Business Finance Guides
Plain-English guides to UK business loans, asset finance, invoice financing, and business credit cards. Compare lenders, check what you'll qualify for, and walk into a funding decision already knowing the answers.
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Franchise Business Loans UK: Fast Funding for Your Franchise in 2026
Franchise business loans in the UK range from £10,000 to £1 million with flexible repayment terms designed around your trading performance. Unlike traditional banks that focus on credit history, modern lenders assess your franchise's cash flow potential and the proven business model behind your investment.
Funding Circle Claims Two-Thirds of UK SME Loan Scheme Payouts
Funding Circle, one of the UK's largest non-bank SME lenders, has claimed approximately two-thirds of all payouts made under the British Business Bank's Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) and its predecessor Recovery Loan Scheme. Of the 937 settled lender claims totalling £55.03m by 31 December 2025, Funding Circle's share amounts to roughly £35–37m.
Green Business Loans: Sustainable Funding 2026
Green business loans are financing products designed specifically for businesses investing in environmentally sustainable projects, from solar panels and energy-efficient equipment to electric vehicle fleets and eco-friendly premises.
How Do Merchant Cash Advances Work: The Complete UK Guide for 2026
A merchant cash advance (MCA) gives your business a lump sum of capital upfront, which you repay through a fixed percentage of your daily or weekly card sales — not through fixed monthly instalments. There's no interest rate in the traditional sense; instead, a "factor rate" determines the total repayment amount from the start.
How to Get a Business Loan in 2026: The Complete UK Guide
To get a business loan, you need to assess how much funding you need, check your credit profile, gather key documents (bank statements, tax returns, business accounts), and apply with a lender that matches your business type and financial situation.
Invoice Finance vs Business Loans: Which Funding Option Fits Your Business in 2026
Invoice finance lets you borrow against unpaid invoices and get cash within 24-48 hours, while business loans provide a lump sum with fixed monthly repayments over several years.
Personal Guarantees on Business Loans: What UK Business Owners Need to Know in 2026
A personal guarantee on a business loan makes you personally liable for the debt if your company defaults. Most traditional banks require unlimited personal guarantees, putting your home, savings, and personal assets at risk.
Same Day Business Funding: How to Get Capital Fast in 2026
Same day business funding means receiving capital into your business account within hours of approval, often on the day you apply. In the UK, alternative lenders using Smart Tech and Open Banking can approve and transfer funds far faster than traditional banks, sometimes in as little as a few hours.
Secured Business Loans UK: Complete Guide to Asset-Backed Funding in 2026
Secured business loans in the UK require collateral (typically property, equipment, or vehicles) in exchange for lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits. Interest rates range from 3-8% APR compared to 10-50% for unsecured options, with loan amounts from £10,000 to £500,000 available.
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