It is generally held that the SME s

It is generally held that the SME segment
is underserved, reflecting the risks
associated with the sector. Despite the
number of small businesses in the UK
remaining broadly stable at ~4.5 million,
the sector is highly dynamic, experiencing
frequent births and deaths as companies
are established, are acquired, and in some
cases close. However, for UK banks, the
SME market still represents a huge and
underexploited growth opportunity.