Business Loans
A business loan offers fast access to funds to support business growth, improve cash flow or expand working capital.
Last updated: 06/05/2025
Business loans for UK businesses
Business loans offer a fast and flexible way to access capital, making them ideal for companies seeking to improve working capital, purchase stock or expand their business operations. With a wide range of products tailored to different business needs, they provide more versatility than many other finance options.
Businesses can access short-term and long-term loans or loans for growth projects and start-up finance. There is also the consideration about whether a secured or unsecured loan is a better fit for your business.
What is a business loan?
A business loan is a form of financing that gives companies access to capital for a wide range of purposes, such as purchasing equipment, improving cash flow, or funding business expansion. Business loans are typically provided by banks, specialist lenders, or alternative finance providers and repaid over an agreed term with interest.
Business loans come in different product types to suit the needs of companies across different sectors and sizes. Repayment terms can range from short-term working capital loans to long-term financing for larger investments. The loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment schedules are usually tailored to the business’s financial health, trading history, and the intended use of the funds.
Unsecured business loans don't require borrowers to put up any assets as collateral, offering flexibility for businesses, especially those with limited assets or experiencing rapid growth. The lender will assess the business's creditworthiness, financial health, and overall stability. While these loans offer convenience, they typically come with higher interest rates compared to secured loans due to the increased risk for the lender.
With options such as the Growth Guarantee Scheme , revolving credit facilities, and professional business loans, businesses can choose a loan product that aligns with their cash flow requirements and growth objectives.
At MAF Finance Group, we have a large panel of funders, providing us the ability to explore the entire market to find the right solution for you. Regardless of your business loan requirement, we will deal with the entire process from start to finish, ensuring you can continue to complete your day-to-day business operations on time.
How much could I borrow with a business loan?
Funding amounts vary between the different lenders we have on our panel, but we can apply on your behalf for business loans from £10,000 to £2,000,000 depending on your monthly revenue with flexible repayment terms of 3 months to 72 months.
A £10,000 business loan is a common funding option for small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK. It can be used for various purposes, including managing cash flow, purchasing equipment, or funding business expansion. Several lenders offer these business loans, including traditional banks and alternative lenders.
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What types of business loans are available?
- Unsecured Business Loan
- Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)
- Revolving Credit Facility
- Small Business Loans
- Working Capital Loan
- Secured Business Loan
- Tax Loan
- MBO Loan
- Professional Business Loan
- Stocking Funding Loan
Am I eligible for a business loan?
A business loan for a company trading for six months is possible, though some lenders may consider it a higher risk due to the businesses limited trading history. Typically lenders require at least 6 months of trading history, others prefer longer such as 12-24 months trading history with filled business accounts.
While some lenders require a longer trading history, others such as alternative lenders, may offer loans to businesses with just six months of trading history, sometimes with specific criteria like minimum monthly turnover.
You could apply for a business loan if you meet the following criteria:
- Limited company, LLP or PLC
- Business is based in the UK
- Trading for at least 6 months
- Minimum monthly turnover of £5,000
If you’re a sole trader or non-limited partnerships with less than four partners, you will be able to apply for a minimum of £10,000.
How does a business loan work?
Whether you are a small or an established business, businesses at any stage of their journey require funding to invest in new technology, purchase stock, increase their working capital, increase their cash flow or fund acquisitions.
When you apply for a business loan, you can borrow from £10,000 to £2,000,000 with repayment lengths ranging from 3 months to several years. Businesses must have at least 6 months trading history to be able to apply for a business loan.
The process will vary based on the type of loan chosen, however, some guidelines to follow are:
Once you reach out to us, we will request some details and documentation from you. The specifics will vary based on your business and the purpose of the loan. Typically, this includes your most recent financial statements, your bank statements from the last 6 months, and personal information for any business directors.
Once we receive and verify this information, we will submit the documents to our extensive panel of funder, who typically respond quickly within 48 hours. Additionally, we will need to conduct identification verification and ensure compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations for both your business and its directors.
Once you agree to the terms and conditions of the loan, we will send you the necessary documents for signing and return. After completing the final verification steps, the funds will be transferred to you.
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What can I use a business loan for?
- Expanding your business
- Boosting cashflow
- Purchasing stock
- Finance assets
- Business acquisition
- Working capital
- Hiring and paying new staff
- Refinance existing assets
- Paying suppliers
How to apply for a business loan
MAF Finance Group works with a wide panel of banks and alternative funders and can assess which funder provides the most competitive financial solution for you.
If you would like to get a quote or need further information, simply fill in the form and we will contact you. If you want to speak to someone directly, you can call us on 0115 958 6872 and a member of our team will be happy to speak to you. Alternatively, email us at [email protected].
Unsecured Business Loans
An unsecured loan is a way of injecting cash into your business if you need help with working capital or general expenses.
Secured Business Loans
A Secured loan is a way of injecting cash into your business if you need help with working capital or general expenses.
Professional Business Loans
Professional loans help businesses invest in specialised services, equipment, or workforce development.
Working Capital Loans
A working capital loan is ideal for businesses needing a short-term finance solution, providing sufficient cash flow and enabling a business to carry out day-to-day operations.
Business Loans FAQs
What documents do I need to provide for a business loan?
This may depend on the type of loan you apply for, but typically, you will need to provide a range of documents to verify your business’s financial health. Common documents include your business’s latest financial statement, 6 months of company bank statements and full name, address, DOB and homeownership status of all directors.
Can I get a business loan even if I have existing debt?
It is possible to get a business loan even if you have existing debt. However, having outstanding debt may affect your eligibility, as lenders will assess your ability to manage additional financial obligations. Lenders could also consider factors such as your credit score, cash flow, and your business’ overall financial health when deciding.
What can I do to improve my chances of qualifying for a business loan?
To improve your chances, focus on strengthening your business's financial profile. This includes maintaining a strong credit score, demonstrating consistent revenue growth, and providing a solid business plan that outlines how the use of the loan. Lenders may also look for a good track record of managing debt and cash flow.
What is the difference between a business loan and asset finance?
A business loan is typically unsecured, meaning no collateral is required, and the lender relies on your business’ creditworthiness to approve the loan. In contrast, asset finance is secured against an asset, such as equipment or vehicles, which is used as collateral. This makes asset finance often easier to obtain for businesses that may not have strong credit or prefer to keep other assets unencumbered.
Can I apply for a business loan as a startup business owner?
Yes, startup businesses can apply for a business loan, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. While requirements may vary, the loan is designed to support businesses in any stage by offering accessible financing options to help them grow.
Benefits of using a finance broker?
Whilst banks can offer different rates, they often reject certain types of purchase and have strict lending criteria. MAF Finance Group has access to a panel of specialist lenders with a variety of options and rates that are not available to customers who go direct. We can also explore the whole lending market, saving you time and effort whilst giving you competitive rates and a greater chance of acceptance.
Who are MAF Finance Group?
MAF Finance Group is a nationwide finance broker, with a highly experienced team of finance experts and industry specialists spanning construction, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and renewables, fleet management and vehicle leasing. MAF works with a large panel of banks and alternative funders providing access to finance for investment and refinance of asset purchases along with commercial mortgage and invoice finance facilities.
Why choose MAF Finance Group?
As a leading nationwide finance broker, we have access to a full market of funders, banks and alternative funders. With dedicated teams of sector specialists and industry specialists in the construction, healthcare, agriculture, renewables and fleet management sectors we can help all businesses with their funding requirements.
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Business Loan Case Studies
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