Propel Finance Partners with Onecom to Offer Subscription Finance to SMEs

WHY THIS MATTERS:
SMEs continue to face pressure when investing in essential technology, particularly where upfront device and infrastructure costs compete with cash flow priorities. Propel Finance’s partnership with Onecom embeds subscription-style asset finance directly into the point of purchase, allowing businesses to spread costs while accessing communications, connectivity and IT solutions. This reflects a broader shift toward embedded finance models that mirror consumer-style flexibility in B2B purchasing journeys.

By integrating PropelPay into Onecom’s e-commerce ecosystem, the partnership supports mixed basket purchases, upgrades and lifecycle management — areas that are increasingly central as businesses refresh devices more frequently and align with circular economy goals. For SMEs, predictable monthly payments can ease capital strain, while for providers, embedded finance can drive higher conversion and repeat purchasing behaviour.

Propel Finance, the UK’s fastest-growing asset finance lender, has announced a new strategic partnership with Onecom, one of the UK’s leading providers of business communications, connectivity and managed IT solutions, supporting thousands of SME and enterprise customers nationwide. 

Propel, through its proprietary subscription platform PropelPay, enables businesses to invest in technology devices on a simple, subscription style basis, providing transparency and flexibility at the point of purchase. Through the partnership, Onecom enhances its customer offering by integrating cutting-edge payment options that align with the evolving needs of UK SME businesses. The integration forms part of Onecom’s wider digital commerce strategy, helping customers access business-critical technology through more flexible, subscription-based purchasing options. The proposition supports multiple brands across mixed basket purchases, credit limits for future purchases, upgrades, and attractive device lifecycle management features. 

For many SMEs, the upfront cost of technology can prove a barrier to investment and growth. The partnership will enable Onecom’s customers to access PropelPay’s embedded payment option at the point of purchase, supporting device refresh and upgrades. This integrated digital finance and payment solution enables businesses to spread the cost of essential communications, IT, and technology solutions over time, incentivise future purchases, and support wider circular supply chain ambitions. This supports Onecom’s focus on helping businesses manage technology lifecycle upgrades more efficiently.

Pete Collins, Director of Embedded Finance at Propel Finance said: “We’re delighted to partner with Onecom to support their e-commerce strategy. We share common goals in supporting SMEs investing in technology solutions.  We are seeing businesses attracted to similar digital purchase options available to consumers, and PropelPay integrated into reseller e-commerce journeys offers a unique and market leading proposition.”

Darren Ridge, CEO of Onecom, added: “Our customers are increasingly looking for flexible ways to invest in technology without large upfront costs. Working with Propel Finance allows us to simplify the buying journey and support businesses with more predictable, scalable technology investment.”

FF NEWS TAKE:
This is embedded finance moving deeper into the SME technology stack. Rather than offering finance as a separate step, it becomes part of the checkout experience — frictionless and integrated.

If adoption continues, subscription-style asset finance could become the default for SME tech procurement, particularly as businesses seek flexibility without tying up working capital. The competitive edge will lie in seamless integration and underwriting speed, not just pricing.