{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fproactive-interviews-for-investors.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2F20260211-su-plc-1-EtYxvKP3","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"S&U sees confidence return in 2026 outlook","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/92f9cc71-7d4c-4ec0-a2f3-6a6b31027b4c/3fd3b604-35cf-4701-acde-0f1fdf33d67a/square-with-type.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"S&U PLC (LSE:SUS) chairman Anthony Coombs talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company’s continued growth momentum, particularly across its Advantage and Aspen divisions. Following a challenging regulatory period, Coombs reported a significant rebound in confidence, performance, and strategic clarity.\n\nThe company is forecasting its receivables to grow from c. £400 million to £600 million in the coming years. “There’s significant growth available in the Advantage business, but also in Aspen too; but particularly the Advantage business,” Coombs explained. He attributed this optimism to tightened credit scoring, improved affordability criteria, and an ongoing AI project aimed at operational efficiency.\n\nDespite a sluggish property market impacting Aspen, the division exceeded budget with record sales and collections. Coombs acknowledged market headwinds—ranging from political uncertainty to interest rate volatility—but emphasised the resilience of S&U’s approach and the discipline underpinning its lending practices.\n\nInvestors have taken notice, with the share price up 20%, reflecting renewed interest in smaller-cap financials and confidence in S&U’s forward trajectory. Coombs noted, “They recognise the business has come out of a difficult period and is now regaining its va va voom.”\n\nLooking ahead to 2026, Coombs acknowledged economic uncertainties but maintained a positive outlook, provided conditions remain reasonably stable. He reiterated the company’s focus on responsible lending, honed over its 88-year history.\n\nVisit Proactive’s YouTube channel for more videos, and don’t forget to give the video a like, subscribe to the channel and enable notifications for future content.\n\n#SUPLC #AnthonyCoombs #UKFinancials #AutoFinance #AdvantageFinance #AspenBridging #UKEconomy #ReceivablesGrowth #SmallCapStocks #ResponsibleLending #FinancialServices #InvestingInUK #AIInFinance #RegulatoryRecovery #ProactiveInvestors"}