PayPoint and Handepay have surpassed £100 million in total funding delivered to UK merchants and retailers, following a record year for business lending.

During the 2025/26 financial year, funding reached £33 million, representing a 39% year-on-year increase from £23 million, as more independent businesses turned to fast, flexible finance to fuel growth and manage day-to-day trading.

Delivered in partnership with YouLend, the funding solution gives both PayPoint and Handepay customers seamless access to cash advances, enabling them to act quickly on opportunities without the delays or rigidity of traditional lending.

Demand has been strongest across hospitality, grocery and convenience, and health and beauty sectors where speed, flexibility and cashflow are critical. Businesses are using funding to invest in stock, upgrade equipment, refresh their premises and stay resilient through seasonal peaks and quieter trading periods.

Unlike traditional finance models, repayments are automatically aligned to daily card takings, giving business owners greater confidence and control over their cashflow as they grow.

Since launching in 2020, the service has become a key part of Handepay and PayPoint’s broader proposition – reinforcing their role as trusted partners to independent businesses, not just for card payments, but for long-term growth and success.

Mark Latham, Managing Director of Merchant Services at PayPoint, said:

“Surpassing £100 million in funding is a significant milestone and reflects the real, everyday impact this support is having on independent businesses across the UK. The strong growth we’ve seen over the past year shows just how important it is for our customers to have access to fast, flexible funding they can rely on.

“At Handepay and PayPoint, our role goes far beyond payments. We’re focused on being a genuine partner to our customers – providing not only the tools to take payments, but the financial support and flexibility they need to grow, adapt and succeed.”

This latest milestone demonstrates Handepay and PayPoint’s continued commitment to delivering practical, value-driven solutions that help independent businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive and fast-moving market.