1556-1581. https://doi.org/10.1177/0263774X15625995Beyond the global financial crisis: challenges facing venture capitalists operating in an emerging economy such as Nigeria
Ekanem, I., Cardoso, A. and Owen, R. 2015. Beyond the global financial crisis: challenges facing venture capitalists operating in an emerging economy such as Nigeria. ISBE 2015: 38th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference. Glasgow, Scotland 11 - 12 Nov 2015The role of UK government hybrid venture capital funds in addressing the finance gap facing innovative SMEs in the post-2007 financial crisis era
Owen, R. and North, D. 2015. The role of UK government hybrid venture capital funds in addressing the finance gap facing innovative SMEs in the post-2007 financial crisis era. in: Hussain, J. and Scott, J. (ed.) Research Handbook on Entrepreneurial Finance Edward Elgar Publishing. pp. 125-146The future of early stage and growth finance in Northern Ireland, Report to the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI)
Owen, R. 2015. The future of early stage and growth finance in Northern Ireland, Report to the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI). Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI).Establishing a new UK finance escalator for innovative SMEs: the roles of the Enterprise Capital Funds and Angel Co-investment Fund
Owen, R. and Mason, C. 2015. Establishing a new UK finance escalator for innovative SMEs: the roles of the Enterprise Capital Funds and Angel Co-investment Fund. Venture Capital. 17 (1-2), pp. 59-86. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2015.1021025What is the role of public feeder markets in developing technology-based small firms? An exploration of the motivations for listing on AIM since the GFC
Owen, R. 2015. What is the role of public feeder markets in developing technology-based small firms? An exploration of the motivations for listing on AIM since the GFC. Venture Capital. 17 (1-2), pp. 87-112. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2015.1021028Sub-post offices and high street revitalisation: lessons from the experience of grant assistance to sub-post offices in deprived urban areas of the UK
Owen, R., North, D. and Vickers, I. 2015. Sub-post offices and high street revitalisation: lessons from the experience of grant assistance to sub-post offices in deprived urban areas of the UK. Local Economy. 30 (4), pp. 435-451. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269094215586958Investigating the relationship between formal time management practices and business performance of UK SMEs
Vedanthachari, L. and Owen, R. 2015. Investigating the relationship between formal time management practices and business performance of UK SMEs. ISBE 2015: 38th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference. Glasgow, Scotland 11 - 12 Nov 2015Financing SME growth in the UK: meeting the challenges after the global financial crisis
Harison, R. and Owen, R. 2015. Financing SME growth in the UK: meeting the challenges after the global financial crisis. Venture Capital. 17 (1-2), pp. 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2015.1050241SME finance in London - final report to the Greater London Authority
Owen, R. and Greater London Authority 2013. SME finance in London - final report to the Greater London Authority. Greater London Authority.Financing social ventures and the demand for social investment
Lyon, F. and Owen, R. 2014. Financing social ventures and the demand for social investment. Third Sector Research Centre, University of Birmingham.Interim evaluation of ECF and CFEF equity funds
Owen, R., Macaulay, P., Lomax, S. and Lewis, A. 2014. Interim evaluation of ECF and CFEF equity funds. London, UK Centre for Enterprise, Environment and Development Research (CEEDR), Middlesex University London. https://doi.org/10.60528/25yvvvInvestigation into the motivations behind the listing decisions of UK companies
Owen, R., Supri, S., North, D., Macaulay, P., Rushton, C., CEEDR and Middlesex University Business School 2013. Investigation into the motivations behind the listing decisions of UK companies. Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.Funding the growth of UK technology-based small firms since the financial crash: are there breakages in the finance escalator?
North, D., Owen, R. and Ullah, F. 2013. Funding the growth of UK technology-based small firms since the financial crash: are there breakages in the finance escalator? Venture Capital. 15 (3), pp. 237-260. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2013.804755