Meet the lender: Ayesha Butt, Momenta Finance

In the latest of our Meet the Lender series we caught up with Ayesha Butt from Momenta Finance to talk about the growing demand for flexible, non-bank funding, why she expects relationship-led finance to remain important and what businesses can do to give themselves the best chance when seeking funding. We also find out why the problem-solving side of finance is something Ayesha genuinely enjoys.

What trends are you currently seeing in the market?

We’re seeing strong demand for flexible, non-bank funding, particularly from SMEs who feel underserved by traditional lenders. Rising costs, cautious high-street banks and longer decision times have encouraged businesses to look for specialist lenders who can move quickly and tailor facilities to real trading needs.

There’s also a noticeable move towards asset-based and cashflow-led lending, with businesses using finance more strategically – not just for survival, but to fund growth, acquisitions and working capital optimisation.

What advice would you give to businesses seeking finance for the first time?

My biggest advice would be: be open and prepared. Lenders aren’t just looking at numbers. We want to understand the story behind the business, the people running it and where it’s going.

Have clear financial information and realistic projections and be honest about challenges as well as opportunities. Most importantly, work with a lender who takes the time to explain the options and structure a facility that supports your long-term goals, rather than providing a quick fix.

Do you foresee the lending market changing in the next few years, and how will this affect finance?

Yes, definitely. I think we’ll continue to see alternative lenders play an even bigger role as businesses demand speed, flexibility and a more human approach to lending.

Technology will streamline processes, but relationship-led finance will remain crucial, particularly for complex or bespoke deals. For businesses, this means more choice, more tailored solutions and lenders who act as partners rather than just providers of capital.

What motivates you personally in your work as a lender?

What motivates me most is helping businesses move forward, whether that’s enabling growth, easing cashflow pressure or helping owners sleep better at night.

Every deal has a real business and real people behind it, and it’s incredibly rewarding to play a part in their success. I also enjoy building long-term relationships where brokers see us as a trusted adviser, not just a lender.

How long have you been working with Evolve Business Finance, and how has the partnership benefited your business?

Our relationship with Evolve Business Finance is still at an early stage but we’ve recently completed a successful introduction which was very positive. The experience reinforced how well aligned our teams are in terms of approach, communication and commitment to delivering the right outcomes.

Can you share something about yourself that people might be surprised to learn?

People are often surprised to learn that I genuinely enjoy the problem-solving side of finance. No two deals are the same, and I thrive on finding creative solutions where others might see obstacles.

Outside work, I’m also very relationship-driven and value trust and integrity just as much socially as I do professionally.

Where does Momenta Finance fit in the funding market?

At Momenta Finance, we pride ourselves on being straight-talking, responsive and genuinely supportive. We take the time to understand our clients’ businesses and structure funding that works for them, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our goal is simple: to empower businesses with finance that moves them forward, backed by clarity, speed and real relationships.