Start-up & new business finance: A short trading history isn’t an automatic no.
Most lenders want two or three years of accounts. Some don’t. We know which ones will look at a new business’s first van, machine or the cash to get going, and what they’ll want to see from you instead.
The deal
What to expect.
The usual terms. Every lender sets its own.
- Finance for equipment and vehicles, secured on what you’re buying
- Cash for the first months, from the lenders who will consider it
- Usually a deposit and a personal guarantee: your own promise to repay if the business can’t
Where it fits
Who it suits.
A few examples. If yours isn’t here, ask us.
- Tradespeople going self-employed
- Contractors buying a first machine
- Owner-drivers buying a first lorry or van
- New shops, cafés and salons
- Companies under two years old
- Sole traders moving to a limited company
How it works
From first call to funds in three steps.
- A five-minute call What you need to fund, roughly how much and a little about you or the business. No paperwork up front. Day one
- We search the market We go to the lenders on our panel most likely to say yes, and bring back their early quotes side by side. Usually same day
- Sign and get funded Choose a quote and we handle the application. Once you sign, the lender pays out, to you or your supplier. Often within a week
Questions
Straight answers.
Something we haven’t covered? Ring us. You’ll get a plain answer from someone who knows the lenders, not a script.
Sometimes, yes, most often for equipment and vehicles. In place of accounts, lenders look at your experience in the trade, your personal credit record and the deal itself.
Usually ID, recent bank statements, a short summary of the business and your background, and details of what you’re buying. For larger amounts, a simple plan or forecast of money in and out helps. We’ll tell you exactly what’s needed before you gather anything.
Usually, yes, because the lender is taking more risk. A bigger deposit, a good personal credit record or experience in the trade can bring the rate down, and we’ll show you the trade-off.
Funding routes
Not the right fit? Other funding we arrange.
-
A machine, van or lorry: asset finance
Asset finance £5k–£10m · 1–7 years
New or used, with the cost spread over its working life.
-
A car for you or the business: car finance
Car finance From £5k · 1–7 years
Own it at the end, or drive it for a few years and hand it back.
-
Cashflow, a tax bill or a one-off cost: business loans
Business loans £1k–£500k · 3 months–6 years
A loan over months or years, or cash from equipment you own.
-
Invoices waiting to be paid: invoice finance
Invoice finance Up to 90% paid up front
Most of the money now, instead of waiting 60 or 90 days to be paid.
-
Business premises: commercial mortgages
Commercial mortgages £50k–£10m+ · up to 25 years
For limited companies and partnerships of four or more partners.
Find out where you stand.
One short conversation with a whole of market broker, not tied to any lender. No fee to you, and no obligation.
Get a quote