Business & SME Funding

Businesses require access to capital for a variety of reasons, from supporting day-to-day trading to funding expansion or strategic investment. The structure of that funding is critical. Facilities should align with cashflow, asset profile and the underlying strength of the business rather than simply providing short-term liquidity.

Business finance can take several forms depending on the nature of the requirement, the security available and the trading performance of the company.


What Is Business Finance?

Business finance refers to funding used to support trading operations, investment or expansion within a company.

Facilities may be used to acquire equipment, strengthen working capital, support growth initiatives or fund new opportunities. The appropriate structure will depend on trading performance, available security and the business’s ability to service the facility.


When Businesses Typically Seek Funding

Businesses often require additional capital at key stages of growth or operational change. This may involve investing in equipment, managing working capital, expanding operations or supporting new commercial opportunities.

The most suitable funding structure will depend on the nature of the requirement, the financial profile of the business and the level of flexibility required.


Common Funding Structures

Business finance can be arranged through several different structures depending on the requirement and the security available.

Asset Finance / Secured Business Loans

Asset finance allows businesses to raise funding against operational assets such as plant, machinery, vehicles or equipment.

Because the lending is secured against tangible assets, facilities can often be structured with competitive pricing and repayment schedules aligned to the useful life of the equipment being financed.

Invoice Finance

Invoice finance enables businesses to release capital tied up in unpaid invoices.

By advancing funds against outstanding receivables, businesses can strengthen working capital, maintain supplier payments and support ongoing operations while awaiting settlement from customers.

Unsecured Business Loans

Unsecured business loans provide access to capital without requiring asset security.

These facilities are typically assessed against turnover, profitability and trading history, allowing businesses to access funding quickly where security may not be available.


Structuring Business Finance

Business funding should always be structured in line with cashflow and overall risk tolerance.

Costs, repayment terms and any security requirements must be assessed carefully to ensure the facility supports long-term operational stability rather than creating financial strain.

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    Questions?

    FAQ

    Our customers questions about business finance

     

    Some business finance facilities can complete within 24–48 hours. More structured funding arrangements typically take longer, depending on due diligence requirements.

    Business finance is typically assessed against trading performance, available security or projected income.

    Lenders will review turnover, profitability, cashflow and, where relevant, asset value to determine whether the proposed borrowing is sustainable and aligned with the business’s capacity to repay.

    The structure, term and pricing will depend on risk profile and the type of funding selected.

    The amount available depends on the type of facility:

    • Invoice finance can typically release up to 80–90% of eligible outstanding invoices.

    • Asset finance is based on the value and suitability of the asset being funded.

    • Unsecured business loans are usually assessed against turnover, profitability and cashflow, with borrowing structured around what the business can comfortably repay.

    Each lender applies its own criteria, so the appropriate level of funding will depend on your trading profile and the risk assessment.

    Yes, start-up funding can be arranged.

    Lenders will typically place significant emphasis on the strength of the business plan, realistic financial projections and the experience of the individuals involved. In some cases, additional security or a personal guarantee may be required.

    A clear, credible plan is essential.

    Government-backed recovery loan schemes are no longer available.

    However, a range of unsecured and asset-based funding solutions remain available, depending on your business performance and funding requirement. We can review your circumstances and identify the most suitable alternative facility.

    In many cases, yes, particularly for unsecured or start-up funding.

    A personal guarantee provides the lender with additional comfort and may improve access to funding or pricing. The requirement depends on the lender, the strength of the business and the type of facility being arranged.

    Timescales vary by facility. Some unsecured loans or invoice finance arrangements can complete within 24–72 hours once documentation is provided. More structured or secured lending will take longer due to underwriting and legal processes.

    Preparation significantly improves speed.