Propel, a leading specialist UK asset finance provider, and Azets, the top ten UK accounting, tax and business advisory firm and the largest SME regional practice across Europe, have today announced the formation of a significant strategic partnership. As a result of the alliance, thousands more SMEs will be able to gain access to fast and flexible asset finance to acquire the equipment and vehicles they need to drive growth and prosper.

With a 25-year track record in supporting over 40,000 business customers with vital asset finance, including a large number of Azets’ clients, Propel is ideally placed to support SMEs in meeting their ambitions for growth as they emerge from the pandemic. Propel’s proprietary technology platform, ‘Propeller’, underpins the commitment from both partners to providing an outstanding personal service and ensures a swift and seamless customer experience.

Trusted by over 120,000 clients globally, Azets delivers a complete range of accounting, tax, audit, business and advisory services for businesses digitally and at their door to help them achieve their ambitions. Clients know Azets for helping them focus on what they do best; to grow, invest and prosper. Access to the right finance solutions, therefore, plays a key role in that vision.

Mark Catton, CEO, Propel Finance PLC, said: “I’m delighted Azets has chosen us as their strategic partner for asset finance, working closely with their teams and clients around the UK to finance investment in capital equipment. Azets is one of the largest accounting, tax and business advisory firms in the UK, with an outstanding and rapidly growing SME regional practice. We’re proud to be able to offer our services to Azets clients. We know that SMEs are incredibly important to the recovery and vibrancy of the UK economy and we’re here to support businesses needing or wanting help to invest and grow. Azets stand out for their passion for local client service and we want our own offering to complement that really well.”  

Paul Clifford, Regional CEO and Strategic Partnerships Leader, Azets said: “SMEs, the lifeblood of the UK  economy, are facing more challenges than ever due to the pandemic, Brexit and Government financial help coming to an end this year. Our SME clients are looking for new solutions to their cash flow and funding issues and asset finance provides them with a great way to free the cash tied up in their existing assets. Our partnership with Propel is a demonstration of our commitment to solving important problems for our clients and provide a brilliant client experience each and every time, something which fits closely with Propel’s mission. We look forward to working with Propel to deliver the right asset finance solutions, driven by our shared values of providing the first-class and fast service that businesses need to succeed.”