Business Loans for UK Companies
Whether you need working capital to smooth cash flow or a term loan to fund growth, the right facility can make a real difference. As a Reigate-based credit broker serving Surrey, London and the wider UK, Accuprime compares secured, unsecured and government-backed loan options from a panel of lenders so you can borrow on terms that fit.
What is a business loan?
A business loan is a lump sum borrowed from a lender and repaid over an agreed term, usually in fixed monthly instalments of capital and interest. It is one of the most flexible forms of business finance because the funds are not tied to a specific asset — you can use them for working capital, expansion, stock, recruitment, refurbishment, acquisitions or to refinance more expensive debt. The trade-off is that you take on a repayment commitment, so the loan needs to be affordable across the whole term, not just on day one.
Use our business loan calculator to get a feel for what different amounts, rates and terms mean for your monthly repayment before you apply.
Secured vs unsecured loans
The biggest structural choice is whether the loan is secured against an asset.
| Feature | Secured loan | Unsecured loan |
|---|---|---|
| Backed by | Property, equipment or other assets | No specific asset (often a personal guarantee) |
| Typical amount | Larger | Smaller |
| Typical term | Longer | Shorter |
| Speed to arrange | Slower (valuation, legals) | Faster |
| Risk to you | Asset at risk on default | Guarantee may be called |
A secured loan typically offers more borrowing power and a lower rate because the lender has recourse to an asset. An unsecured loan is quicker and keeps your assets unencumbered, but limits, terms and pricing reflect the higher risk to the lender. The best fit depends on how much you need, how quickly, and what security you are willing to offer.
Working capital and short-term needs
Not every cash-flow gap calls for a term loan. If you regularly wait on customer payments, invoice finance can release cash tied up in your sales ledger. If you are buying equipment, asset finance spreads the cost against the asset itself and can be cheaper than a general loan. Part of our job as a broker is to point you toward the most suitable — and often most cost-effective — product rather than defaulting to a standard loan.
Government-backed options
Beyond commercial lenders, the British Business Bank and the government-funded Start Up Loans scheme support businesses that might find mainstream finance harder to access, sometimes with mentoring attached. Criteria and availability change, so it pays to check what is current. You can review the official position on the government's business finance support finder. We can help you weigh a government-backed route against commercial alternatives.
How our broker process works
We act as a credit broker, not a lender. Our process is built around getting you a clear answer with as little wasted effort as possible:
- Understand the need — amount, purpose, urgency, term and your appetite for security.
- Assess fit — we review your accounts and trading position to identify likely lenders.
- Compare the market — we approach suitable funders for indicative terms.
- Apply and complete — we help prepare your application and supporting figures, then guide it through to drawdown.
Finance is subject to status, eligibility and lender terms, and rates and terms depend on the lender and your circumstances. As accountants as well as brokers, we can also make sure your figures are presented in the way lenders expect — our Reigate accountancy team works alongside the finance side.
What affects approval and cost
Lenders weigh your turnover and profitability, trading history, affordability of the repayments, credit profile, the loan purpose, and any security or director guarantees. Well-prepared, up-to-date accounts and a clear plan for the money generally lead to better outcomes. There is no single market rate — each lender prices each deal on its own assessment of risk.
Pros and cons
Advantages: flexible use of funds, predictable fixed repayments, no need to give up equity, and the chance to fund growth or smooth cash flow without selling assets. Things to weigh: you take on a repayment obligation and interest cost, unsecured loans often require a personal guarantee, secured loans put assets at risk, and missing payments can damage your credit and your business.
Get started
Tell us what you are trying to achieve and we will compare suitable options across our lender panel. Browse our full finance services, model repayments with the business loan calculator, or contact us for a tailored quote. If property is involved, see our commercial mortgages page; for unusual or complex needs, specialist finance may be the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a secured and unsecured business loan? ▼
A secured loan is backed by an asset such as property or equipment, which the lender can recover if you default. This often means larger amounts, longer terms and lower rates. An unsecured loan has no specific asset behind it, so it can be quicker to arrange but usually comes with a smaller limit, a shorter term and a personal guarantee from the directors. Rates and terms depend on the lender and your circumstances.
How much can my business borrow? ▼
It varies widely. Lenders assess your turnover, profitability, trading history, affordability and any security on offer. Small unsecured facilities can be arranged for modest sums, while secured term loans backed by property can run much higher. The realistic figure for your business depends on what the numbers support, not a fixed cap.
What can a business loan be used for? ▼
Most legitimate business purposes: working capital to smooth cash flow, buying stock, hiring, marketing, refurbishment, expansion, acquisitions or refinancing existing debt. Some lenders prefer a clear stated purpose. If your need is tied to a specific asset or to unpaid invoices, asset finance or invoice finance may be a cheaper, more suitable route.
Are there government-backed business loans? ▼
Yes. The British Business Bank supports a range of schemes, and the government-funded Start Up Loans programme offers personal loans to help start or grow a business, alongside free mentoring. Availability and criteria change over time, so it is worth checking current options. We can help you understand whether a government-backed route or a commercial loan fits best.
Will applying affect my credit score? ▼
A full application usually involves a credit check, which can leave a footprint. Many lenders can give an indicative decision from a soft search first, so you can gauge your options before a hard check is run. We help you target lenders you are more likely to qualify with, which reduces wasted applications.
Does Accuprime provide the loan itself? ▼
No. We act as a credit broker, not a lender. We compare term loans and working capital products from a panel of providers and help you present a strong case, but the credit decision and the money come from the lender. Finance is subject to status, eligibility and lender terms.
Find the right business loan
Tell us what you need and we'll compare loan options from across our lender panel. We act as a credit broker, not a lender — finance is subject to status.