Atom bank has recorded its strongest ever quarter for commercial mortgage offers, marking a notable acceleration in demand for its lending proposition.
The digital lender has surpassed its previous high-water mark for the quarter between July and September 2025, with the current October to December period already tracking more than 7% higher in value as of 5 December.
The bank has achieved this with almost a month still left to run, setting a new benchmark for loan offer volumes.
October alone was a record month for Atom, with commercial mortgage offers rising 9% above the bank’s previous best monthly total.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
The uplift has come during a period when Atom bank was operating with reduced team capacity due to school half-term holidays and staff orientation days linked to the opening of its new Newcastle headquarters. The bank said the sustained performance under these conditions demonstrated the efficiency and scalability of its technology and service infrastructure.
The strong quarter coincided with a series of enhancements to the lender’s Growth Guarantee Scheme criteria. Atom will now consider applications from first-time buyers across all GGS-eligible businesses, extending an approach previously limited to care home operators. The minimum required rating for care home applicants has also been lowered to “Requires Improvement”, broadening access to funding for operators and SMEs.
The bank said these changes have opened the door to a wider pool of businesses seeking support through the government-backed scheme.
MARKET BACKDROP
The lender’s new records were set against a more subdued mood among small businesses. Atom’s quarterly SME Pulse survey of brokers found that uncertainty ahead of the Budget had made borrowers more cautious, with expectations of possible tax rises weighing on appetite for new finance.
AWARDS RECOGNITION
The results coincide with a strong showing at the NACFB Commercial Lender Awards. Guy Olden, propositions analyst, received the Rising Star award, while intermediary administrator Natalie Cockburn won the Unsung Hero category. Chris Storey, chief commercial officer, was highly commended as Industry Leader.
Atom bank also received commendations in the Underwriting Team of the Year and Commercial Mortgage Lender of the Year categories.
Tom Renwick, head of business lending at Atom bank, said: “Breaking our all-time monthly and quarterly records is an exceptional achievement, but it is just the beginning. These results prove that our appetite for commercial mortgage lending is stronger than ever and that our enhanced, streamlined loan processes are delivering real results for brokers.
“While our recent SME Pulse research identified caution amongst borrowers leading up to the Budget, now that clarity has returned, we are ready to unleash that potential. For UK SMEs looking to purchase premises or fund expansion, our message is clear: we have the appetite, the speed, and the desire to support your growth.”
