Why the end of COVID loan repayments could unlock serious momentum for printers, sign makers, and creative agencies.
Picture this: you’re floating through the sky, weightless, the worst turbulence behind you… and then — THUD — your parachute opens. Relief. Lift. Control. That’s what 2026 could feel like for thousands of SMEs (Small and medium-sized enterprises) in the print and design industries.
Because while the industry has fought tooth and toner to survive the pandemic, a quiet shift is coming:
In 2026, most CBILS and Bounce Back Loans will be paid off.
Yes, the lifeline that kept many print and creative businesses alive is nearly fully repaid. And that matters more than you might think.
📉 The Pandemic Loan Recap:
CBILS: ~110,000 loans | £26.4 billion
BBLS: 1.56 million loans | £47.4 billion
RLS: 20,600+ loans | £4.5 billion+
Most were taken between spring and autumn 2020, with 6-year terms ending by mid-to-late 2026.
✂️ What That Means for the Print Industry:
💷 1. Freed-Up Cash
With repayments gone, cashflow improves — meaning:
- Printers can invest in faster machines
- Sign makers can take on larger installs
- Copyshops might hire again
- Design and marketing agencies can stop “making do” and start scaling
🚀 2. Creative Confidence Returns
Post-loan, businesses can start focusing on:
- Upgrading tech
- Launching new products
- Taking risks again — whether that’s opening a new location or testing a bold new service model
🏦 3. Easier Finance
Lenders love a clean balance sheet. The end of CBILS and BBLS debt could mean faster, friendlier approvals for new equipment or vehicle finance — especially for asset-heavy trades like print and signage.
🧠 4. Mental Reset
Many in print, signage and design have spent years firefighting. 2026 could mark the point where we shift from “survive” to “scale.”
🧵 Who Benefits Most?
The print sector is made up of SMEs that rely on:
- Equipment upgrades
- Energy usage
- Skilled labour
- Tight margins
Sectors that leaned heavily on pandemic support include:
- 📦 Print & Packaging
- 📣 Signage & Display
- 🖨 Commercial & Copyshop Print
- 🎨 Creative Agencies & Print Buyers
All of them stand to gain big when repayments end.
🪂 Why We’re Calling 2026 The Parachute Year
Because after years of downward pressure, this could be the moment the industry regains lift.
No more loan repayments. No more survival budgeting. A cleaner balance sheet and a stronger story for growth.
👋 Final Thought for Leaders
If you run a print business, design agency, or creative studio — this might be your 18-month countdown to freedom.
And yes — there’s a video of me parachuting into this topic. I don’t do metaphors halfway.
And no – It is not real!
Best regards,
Richard McCombe
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