Funding Circle, the UK’s leading SME finance platform, announces its renewed partnership with PREM Rugby. Entering its fifth season, the extended partnership aligns with the company’s proposition of ‘business finance that backs you’ and reinforces its commitment to backing teams both on and off the pitch.
As the official business finance partner, Funding Circle has sponsored PREM Rugby since the 2022/23 season. On the pitch and in business, navigating defining moments requires hard work, grit, and reliable support. That’s why Funding Circle backs small businesses with the funding they need to succeed.
Through this relationship, Funding Circle is further building its brand presence and cementing its position as the UK’s leading SME finance platform, to help more SMEs access finance, build their business, and support UK economic growth. In 2025 alone, lending through Funding Circle’s platform helped support 117,000 jobs and contributed £7.9 billion to UK GDP.
The renewed partnership will increase Funding Circle’s visibility across the sport, growing its matchday presence with enhanced on-pitch presence across branded PREM fixtures. Additionally, Funding Circle will increase its investment in original content creation through the PREM Media House, providing fans with access to players, clubs and behind-the-scenes moments across the season through a unique business-focused lens.
This partnership supports Funding Circle’s strategy to continue expanding its audience and become the UK’s most trusted financial partner to SMEs. By building on its long-standing relationship with PREM Rugby and as the first official business finance partner of TNT Sports, Funding Circle is successfully attracting a wider, more diverse base of entrepreneurs to the platform.
Alexander Allen, Managing Director and Chief Customer Officer at Funding Circle, said, “We are pleased to extend our partnership with PREM Rugby. Our focus is to help local communities and small businesses thrive. By extending our partnership we’re continuing to back local businesses up and down the country, the same way they support the teams that make the Gallagher PREM such an exciting league to follow.”
Kelly Cooke, Commercial Director of PREM Rugby, said:
“Funding Circle has been a fantastic partner over the past four seasons and we’re delighted to be extending our relationship.
“They share our ambition and energy to engage rugby fans in new ways and invest in innovative matchday experiences that bring fans closer to the businesses that support their local teams, including giving out 12,000 bags of a Funding Circle-backed popcorn brand to fans at the recent Gallagher PREM Final.
“This renewed partnership will see Funding Circle grow its presence across the Gallagher PREM whilst continuing to enable our players to benefit from their services as they explore business ventures away from the pitch.”
Image provided by Funding Circle
