by Alison Jobson | Jul 29, 2026
We’re delighted to share that ASC Finance for Business has been shortlisted for Commercial Mortgage Broker of the Year (4+ brokers) at the NACFB Commercial Broker Awards 2026.
This year’s awards saw a record 430+ entries submitted across 26 categories, a 25% increase on last year, alongside a 16% rise in the number of participating NACFB member firms. Being shortlisted against that level of competition is something we’re genuinely proud of.
The Commercial Mortgage Broker of the Year (4+ brokers) category recognises firms delivering high-impact commercial property finance at scale. A panel of expert judges assessed each submission against clearly defined criteria, including strategic guidance, technical capability, and a clear client-first ethos throughout, with entries anonymised wherever appropriate to keep the process fair.
Being shortlisted reflects the work the whole team puts in day to day, for every client, on every deal, whatever the challenge. Whether that’s a straightforward purchase or a complex refinance, the same care and attention goes into getting it right.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on the afternoon of Friday 11th September 2026.
You can view the full shortlist on the NACFB website.
Thank you to all our clients and introducers for your continued support and trust in ASC. That support and trust make moments like this possible.
by Alison Jobson | Jul 29, 2026
Maintaining cash flow can be a struggle for any business, but accessing finance can be particularly challenging for SMEs. One funding option is invoice finance. Invoice finance, or factoring, enables businesses to access funds by selling their outstanding invoices to a lender for a percentage of their value.
Benefits of invoice finance for SMEs
Improved cash flow: Invoice finance enables businesses to receive a significant portion (typically up to 90%) of the invoice amount upfront, rather than waiting for customers to pay in full. This cash injection can help cover immediate expenses or fund growth opportunities.
Faster access to funds: Rather than waiting for standard payment terms (30, 60, or 90 days), businesses can access funds quickly by selling their outstanding invoices to a finance provider. This rapid access to cash helps small businesses seize time-sensitive opportunities and manage day-to-day operations more effectively.
Reduced working capital constraints: Small businesses often face working capital challenges, particularly when waiting for customers to settle invoices. Invoice finance can ease these constraints by providing quick access to funds tied up in outstanding invoices, enabling the business to meet its short-term obligations.
Flexible funding: Invoice finance is a flexible funding solution that scales with the business. As sales and invoicing volumes increase, so does the availability of funds through this financing method. This adaptability makes it suitable for businesses with fluctuating cash flow needs.
Risk mitigation: Some invoice finance arrangements, such as invoice factoring, offer credit protection. The finance provider may take responsibility for collecting customer payments, thereby reducing the risk of bad debt for the small business.
Focus on core operations: With the burden of managing accounts receivable and chasing payments transferred to the finance provider, small businesses can focus on other core activities, such as product development, marketing and customer service.
No additional debt: Invoice finance isn’t a traditional loan, so small businesses can access working capital without taking on further debt.
Creditworthiness is not solely based on business history: Invoice finance providers often assess the creditworthiness of a business’s customers rather than relying solely on the business’s credit history. This can benefit small businesses with a short operating history or limited credit.
In summary, invoice finance can be a valuable tool for small businesses to improve cash flow, manage working capital effectively, and focus on growth without the constraints of delayed payments. However, it’s essential for businesses to carefully consider the terms and costs of invoice finance and to choose a reputable, transparent finance provider.
At ASC, we work with a wide range of lenders offering invoice finance solutions tailored to small businesses. Whether you’re looking to free up cash tied up in outstanding invoices, manage a period of rapid growth, or simply ease pressure on your cash flow, we can help you find the right facility. Get in touch with your local ASC expert to find out more.
by Alison Jobson | Jul 22, 2026
Acquiring an existing business is an effective way to grow, as you’re buying an established customer base, a proven trading history, and an experienced team rather than building from scratch. However, if you want to finance a business acquisition, the process can be more complex than funding a property purchase or arranging a straightforward business loan, and many buyers underestimate what’s involved.
This guide explains the main funding options to finance a business acquisition, what lenders look for, and how to give your application the best possible chance of success.
Why acquisition finance is different
When you buy a business, you’re not always buying a tangible asset that a lender can take security over. You might be buying goodwill, customer relationships, contracts, or intellectual property. These assets are valuable but harder for a lender to value and recover if things go wrong.
For this reason, lenders assess acquisition finance applications differently. They’ll want to understand the business being acquired as much as the buyer, and the strength of your plan for running and growing it after completion.
The main funding options
Business acquisition loan
The most straightforward option for many buyers is a business acquisition loan. A lender advances a lump sum to fund the purchase, secured against the assets of the business being acquired, your own assets, or both.
When deciding whether to lend, lenders will closely examine the trading history and financial performance of the business you’re buying, as well as your own experience and ability to service the debt.
Bridging finance
Where timing is a factor, for example, if you need to move quickly to secure a deal before another buyer steps in, bridging finance can provide the funds quickly.
Bridging finance is particularly useful in situations where a high street lender has approved finance but can’t move fast enough to meet the deadline. It can bridge the gap, allowing the acquisition to proceed and then be replaced by the longer-term facility.
Asset-based lending
If the business you’re acquiring holds significant assets such as equipment, vehicles, stock, or property, you may be able to borrow against them to fund part or all of the purchase. Asset-based lending can work well alongside other facilities, particularly when the business has a strong asset base but a shorter trading history.
Cash flow or unsecured lending
For smaller acquisitions, or when the buyer has a strong personal and business credit profile, unsecured lending may be available without requiring security. These facilities tend to be for lower amounts and shorter terms, but can be arranged quickly and with minimal complexity.
Seller financing
In some acquisitions, the seller agrees to defer part of the purchase price, effectively lending the buyer a portion of the cost. This reduces the amount of external finance required and can be a sign of the seller’s confidence in the business.
What lenders look for
Whether you’re approaching a high street bank or a specialist lender, most will want to see:
- The last two to three years of accounts for the business being acquired, showing a stable or growing trading position.
- Evidence that the business can service the debt.
- Your own experience and track record, particularly if you’re moving into a new sector.
- A clear plan for the business post-acquisition, including how you’ll manage the transition and maintain or grow revenue.
- Details of any security available, whether that’s business assets, property, or personal assets.
How a broker can help
Acquisition finance is a specialist area of commercial lending. Not all lenders offer it, and those that do have varying preferences for different types of business, sectors, and deal structures.
Working with a commercial finance broker means you’re not limited to the lenders you already have a relationship with. A broker has options to other options and lenders that aren’t available to you directly. They will assess your situation, identify the most suitable lenders for your specific acquisition, and present your application in the way most likely to succeed.
A broker can also help with deals that have a time-sensitive element. They know which lenders can move quickly and how to prepare an application to avoid unnecessary delays, which can be the difference between completing a deal and losing it to another buyer.
A real example
A recent client approached our Hampshire team seeking £350,000 to acquire a business and fund the launch of a new operation alongside it. Their high-street lender had approved finance but couldn’t move in time to meet the acquisition deadline.
We secured a bridging loan on interest-only terms for the first six months, allowing the acquisition to complete on time and giving them the breathing room to refinance when their high street lender’s facility was ready for drawdown. From indicative terms to completion took just three weeks.
Thinking about acquiring a business?
If you’re exploring an acquisition and want to understand your funding options, get in touch with your local ASC expert. The earlier you have that conversation, the better placed you’ll be to move quickly when the right opportunity arises.
by Alison Jobson | May 27, 2026
At ASC Finance for Business, we believe that securing business finance should be simple, straightforward and stress-free. That’s why we’ve spent over 50 years helping business owners, property investors, and entrepreneurs find the right funding, without the fuss.
Whether you’re looking to purchase premises, refinance existing debt, begin a property development or raise working capital, here’s how we help you get business finance.
Step 1: Initial contact – How can we help?
When you first get in touch, we begin with a simple, no-obligation chat to understand your needs. We’ll ask for a few brief details about your financing requirements to see if we can assist you and to assign you to a broker best suited to your needs. We’ll then arrange a follow-up appointment, which can be face-to-face at your local ASC office, online via Microsoft Teams, or over the phone.
Step 2: Assessment meeting – Understanding what you need
At this no-obligation initial meeting, we’ll explore your requirements in more detail. We’ll explain how the process works, outline the information you’ll need to provide, and give you a quote for our services.
Every business is different, so we take the time to understand yours. We want to know what you’re looking to finance, your goals, and any challenges you’ve faced.
We promise you won’t be read a script or given a sales pitch. You’ll have a knowledgeable local expert who’ll listen and offer guidance on what might be possible.
Step 3: Engagement – Getting started
Once you’re ready to proceed, we’ll share our terms of business. Then it’s full steam ahead. Using the insights we’ve gathered, we’ll identify the appropriate type of finance for your circumstances, check whether everything is in place to support your application, and help you prepare any additional documents or information.
Step 4: Finding finance – Approaching the right lenders
With access to a broad range of lenders, including high-street banks, challenger banks, and niche or specialist funders, we know who’s most likely to say “yes” to your application.
We’ll match your business with the lenders that suit it best, present your case and engage directly with them on your behalf. As soon as we’ve secured interest from a suitable lender, we’ll present you with your options.
Step 5: The application – Managing the process
We’ll handle the entire application process, liaising with lenders, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. If your application needs refining or resubmitting, we’ll work with you to get it right. We’ll also negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible terms, whether that’s a lower interest rate, flexible repayment options, or reduced fees.
Step 6: Formal offer – Reviewing the deal
Once a lender makes a formal offer, we’ll review it with you in detail. We’ll explain the terms and conditions in plain English and help you assess whether it meets your needs before you accept it.
If anything needs clarification or adjustment, we’ll work with the lender to get it sorted.
Step 7: Completion – Securing the funds
As the lender and the legal team finalise the deal, we’ll stay involved to ensure everything stays on track. We’ll chase updates, resolve any issues, and keep you informed throughout.
Once everything’s signed off, the funds will be released and the deal completed.
Business finance – without the fuss
At ASC, we do the hard work so you don’t have to. You’ll get hands-on support, a dedicated local expert, and the best chance of securing the finance your business needs to grow.
Ready to get started? Contact your local ASC office today.
by Alison Jobson | May 20, 2026
If you’re planning to apply for finance this year, it’s helpful to understand how commercial lenders are currently operating.
While the fundamentals of lending haven’t changed, the way lenders assess risk, structure deals, and make decisions is constantly evolving. What worked a few years ago, or even last year, may no longer work in 2026.
As brokers, we’re presenting applications and liaising with commercial lenders daily. Here’s what we’re seeing lenders look for right now, along with our thoughts on how to position your application for success.
Clarity and confidence in the numbers
Commercial lenders are taking a closer look at financials than ever before. As well as profitability, they want to understand the story behind the numbers.
They want to see:
- Consistent or explainable income
- Strong cash flow (or a clear route to it)
- Realistic projections, not overly optimistic ones
Fluctuations or challenges aren’t necessarily a problem, but they need to be clearly explained. A well-presented set of financials, supported by context, goes a long way to building lender confidence.
A clear, credible exit strategy
A clear exit strategy is particularly important for property finance, especially bridging and development deals.
Lenders want to know:
- How will the loan be repaid?
- What’s the fallback plan if things take longer than expected?
A vague or overly ambitious exit strategy is one of the quickest ways to undermine an otherwise strong application. In 2026, lenders are looking for well-thought-out, realistic plans, not assumptions.
Experience matters, but it’s not everything
Track record is still important, but lenders are becoming more flexible in how they assess experience. We’ve secured funding for start-ups and clients entering new sectors by highlighting their broader, relevant experience and support network.
The right deal structure
One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in recent years is the growing importance of structuring.
Commercial lenders are increasingly focused on whether:
- The type of finance matches the borrower’s strategy
- The loan term aligns with the intended outcome
- The overall deal makes sense from a risk perspective
For example, using short-term finance when a longer-term solution is needed (or vice versa) can raise concerns, even if the underlying deal is sound.
Getting the structure right is often the difference between approval and rejection.
Risk awareness and mitigation
Lenders aren’t expecting risk-free deals, but they do expect borrowers to recognise and manage risk effectively.
For example:
- Contingency budgets in development projects
- Sensible loan-to-value levels
- Backup plans if market conditions shift
- Evidence of demand (for example, tenant interest or resale potential)
Lenders are looking for borrowers who have thought things through and aren’t just presenting a best-case scenario.
Realistic expectations in a changing market
The lending landscape remains competitive, but interest rates, lender appetite, and sector preferences are constantly shifting. As a result, lenders are placing greater emphasis on:
- Sensible borrowing levels
- Deals that stack up under scrutiny
Overstretching, whether in leverage, pricing, or timelines, will not be well received.
Presentation is more important than ever
How a deal is presented remains as important as the deal itself. Two identical opportunities can receive very different outcomes depending on how they’re structured and communicated to a lender.
A strong application should:
- Clearly explain the opportunity
- Anticipate and address potential concerns
- Highlight strengths and mitigate perceived risks
Many applications fall short in this area, so the right guidance can make a significant difference.
The broker advantage
In 2026, navigating the finance market isn’t just about finding a lender, but about finding the right lender and presenting the deal in the right way.
A commercial finance broker brings:
- Insight into current lender appetite
- Experience in structuring deals effectively
- Access to a wide panel of lenders, including specialist providers
- The ability to position applications for the best possible outcome
At ASC, we work closely with clients to understand their goals, shape their applications, and connect them with lenders who are actively seeking to support deals like theirs.
When you know what lenders are really looking for and how to present it, you give yourself the best possible chance of success.
If you need finance in 2026, please get in touch.
