UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are missing out on an estimated £54 billion in revenue due to a lack of confidence in accessing external finance, according to new research from broker-lender Portman Finance Group. It found that 30% of businesses have missed a growth opportunity because of a lack of external finance, with affected firms estimating an average revenue loss of more than £73,000. More than one in five (21%) said that a lack of trust in lenders was the primary reason for not taking on external finance. Market confusion: More than half (53%) of SMEs say the business finance market is confusing, while two-thirds (66%) say they would be more likely to borrow if they better understood their options. Additional barriers to accessing finance include:Geopolitical conflict: Nearly eight in ten (79%) say geopolitical conflict has delayed decisions about taking on external finance.