Hosted by Lloyds on behalf of DFCE signatories (Barclays, HSBC UK, Lloyds and NatWest Group), and attended by the Department for Business & Trade, UK Finance and Small Business Britain, the event at Lloyds’ London Broad Street HQ shone further light on the work that’s been done so far and was a rallying call for further action to make capital accessible for all.
The DFCE – developed in collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade, the Lilac Review Steering Board, the British Business Bank, UK Finance and the DFCE signatories – aims to drive engagement between the Disabled entrepreneur community and the financial services sector, increasing visible and tangible relationships and making finance feel “open for business” to Disabled entrepreneurs. It has seen significant momentum since its launch in December 2024.
Disabled entrepreneurs are a significant part of the UK’s small business community, making up around 25% of the UK’s 5.7 million small business population. However, they account for only 8.6% of small business turnover, indicating a substantial gap in business scale and economic outcomes.
The launch of the DFCE in December 2024 marked a significant step in strengthening engagement between Disabled entrepreneurs and the UK financial services sector, laying out four key asks – the implementation of inclusive design principles, support for Disabled founders, the sharing of success publicly regarding entrepreneurs accessing banking products and services, and supporting Disabled colleague representation.
The Code was developed as part of ongoing work in the area by the Lilac Review, launched in February 2024 to identify the barriers faced by Disabled founders in the UK with an action plan to remove them.
This 2026 Progress Report provides an update from the Code’s founding signatories – Barclays, HSBC UK, Lloyds and NatWest Group – on the action they have taken since the Code’s baseline report was published last year. It highlights evidence of the progress each signatory has made in meeting the Code’s commitments.
All signatories stated they felt better informed of the opportunities and challenges involved in improving access to finance for Disabled entrepreneurs in the 12 months since the launch of the DFCE, with a clear path of inclusion for the future. Signatories reported the need to incorporate disability access across all offerings, rather than relying on standalone initiatives.
Guests at the event were welcomed by Amanda Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of Business & Commercial Banking at Lloyds Banking Group and heard from Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, Blair McDougall, and CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, Michelle Ovens CBE, hosted an entrepreneur panel bringing to life the real stories, challenges and breakthroughs behind starting and growing a business.
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, said: “Disabled entrepreneurs contribute massively to their local communities, and to the economy overall, but are often held back by systems not set up to help them. Access to finance is the key to unlocking so many opportunities, and in many cases helps businesses start to begin with, and it is essential that it is open to everyone. We are delighted that the Lilac Centre has the support of so many organisations and look forward to more progress in inclusivity over the next 12 months.”
Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business, said: “Everyone with the ambition to start and grow a business should have a fair shot at success, and we are making that a reality.
“Through the Disability Finance Code, we are opening up access to finance for disabled entrepreneurs, helping more founders grow, create jobs and drive growth across the UK.”
David Raw, Managing Director, Commercial Finance, UK Finance, said: “This year’s report shows meaningful momentum across financial services firms to ensure entrepreneurs, regardless of disability, have the access, support and visibility they deserve. The progress made reflects the collaboration across banks, government and specialist partners towards a more inclusive financial ecosystem, where disabled entrepreneurs have the right support to drive forward their businesses and contribute to the UK’s growing economy.”
