Specialist & Structured Finance
When standard loans don't fit the situation, specialist finance can. Accuprime is a Reigate, Surrey-based credit broker arranging bridging finance, property development finance, merchant cash advances and trade or import finance for clients across Surrey, London and the UK.
What is specialist finance?
Specialist finance — sometimes called structured or alternative finance — covers funding solutions designed for complex, time-sensitive or non-standard situations that mainstream lenders may not serve. Where a conventional business loan or mortgage works on relatively fixed criteria, specialist lenders are set up to look at the specifics of a deal: a tight auction deadline, a development scheme, seasonal card takings or an international supply chain.
Because these products address higher-risk or unusual circumstances, they are often quicker and more flexible but typically cost more than standard finance. The key is matching the right product to the situation and having a clear plan for how the funding will be repaid.
Types of specialist finance
Bridging finance
Bridging finance is short-term funding that bridges a gap until a sale completes or longer-term finance is in place. It is widely used to buy a property before selling another, to secure auction purchases within strict timescales, or to fund refurbishment ahead of refinancing. Bridging is fast but designed for short periods, so a clear exit strategy is essential.
Property development finance
Development finance funds ground-up construction and major refurbishment projects. Funds are usually drawn in stages as the build progresses, assessed against the project's projected end value. It suits developers and investors taking on residential or commercial schemes, with terms shaped by the project, your track record and the expected returns.
Merchant cash advance
A merchant cash advance gives you a lump sum repaid as a percentage of your future card takings. Repayments flex with turnover — more on busy days, less on quiet ones — which can suit retail, hospitality and other businesses with strong card sales that prefer sales-linked repayments to fixed instalments.
Trade and import finance
Trade and import finance bridges the gap between paying suppliers and getting paid by customers, particularly when buying or importing stock for resale. It can cover supplier payments, letters of credit and the cost of moving goods through the supply chain, easing the cash flow strain of large or international orders.
Matching the product to the need
| Situation | Product to consider |
|---|---|
| Buying before selling, or at auction | Bridging finance |
| Building or heavily refurbishing property | Development finance |
| Strong card sales, want flexible repayments | Merchant cash advance |
| Funding stock or imports for resale | Trade / import finance |
How it works
Specialist finance is rarely off the shelf. We start by understanding the situation, the amount needed, the timescale and — crucially — how the funding will be repaid or refinanced. We then approach lenders whose criteria fit, present your case clearly, and help you compare offers on cost, speed and flexibility. Having accurate figures, a defined exit strategy and supporting documents ready makes the process faster and smoother.
Who it suits
These products are used by property investors and developers, importers and wholesalers, retailers and hospitality operators, and any business facing a deadline or structure that standard lending cannot accommodate. They are not for every situation, but in the right circumstances they unlock opportunities that would otherwise slip away.
What affects cost and eligibility
Pricing and approval depend on the strength of the security, the loan-to-value, your experience and credit profile, the clarity of your exit strategy and the perceived risk of the deal. Specialist finance generally costs more than mainstream lending to reflect its complexity and speed. There is no single published rate — rates and terms depend on the lender and your circumstances. For wider help, the government's business finance support finder is a useful reference point.
Pros and cons
Advantages: access to funding where standard products won't fit, speed when timing is critical, and structures tailored to the deal. Things to weigh up: higher cost, the importance of a credible exit strategy, and shorter terms on some products. We help you assess whether specialist finance is genuinely the best route before you commit.
How Accuprime helps
As a credit broker we are not tied to one lender or product, so we can look objectively at whether specialist finance fits — or whether a commercial mortgage, business loan or invoice finance would serve you better. Explore the full finance services hub, model repayments with our business loan calculator, or speak to our Reigate accountants via the contact page.
We act as a credit broker, not a lender. Finance is subject to status, eligibility and lender terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bridging finance used for? ▼
Bridging finance is short-term funding used to "bridge" a gap until longer-term finance or a sale completes. Common uses include buying a property before an existing one sells, securing a purchase at auction within tight deadlines, funding refurbishment before refinancing, or covering a temporary cash shortfall. It is fast to arrange but typically costs more than a mortgage, so it is designed for short periods with a clear exit.
What is property development finance? ▼
Property development finance funds ground-up construction or major refurbishment projects. Funds are usually released in stages as the build progresses, covering land purchase and build costs against the projected end value of the completed scheme. It suits developers and investors undertaking residential or commercial projects. Lenders assess the scheme, your experience and the projected returns before agreeing terms.
How does a merchant cash advance work? ▼
A merchant cash advance provides a lump sum repaid as a percentage of your future card and debit/credit takings. Repayments flex with your turnover — you pay more on busy days and less on quiet ones. It suits retail, hospitality and other businesses with strong card sales that want flexible, sales-linked repayments rather than fixed monthly instalments. Costs vary, so it is important to compare options.
What is trade and import finance? ▼
Trade finance helps businesses fund the gap between paying suppliers and getting paid by customers, often for goods bought or imported for resale. It can cover supplier payments, letters of credit and the cost of moving goods through the supply chain. Import finance specifically supports buying stock from overseas. Both ease the cash flow pressure of large or international orders.
Is specialist finance more expensive than a standard loan? ▼
Often, yes. Specialist and structured finance addresses complex, time-sensitive or higher-risk situations that mainstream lenders may not cover, so pricing usually reflects that. The benefit is access to funding and speed when standard products do not fit. Whether it represents good value depends on the deal — rates and terms depend on the lender and your circumstances.
How quickly can specialist finance be arranged? ▼
Some products, particularly bridging finance, are built for speed and can sometimes complete within days where information and security are in order. Others, such as development finance, involve more assessment and take longer. Having clear figures, a defined exit strategy and supporting documents ready helps. We work with specialist lenders to move as quickly as your situation allows.
Talk to us about specialist finance
Tell us about your project or situation and we'll explore the specialist funding options that fit.