HSBC sharpened its UK small business proposition in 2025 by addressing three practical barriers to growth: the cost of everyday banking, access to finance and the availability of business support. The strategy formed part of a wider effort to increase HSBC’s share of the SME market while also improving the experience for smaller companies.
The most visible change came in July 2025, when HSBC removed the monthly fee from its Small Business Banking Account. Customers also receive free UK digital banking and access to business specialists, either remotely or through the branch network. The account is available to startups, established small businesses and companies switching from another provider, with borrowing of up to £100,000 available subject to eligibility.
HSBC supplemented the account with its Small Business Growth Programme, launched in June 2025 for customers and non-customers. Developed with Microsoft, UpSkill Universe and Wired, the programme provides free training and guidance on technology, marketing and finance. The open-access model gives HSBC a route to engage entrepreneurs before they require a banking product, while helping existing customers develop capabilities beyond financial management. Its Financing for Growth research, based on more than 1,500 UK business leaders, added information on investment plans, borrowing and the use of technology.
The bank also committed an additional £5 billion of SME lending over five years in November 2025. This sits alongside HSBC UK’s branch promise, under which all 327 branches will remain open until at least 2027. The combination of digital access and physical coverage is important for smaller companies that may complete routine transactions online but still require support for financing decisions.
