How to Find Small / Local Firms for Internship Opportunities

Hello, hope you are well!

Penultimate year university student at a semi-target UK university working with a 2:1. I did not get any spring weeks nor do I have any previous finance experience as my parents unfortunately have no connections.

Unfortunately I have been rejected from all big name institutions I have applied to. I don’t want to be discouraged from pursuing a career in finance however. Consulting, Corporate Finance, FP&A, are primarily my areas of focus. I’d be very happy to hear about other roles which would be good for someone looking for a good worklife balance and pay.

Of course, I don’t want to waste this upcoming summer despite the fact that I haven’t gotten anything yet. I have turned my focus to finding programmes and opportunities which are more accessible to me. I want to find smaller or more local firms in the U.K. I’m primarily focused on London and Manchester in my search currently but other major cities would be fine too. The question is how do I find them? So far I’ve found a few on LinkedIn but haven’t gotten many responses to my emails.

Is anyone here aware of any small firms which are more likely to give me a chance? Is LinkedIn the only way to find such companies? Are there some charities or foundations which are aimed at career development for white, working class kids?