Answer extracted from The Responsible Finance Podcast — listen to the full episode below.
What Makes a Good Alternative Finance Partner for Business Growth?
The right alternative finance provider does far more than hand over capital: they demonstrate genuine belief in your business vision through hands-on support and flexibility. BCRS Business Loans proved this by sending a representative to understand Kaz Burness's five-year plan and expediting paperwork even during their holiday to meet a critical October deadline—turning a £100,000 loan into a partnership that safeguarded jobs and enabled growth.
When Kaz Burness and her husband Darren identified an opportunity to acquire Beacon Barkers kennels in October 2022, they needed more than just funding. They needed a lender who truly understood their vision. What set BCRS apart was not simply the £100,000 loan itself, but the commitment to the business's long-term success.
A dedicated representative didn't just approve the paperwork from an office desk. Instead, they made the effort to visit Kaz's home to understand the couple's detailed five-year growth plan in person. This hands-on approach meant the lender could see the vision directly, ask questions, and grasp the strategy behind the acquisition—not as a transaction, but as a genuine business opportunity worthy of support.
The real test came when timing became critical. Kaz needed the funds in place before the October half-term holidays, a period when the business would generate essential income to invest in repairs and operations at the newly acquired facility. When the paperwork faced typical administrative delays, the BCRS representative prioritized getting it through quickly—even while on holiday. That level of commitment transformed the lending relationship from transactional to genuinely supportive.
As Kaz explains in the episode, the contrast with other finance companies she'd approached was stark. Many had shown little enthusiasm for her plans or offered unhelpful processes that felt designed to discourage rather than enable growth. The difference with BCRS was tangible and immediate.
"There are good finance companies and there are not so good finance companies and if you've got a good feeling that this is not the right company for you please change the company and go with somebody else."
Kaz Burness — Owner, Beacon Barkers Pet Centre. After 23 years in various roles at TK Maxx, Kaz transitioned to pet care in February 2019, building a thriving home-based dog boarding and daycare business that grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic as she supported key workers. In January 2022, she left TK Maxx to run the business full-time, and in October 2022, she and Darren acquired Beacon Barkers kennels, which now boards up to 65 dogs and offers grooming, agility, and additional pet services.
This experience highlights a critical truth for business owners seeking alternative finance: the right lender becomes a genuine partner in growth. Beyond competitive rates and flexible terms, look for providers who invest time in understanding your vision, remain accessible when obstacles arise, and demonstrate their belief in your success through their actions—not just their words.
The impact on Beacon Barkers proves the value of this partnership approach. The acquisition not only safeguarded jobs within the business but enabled the creation of new roles. The couple could proceed confidently with expansion plans that might have stalled with a less supportive lender. What started as a need for capital became a collaborative relationship that Kaz discusses in depth in the full interview.
For business owners evaluating finance options, Kaz's advice is direct: if a lender doesn't feel right, or if their support feels superficial, move on. The best alternative finance partnerships are built on genuine belief, active engagement, and a willingness to prioritize your business's critical moments—not just your paperwork approval timelines.
See also
What factors influenced the choice of a finance provider for a business acquisition?
Kaz initially approached several finance companies but felt let down by their attitude toward lending, their plans, and unhelpful paperwork. When introduced to BCRS Business Loans, the difference was immediate and compelling.
How did a home-based pet care business transition to acquiring a commercial kennels facility?
Kaz started with doggy daycare and home boarding from her house in February 2019, then added dog walking in 2021. She worked at TK Maxx while building the business before leaving in January 2022 to run it full-time, setting the stage for acquisition.
What services does a licensed kennels business typically offer alongside boarding?
Beacon Barkers operates as a licensed kennels boarding up to 65 dogs at any one time, with on-site groomers, agility facilities, and a small shop. Beyond the facility, the business also offers dog walking, pet transport, and home visits for older dogs and puppies.