Business
Business loans & finance
The right funding can help a business grow, buy equipment or smooth out cash flow. We look at what you need the money for and find the type of finance that fits, from a straightforward business loan to asset or invoice finance.
Types of business finance
- Business loans – unsecured or secured, usually over one to ten years
- Asset finance – hire purchase or leasing for vehicles, machinery and equipment
- Invoice finance – release cash tied up in unpaid invoices
- Tax and VAT funding – spread a large tax bill into monthly payments
- Commercial mortgages and refinancing for premises
What lenders look at
Lenders usually want to see how long you have been trading, recent accounts and bank statements, your credit history and how the loan will be repaid. Many will ask directors for a personal guarantee, so it is important to understand what you are signing.
Protecting the business you borrow for
Lenders often ask whether the business would cope if a key person died or became seriously ill. Key person and loan protection cover can repay or service debt in that situation. We can look at both the finance and the protection together.
Important information
Most lending to limited companies and LLPs is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority; some lending to sole traders and small partnerships is. Property or assets used as security, and any personal guarantee you give, may be at risk if repayments are not kept up.
Talk to an adviser
Book your free first meeting
No obligation. We’ll listen, explain your options and only recommend what’s right for you.
Related
You may also be interested in
Commercial mortgages
Finance for business premises, investment property and portfolios, with a commercial mortgage calculator.
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Business insurance & protection
Relevant life, key person and director share purchase cover to protect your people and your company.
Find out more
Business finance finder
Tell us what you need funding for and see the types of finance that usually fit.
Find out more
Free tools
Try our free tools
Business finance finder
Tell us what you need funding for and see the types of finance that usually fit.
Try it free
Business protection gap check
Shareholder, key person and loan protection your company may need.
Try it free
Q&A
Questions & answers
Can a new business get a loan?
It is harder in the first year or two, but options exist, especially asset finance or loans backed by security or a personal guarantee.
What is invoice finance?
A facility that advances most of the value of your unpaid business invoices, so you do not have to wait 30 to 90 days to be paid.
Do I need to give a personal guarantee?
Many lenders ask directors for one, particularly on unsecured loans. It means you may be personally liable if the business cannot repay.
Your first meeting is free
Talk to an independent financial adviser in St Albans. Call 01727 223251 or send us a message.