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 8, 2026
Buying property at auction can be a great way to secure a good deal, but you need to be ready to commit. When the hammer falls, you’re legally committed to the purchase, and you typically have just 28 days to complete the transaction.
For most buyers, that rules out a traditional mortgage, which takes much longer to process. By the time a lender has completed its checks, your deadline will have long passed.
For this reason, using bridging finance to buy at auction has become a popular solution. But understanding how it works and what happens after you’ve bought is essential before you bid.
Before the auction: get your finance agreed in principle
The single most important thing you can do before auction day is to speak to a finance broker. Turning up without your finance in place is a risky strategy.
Ensure you have assessed the property, and your solicitor has reviewed the legal pack, so you know what your maximum bid will be.
A good broker will help you get an agreement in principle from a bridging lender before you bid. This gives you a clear picture of how much you can borrow, what the costs will be, and how quickly funds can be released. It also means that once you’ve won your lot, the lender already understands your application and can move quickly to completion.
On the day: what to expect
When your bid is accepted, you’ll be required to pay a deposit, typically 10% of the purchase price, immediately. The remaining 90% must be paid by the completion deadline, usually 28 days, though some auctions now use a conditional sale format with a longer window of up to 56 days.
Your bridging lender will need to complete a property valuation and finalise legal checks before releasing funds. Having your paperwork ready in advance, such as proof of identity, details of your exit strategy, and any planning or survey information, will help speed things up.
After the auction: your exit strategy
Bridging finance is short-term, typically between three and twelve months. As soon as you complete, the clock is ticking on repayment, so having a clear exit strategy is essential. Also, lenders will want to see one before they agree to fund you.
The three most common exit routes are:
- Refinancing onto a longer-term mortgage. If you’re planning to let the property, you’ll typically refinance onto a buy-to-let or commercial mortgage once it’s in a lettable condition.
- Selling the property. If you’re buying to renovate and sell, the bridge gives you the time to complete the work and achieve a sale.
- Releasing equity from another asset. Some buyers use funds from another property sale or asset disposal to repay the bridge loan.
Your exit strategy will determine which lenders are available to you and on what terms, so it’s worth thinking this through before you approach a lender.
What does bridging finance cost?
Bridging loans are priced on a monthly interest rate rather than an annual rate, reflecting their short-term nature. The rate will depend on the loan-to-value, the property type, and the strength of your exit strategy. There will also be arrangement fees, legal costs, and valuation fees to factor in.
The higher cost compared with a standard mortgage is the trade-off for speed and flexibility. For most auction buyers, the ability to complete on time and secure a property that might otherwise be unattainable outweighs the extra cost.
How ASC can help
At ASC, we work with a wide range of bridging lenders and know which ones can move quickly when there’s a deadline to meet. We regularly help buyers secure bridging finance to buy at auction. We can help you get finance agreed in principle before you bid and manage the application once you’ve bought.
If you’re considering buying at auction and want to understand your finance options, get in touch with your local ASC expert.
by Alison Jobson | Jun 3, 2026
If you’ve ever searched for business finance but come away confused, you’re not alone. The range of options available can feel overwhelming, and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and in some cases, the opportunity altogether.
The good news is that finding the right type of commercial finance isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
What do you actually need the money for?
This question may sound obvious, but it’s the most important step. What you need the finance for should drive everything else. Broadly speaking, most business finance requirements fall into one of four categories:
- Buying or investing in property
- Growing or expanding your business
- Acquiring another business or buying out a partner
Each requirement has finance products designed specifically for it. Trying to use the wrong product can be expensive and create problems further down the line.
Buying or investing in property
If you’re looking to buy business premises, invest in commercial property, or develop a site, the main options are:
Commercial mortgages
Commercial mortgages are typically used when you’re buying premises to trade from or investing in commercial property for the long term. They work similarly to residential mortgages but are assessed differently, with lenders looking closely at both the business and the property.
Bridging finance
Bridging finance is a short-term option, typically used when speed is important, for example, when buying at auction or completing a purchase before selling another asset. Borrowing with a bridging loan is more expensive than a mortgage, but it’s designed to be repaid quickly, often within 12 to 18 months.
Development finance
Development finance is for businesses seeking to build or significantly refurbish a property. It’s typically drawn down in stages as the project progresses, rather than as a lump sum upfront.
Growing or expanding your business
If you need finance to invest in your business, whether that’s for new equipment, premises, staff, or to enter new markets, a business loan is often the most straightforward option. The terms and amounts vary widely depending on the lender and your circumstances, so working with an independent broker can make a real difference.
Managing cash flow
Cash flow challenges are among the most common reasons businesses seek finance, particularly for service industries, manufacturing companies and seasonal businesses.
Cash flow finance, including invoice finance and factoring, allows you to unlock the value tied up in unpaid invoices, giving you access to funds without waiting for your customers to pay. It can be a highly effective solution if you have a strong order book but an inconsistent cash flow.
Alternatively, a single-term loan may be more appropriate.
Acquiring a business or buying out a partner
Acquisition finance is designed for businesses seeking to acquire another company or for business owners seeking to buy out a partner. It tends to be more complex than other forms of finance, so specialist guidance is essential.
Pension-led finance is another option worth exploring. If you have a significant pension pot, it may be possible to use those funds to invest in your business. Although not many people are familiar with this type of finance, it can be highly effective in the right circumstances.
So how do you choose?
In reality, the right type of commercial finance depends on a combination of factors, including what you need the money for, how quickly you need it, how long you need it, and what security you can offer. Sometimes, a combination of products might be the best solution.
That’s where an independent commercial finance broker can add real value. Rather than being tied to a single lender or product, a broker can assess your specific situation, review the market, and identify the solution that genuinely fits.
At ASC, we’ve been helping businesses find the right finance for over 50 years. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to have a no-obligation conversation.
Get in touch with your local ASC expert.
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 21, 2026
Client: The Aussie Smoker, award-winning BBQ catering company
Facility: £125,000 unsecured business loan
Purpose: Acquisition of new leasehold premises to secure the business’s future and enable growth
Client background
The Aussie Smoker is the brainchild of Adam, a Perth-born pitmaster who brought his family’s love of BBQs to Cornwall. It began as a catering operation from Adam’s driveway and has since grown into one of Cornwall’s most-loved food experiences, earning recognition as Best Alternative Caterer at the South West Wedding Awards for two consecutive years.
Having survived Covid and 17 postponed wedding catering jobs, The Aussie Smoker moved off the driveway and expanded into a shipping container on a rented plot of land. As demand grew, so did the number of rented shipping containers, until news arrived that the land was being redeveloped. Adam faced two choices – downsize or find new premises to push the business forward.
Adam, The Aussie Smoker
Challenge
Adam found a promising leasehold site that could take the business to a completely new level. However, he didn’t have the capital to secure the lease and fit out the new premises. He approached two commercial finance brokers, and both came back with the discouraging news that he could realistically expect to raise only £20,000 to £30,000, a significant shortfall. A recommendation brought him to ASC.
Unsecured business lending at this level presents genuine challenges. Lenders view shorter-term loans as higher risk, and securing a significant sum without asset security requires a compelling case. When we approached the market, the initial bank response was a maximum of £100,000, an uplift of £70,000 on previous brokers, but still left a £25,000 shortfall.
Solution
Rather than accepting the initial offer, we worked with the lender to present a stronger picture of the business. That meant providing a detailed view of Adam’s cash position, the business’s profitability, and, critically, the significant growth potential unlocked by the new site.
Comfortably persuaded, the lender increased their offer to the full £125,000.
Outcome
With the finance in place, The Aussie Smoker secured its new home and the impact has been transformational.
Where once there was a single service offering, there are now multiple revenue streams, including a walk-in lunch service, venue hire for weddings and private events with bespoke catering packages, BBQ masterclasses, and a growing range of frozen BBQ products. The business has the capacity to recruit more staff and the infrastructure to support the kind of growth that simply wasn’t possible before.
Adam’s vision of making people smile through food every day now has the permanent home it has always deserved.
Client testimonial
“ASC were incredibly professional, personal and gave us a lot of confidence in what we’re doing. They truly believed in us and didn’t try to finance something they didn’t trust had merit. The team were amazing. We wouldn’t be here without them.” – Adam, Founder, The Aussie Smoker
