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 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 | 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
