2026 marks an important milestone for us as we celebrate 20 years of supporting SMEs with flexible and reliable funding solutions.
Founded in 2006 by Jim Small and Peter Stanton, Peak Cashflow was built on a clear principle “To provide straightforward, transparent funding solutions for growing businesses”. Two decades later, that same philosophy continues to guide the business.
The idea for Peak originated during a discussion after a client meeting in Stoke. Recognising their complementary strengths, Peter focused on business development and Jim on risk and client management, they saw an opportunity to create a new type of invoice finance provider.
Planning meetings were held in the evenings at a pub in the Peak District, conveniently situated between their homes in Lichfield and Macclesfield. It was here that the name “Peak Cashflow” was born. From those initial steps, with just two directors and one client in March 2006, the business has grown steadily. Key team members, including Audrey Jack and Nick Dunn, joined later and are now central to the company’s leadership.
Over the years, the business has expanded in both team size and office premises, all while staying true to its founding principles of fair pricing, transparency, combined with a high-quality service.
In recent years, the business entered a new phase with the transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) structure. This move ensures the company’s long-term future while giving our employees a beneficial interest in the business’s success.
Employee ownership strengthens the culture that has existed at Peak since its founding — one built on fairness, transparency and shared responsibility for delivering the highest levels of service to clients.
In recent years, the business entered a new phase with the transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) structure. This move ensures the company’s long-term future while giving our employees a beneficial interest in the business’s success.
Employee ownership strengthens the culture that has existed at Peak since its founding — one built on fairness, transparency and shared responsibility for delivering the highest levels of service to clients.
Jim Small commented:
One of the most unique aspects of our 20-year journey is the sheer diversity of businesses we have supported. Whilst we work with many well-established sectors such as recruitment, manufacturing, haulage and facilities management, we have also partnered with a number of more unusual and specialist clients.
Over the years, this has included:
These experiences highlight not only the variety of industries Peak has worked with, but also the team’s ability to understand and adapt to very different business models.
As Peter reflected:
We have also supported clients through multiple economic cycles, evolving market conditions and changing business needs in the past 20 years. From periods of growth to times of uncertainty, the focus has remained the same, helping businesses maintain strong cash flow and continue operating with confidence.
With offices in Macclesfield and Birmingham, the team has worked with businesses across the UK, from the north of Aberdeen to South Devon, across to Kent and the west coast of Wales. This nationwide reach reflects both the scale of Peak’s experience and its commitment to supporting SMEs wherever they are based.
With the transition to employee ownership in 2024, the company has secured a long-term, stable future for both its team and its clients. This structure ensures that Peak will continue to operate independently, delivering the same high standards of service that have defined the business since day one.
As part of our continued growth and commitment to supporting businesses at every stage, Peak Cashflow has also recently launched PCF Direct – designed specifically for smaller businesses.
PCF Direct provides a straightforward, service-led factoring solution for businesses with a turnover below £500k, offering access to funding for those who may have previously struggled to secure support from larger providers. With fast decisions, transparent pricing, full credit control support and experienced professionals on hand, the service reflects the same relationship-led approach that has underpinned Peak’s success over the past two decades.
Backed by more than 20 years of industry experience, PCF Direct ensures that smaller businesses, including those facing financial pressure, can access reliable cash flow finance and continue to grow with confidence.
Looking ahead, our future is being shaped by a strong and experienced leadership team. Nick Dunn, Director and Head of Client Relations, leads all client relationships and risk management, ensuring Peak continues to support clients responsibly and sustainably. Audrey Jack, Director, looks after the team and manages the day‑to‑day running of the business, safeguarding the culture and service standards that define Peak. Together, Nick and Audrey are central to guiding the business into its next chapter.
As we look ahead to the next 20 years, our focus remains firmly on supporting UK businesses with bespoke, flexible, reliable and relationship-led funding solutions – from start-ups and smaller enterprises through to established SMEs.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our clients, introducers and team members who have been part of the journey.
Pete is based at our Birmingham office in the Jewellery Quarter. Pete spent 10 years working in the mid-market banking sector in both London and the West Midlands. In 1999, he left the banking environment to work in the invoice finance sector, progressing to Director of a medium-sized listed provider. Pete’s responsibilities include: New business acquisition • Underwriting and client management across a wide portfolio • Client care and maintaining the highest service levels within the industry.
Peter Stanton
