by Alison Jobson | Sep 16, 2026
Business loans fall into two categories: secured and unsecured. Both can provide the funding your business needs, but they work quite differently. The right choice depends on your circumstances, assets, and how quickly you need the funds.
To summarise, the primary difference between the two is the use of security:
- A secured business loan requires security in the form of business or personal assets as a guarantee for the lender.
- An unsecured business loan doesn’t require this, but lenders may ask for a personal guarantee instead.
Here’s a closer look at how the two compare.
Security requirement
Secured business loans require you to pledge assets as loan security. This can include property, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other valuable business assets.
Unsecured business loans don’t require any security. Instead, lenders base decisions on your creditworthiness, business strength, and financial standing.
Interest rates
Because secured loans are backed by assets, lenders view them as lower risk. If you default, the lender has an asset to fall back on to recover the debt. This generally means secured loans carry lower interest rates than unsecured business ones, which pose greater risk for the lender.
Loan amount
The value of the security often determines how much you can borrow on a secured loan. Lenders may offer a percentage of the asset’s appraised value.
Unsecured loan amounts are typically based on your creditworthiness, financial standing, and ability to repay. These loans are often capped at a lower level than secured borrowing.
Loan term
Secured loans can come with longer terms, allowing you to spread repayments over a longer period. Unsecured loans tend to have shorter terms, resulting in higher monthly repayments over a tighter timeframe.
Speed of approval
Unsecured business loans are often quicker to arrange because there’s no need for asset valuation or the legal work involved in securing a loan against property or other assets. If you need funding quickly, this can make unsecured finance the more practical option, even if it costs more. However, set-up costs will be much lower with no legal or valuation fees.
Secured loans usually take longer to complete, largely because of the valuation and legal processes required to register the lender’s interest in the asset. For time-sensitive purchases, factor this into your planning early.
Risk of asset seizure
If you default on a secured loan, the lender can seize and sell the asset to recover the outstanding debt. With unsecured loans, there’s no specific asset tied to the loan, so there’s no risk of a particular asset being seized. However, the lender may still pursue recovery through other means, including any personal guarantee given.
Which option is right for your business?
There’s no single right answer. The best fit depends on:
- Whether you have suitable assets to offer as security
- How quickly you need the funds
- The size of the loan you require
- Your business’s credit history and financial strength
- How comfortable you are putting assets on the line
A business with strong assets but a shorter trading history might opt for secured finance to access better rates. A business that needs funds quickly, or doesn’t want to tie up assets, might prefer the flexibility of unsecured borrowing, even if it costs more.
In summary
Secured business loans require security but typically offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms. Unsecured business loans don’t require security, but usually come with higher interest rates, shorter terms, and lower borrowing limits.
The right choice depends on your risk appetite, creditworthiness, and ability to offer security, as well as how quickly you need the finance in place. If you’re unsure which route suits your business, speaking to a broker who can assess the whole picture, rather than just what one lender offers, is often the quickest way to find clarity.
If you’re unsure which route is right for your business, we can talk you through your options and help you find the finance that suits. Find your local finance expert here.
by Alison Jobson | Aug 26, 2026
If your bank is saying no to your finance application, it can feel like the door has closed. In reality, it’s often not the end of the road, and you may well secure the funding you need.
Banks work within tight, standardised lending criteria. That approach works well for straightforward, predictable cases, but it means many genuinely good businesses are declined even though they’re sound lending prospects. A decline usually reflects a mismatch with one lender’s specific criteria, rather than the business itself not being viable for finance.
Here are five of the most common reasons a bank is saying no, and why they are often not the end of the road.
Short trading history
High-street lenders typically want to see several years of consistent accounts before they’ll commit. That poses a problem for newer businesses, even those doing well and with a clear plan. A young business can still be an excellent lending prospect, but it often needs a lender willing to look beyond the short-term history to the substance behind it, including current trading, forward orders, and the strength of the plan. Specialist lenders are often set up to assess exactly that kind of proposal, and a good broker will present that to them.
Complex ownership structures
Multiple directors, family trusts, or overseas shareholders can raise red flags for mainstream banks, even where the underlying business is perfectly healthy and well run. These structures are common, especially among family businesses and international investors, but they add a layer of complexity that some lenders simply aren’t set up to underwrite. Knowing which lenders are genuinely comfortable working with more complex ownership can mean the difference between a fast decline and a successful application.
Accounts that don’t tell the full story
A difficult year on paper, maybe due to a one-off cost, a temporary dip in trade, or the impact of a specific event, doesn’t always reflect the real health of a business. However, banks tend to assess the numbers directly in front of them, without considering the wider context. A broker role can put the numbers into context by explaining what happened, why it was temporary, and what the trading picture looks like now. Presenting the full picture often changes the outcome.
Tight completion timeframes
Some deals need to move fast, such as buying a property at auction or pursuing a time-limited opportunity. Mainstream banks, with their layered approval processes, aren’t built for that pace. However, specialist and bridging lenders are set up to assess and complete deals quickly when the opportunity demands it. Knowing which lenders can genuinely move at speed, and having the relationships to get a deal in front of them quickly, can make all the difference.
Security that doesn’t fit a standard lending box
Not every asset fits neatly within a bank’s lending criteria. Unusual property types, partially completed developments, or non-standard assets can prompt a mainstream lender to say no, even when the underlying security is perfectly sound. Some lenders take a broader view of what can be used to secure finance, revealing options that a single bank, working to a narrow set of rules, simply won’t offer.
The bigger picture
None of these five reasons makes a business ineligible for a loan. They simply mean the mainstream route isn’t the right fit for this case. A broker can unpick exactly why a decline occurred, whether it’s timing, structure, accounts, or security, and match the business with a lender who will actually say yes.
If your bank is saying no and you aren’t sure where to go next, it’s worth having a conversation before you write off the possibility altogether. The right lender for your situation may exist, but it’s just a case of finding them.
If a bank has said no, don’t assume it’s the end of the story. Get in touch with our team to discuss your options.
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.
