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.
Business Loans
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Alternative Business Funding Options UK: Beyond Bank Loans
UK businesses can fund growth outside a standard bank loan through unsecured loans, invoice finance, asset finance, merchant cash advances, revenue-based finance, crowdfunding, community lenders and equity investment. Each route assesses and charges differently.
Average Business Loan Interest Rates: June 2026 Update
As of June 2026, average business loan interest rates range from around 6.8% for bank term loans to over 99% APR for online lenders and alternative products. The prime rate sits at 6.75%, and the Federal Reserve has held rates steady through early 2026.
Asset Finance
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Medical and Dental Equipment Finance UK: Funding High-Cost Practice Assets
Medical and dental equipment finance in the UK provides healthcare practices with hire purchase, finance lease, and contract hire options to acquire essential assets from £1,000 to £5 million without full upfront payment.
Asset Finance Application Checklist: What UK Lenders Ask For Before Approval
UK lenders require financial documentation (accounts, bank statements), asset details (type, age, supplier quotes), business information (Companies House filings, trading history), and director details for asset finance approval. Most decisions take 24-48 hours for amounts under £100k, with larger transactions requiring 5-10 days for full underwriting.
Bridging Loans
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First Charge vs Second Charge Bridging Loans: Security Explained
First charge bridging loans take priority over all other lenders if you default, while second charge loans rank behind your existing mortgage. First charge loans offer lower rates and higher borrowing limits because lenders face less risk, but second charge options let you keep your current mortgage in place while accessing additional funding quickly.
Bridging Loan Extensions: What Happens if Your Exit Takes Longer Than Planned
Most bridging loan extensions add 3-6 months to your original term at higher interest rates and additional fees. Lenders evaluate your exit strategy viability, financial position, and payment history before approving extensions, with costs typically ranging from 0.5-2% of the loan amount plus increased monthly interest charges.
Bridging Loan vs Commercial Mortgage: Which Fits a Short-Term Property Need?
For short-term property needs, bridging loans typically offer the better solution. They're designed for urgent situations requiring completion within days or weeks, funding periods of 1-24 months, and properties that may not yet qualify for traditional mortgages.
Mixed-Use Property Bridging Finance: Shops, Flats and Semi-Commercial Assets
Mixed-use property bridging finance provides short-term funding from £25k to £25m+ for properties combining residential and commercial elements, such as shops with flats above.
Development Finance
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