But more than half fear their banks will put a kibosh on their growth plans and refuse extra funding.

If their fears are confirmed, problems raising expansion cash could restrict industry capacity, intensifying cost pressure further up the supply chain.

The figures from a Close Brothers Business poll of UK SME owners and senior management revealed growing anxiety about funding growth.

Last Autumn, Close Brothers found that of firms planning to secure extra funding, almost 10% less felt that their bank would deny them access to financial support.

The rise in the latest 2014 survey signals it has become an issue of increasing concern within the industry.

Andy Sagar, National Sales Director for the Construction Division at Close Brothers Asset Finance, said: “Our research found that a quarter of construction firms surveyed have been declined access to bank funding over the last six months, so the fears businesses have are not unfounded.”

“It is encouraging that many firms are planning for growth and seeking investment, but unless they can get access to funding it will be difficult to realise their ambitions.

He added: “It’s vital that firms consider other means of investment to help them fund their growth and find a solution that supports their needs.

“Asset finance is one alternative that has become increasingly popular in recent years. However many businesses remain unaware of how it can help them to achieve their potential.”