Close Brothers Asset Finance has long championed the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK economy. With a wealth of data collected from over a decade of surveys on SME perspectives and challenges, they envisioned a resource that could provide open access to these insights. Turning to us, they aimed to create an SME Data Hub that would serve researchers, journalists, and finance professionals alike—an ambitious, one-of-a-kind project in the finance sector.
The Challenge
Close Brothers needed a data platform that could present complex, multi-year SME data in a user-friendly way, accessible to diverse users from across the UK. The hub would need to be continuously updated and easily navigable, allowing users to filter and download data by sector, business size, and region. This was an entirely new type of resource in their industry, with no direct blueprint or precedent to follow.
Our Approach
We worked closely with Close Brothers Asset Finance to design and build the SME Data Hub, focusing on flexibility, usability, and scalability. With Acquia’s low-code solutions, we created a modular design system of reusable patterns for rapid updates and ensured security and accessibility through Drupal’s robust framework. Here’s how we brought the SME Data Hub to life:
1.Custom Design and Accessibility
We implemented Close Brothers’ branding, accessibility, and user experience guidelines to create a professional, intuitive experience for users, while ensuring the site met rigorous data security standards.
2.Dynamic Data Presentation
The data hub enables users to explore SME data through both graphs and tables, with functionality to download information based on specific filters. This flexibility allows users to dive deep into the data, catering to different audience needs.
Testimonial
“Collaborating with Close Brothers to bring the SME Data Hub to life has been an exciting journey in innovation. Together, we’ve co-created a data resource that goes beyond traditional reporting, offering real-time insights into what’s shaping the UK’s SME sector. The recognition it’s received is a testament to the power of making industry insights freely accessible.”
Julian Tedstone
Managing Director, Coherence
The Outcome
The SME Data Hub quickly gained recognition, winning both Platinum and Gold at the 2020 dotCOMM awards for its innovation and design. With high-quality, accessible data now at their fingertips, Close Brothers Asset Finance is setting new standards in the industry, fostering transparency and support for SMEs across the UK.
About
At Coherence, we strive to create digital solutions that drive industry transformation. Our work with Close Brothers demonstrates how collaboration and innovative design can build impactful tools that make information open, accessible, and actionable.
