Annual financial results at 1pm, the Bath-based specialist lender to small and medium-sized firms, are expected to be slightly ahead of market expectations following its fourth consecutive year of organic growth, it said yesterday.
The firm, quoted on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market, said in a trading update demand for finance from SMEs remained strong and its lease and loan portfolios had continued to grow.
At May 31 its total portfolio stood at £20.4m, a 38% increase on last year.
Chief executive Maria Hampton said: “The company has continued to make excellent progress and we are very pleased with the trading performance achieved over the past 12 months.
“The general improvement in business sentiment as the UK economy shows signs of recovery presents 1pm with an excellent opportunity to achieve sustained growth.” 
Chairman Ian Smith, pictured, said the company was determined to build on the strength of its business model and to take maximum advantage of current market conditions and potential.
“The board is currently in the process of developing and implementing a strategic plan to grow the business significantly over the next three years and views the future of the business with confidence,” he said.
Last month 1pm, which provides asset-backed finance and business loans from £1,000 to £50,000, won the prestigious Company of the Year title in the second Annual Small Cap Awards while Ms Hampton and finance director Helen Walker were jointly awarded Small Cap Executive Director of the Year.
