{"schema_version":"2026-09-30","source":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/data/uk-business-finance-lender-index/","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","count":22,"lenders":[{"slug":"aldermore","name":"Aldermore","legal_name":"Aldermore Bank plc","company_number":"00947662","founded_year":2009,"founded_label":"Launched as Aldermore","homepage":"https://www.aldermore.co.uk/business-finance/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/aldermore/","product_type":"Asset finance, invoice finance, commercial mortgages","ticket_range":"Commercial real estate loans of £3m to £100m (its own figures); not published for asset or invoice finance","typical_rate":"Quoted per deal (not published)","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":true,"rating":{"overall":4.1,"transparency":4,"eligibility":4,"speed":3,"decline":4},"summary":"Challenger bank suited to asset finance, invoice finance and commercial mortgages where the borrower has time for proper underwriting and wants a real bank on the other side. It publishes a £3m to £100m range for commercial real estate loans and no range for asset or invoice finance. It suits established Ltd companies when the deal is asset-backed or property-backed and the speed pressure is moderate. Owned by FirstRand. Intermediary-introduced rather than self-serve.","pros":["Specialist asset finance and invoice finance lines that mainstream banks no longer prioritise.","Strong commercial mortgage product for property-backed Ltd borrowers.","Established underwriting team with sector specialism, useful for files with complexity that needs a human.","PRA-regulated bank, which matters to applicants who want a deposit-taking institution rather than a fintech."],"cons":["Slower than fintech alternatives, so borrowers who need cash inside the week may prefer iwoca, Capify or YouLend.","Hard search at full application, so it is worth applying only once you're committed.","It doesn't publish a minimum for asset or invoice finance; small, urgent asks may suit iwoca or Capify.","Sole traders and small partnerships are out of scope."],"best_for":["Established Ltds wanting asset finance or invoice finance from a bank","Commercial property borrowers with time for full underwriting","Intermediary-introduced deals with sector complexity"],"weak_at":["Speed-critical files, consider iwoca, Capify or YouLend","Small tickets needed quickly, consider Capify or 365 Business Finance","Pre-revenue or sub-12-month trading, consider Start Up Loans Company"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"00947662","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00947662"}},{"slug":"allica-bank","name":"Allica Bank","legal_name":"Allica Bank Limited","company_number":"07706156","founded_year":2019,"founded_label":"Banking licence","homepage":"https://www.allica.bank/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/allica-bank/","product_type":"SME term loan, asset finance + commercial mortgage","ticket_range":"£25,001 to £150,000 (business loans); £25k to £2.5m (asset finance); £150k to £15m (commercial mortgages) (its own figures)","typical_rate":"Business loans 9.90% to 13.75% interest; other products quoted per deal","decision_time":"Decision by the next working day (its own aim)","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":true,"rating":{"overall":4.4,"transparency":5,"eligibility":4,"speed":3,"decline":4},"summary":"Challenger bank for established businesses: business loans of £25,001 to £150,000, asset finance of £25k to £2.5m and commercial mortgages of £150k to £15m (Allica's own ranges). It suits established Ltd companies that want real underwriting and rate transparency rather than a self-serve fintech rate, and asset-backed or property-backed Ltd companies needing a larger facility.","pros":["A PRA-authorised bank, with FSCS protection on eligible deposit accounts.","Publishes its business loan interest range (9.90% to 13.75%), so you can see the likely cost before applying.","For larger needs, asset finance runs to £2.5m and commercial mortgages to £15m (Allica's own ranges); business loans stop at £150,000."],"cons":["Slower than fintech alternatives, so time-critical borrowers may need another lender.","Hard credit search at full application stage, so it is worth applying only once you're committed.","Business loans need at least three years of filed accounts, so younger companies may look at Funding Circle or iwoca.","Business loans are secured by a personal guarantee from the directors who are ultimate beneficial owners."],"best_for":["Established Ltd companies with three or more years of filed accounts","Asset-backed and commercial-mortgage applicants wanting real bank underwriting","Larger facilities where the applicant can wait for relationship-led underwriting"],"weak_at":["Business loans under £25,001, consider Funding Circle or iwoca","Speed-critical files, consider iwoca or Capify","Companies with under three years of filed accounts, consider iwoca or Start Up Loans Company"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"07706156","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07706156"}},{"slug":"time-finance","name":"Time Finance","legal_name":"Time Finance plc","company_number":"05845866","homepage":"https://timefinance.com/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/time-finance/","product_type":"Asset finance, invoice finance, vehicle finance","ticket_range":"Not published overall; secured loans of £50k to £500k (its own figures)","typical_rate":"Bespoke","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":true,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":4,"transparency":3,"eligibility":4,"speed":4,"decline":4},"summary":"Mid-ticket alternative finance specialist that suits businesses wanting asset finance, invoice finance and vehicle finance combined under one lender. Particularly useful for transport, manufacturing and hospitality SIC codes where Time Finance has sector specialism. Sits between fintech lenders such as iwoca and bank-grade lenders such as Aldermore, often the right answer for £25k to £500k asset-backed Ltds that want a single relationship.","pros":["Multiple complementary product lines under one roof, so one relationship can cover asset, invoice and vehicle finance.","Sector specialism in transport, manufacturing and hospitality.","AIM-listed transparency on filings, useful for applicants who want a public-market institutional view."],"cons":["Distributed through intermediaries for most product flow rather than self-serve.","Pricing varies materially by deal, so there's no tight rate guide before the conversation.","Smaller brand presence than Aldermore or Shawbrook, borrowers who want the bigger name may prefer those.","Sub-£10k tickets aren't for them; consider iwoca."],"best_for":["Mid-ticket Ltds combining asset finance, invoice finance and vehicle under one lender","Transport, manufacturing and hospitality SIC codes","£25k to £500k asset-backed Ltds wanting a faster route than Aldermore"],"weak_at":["Sub-£10k self-serve tickets, consider iwoca","Sole traders","Pre-revenue applicants, consider Start Up Loans Company"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"05845866","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05845866"}},{"slug":"close-brothers","name":"Close Brothers","legal_name":"Close Brothers Limited","company_number":"00195626","founded_year":1878,"founded_label":"Group founded","homepage":"https://www.closebrothers.com/our-businesses/commercial","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/close-brothers/","product_type":"Asset finance, invoice finance, commercial loans","ticket_range":"Asset-based lending £1m to £65m; commercial mortgages £500k to £5m (its own figures); hire purchase and leasing ranges not published","typical_rate":"Bespoke, quoted at offer","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":4.2,"transparency":4,"eligibility":4,"speed":3,"decline":4},"summary":"Heritage merchant banking group trading since 1878, FTSE-listed via Close Brothers Group plc. The commercial division covers asset finance, invoice finance and broader commercial lending. Distributed through intermediaries; relationship-led underwriting for established UK SMEs and corporates.","pros":["Part of a banking group founded in 1878.","Multiple product lines under one underwriter (asset, invoice, commercial loans).","A PRA-authorised bank."],"cons":["Distributed through intermediaries, not self-serve.","Headline rates not published; quoted at offer.","No published decision time, and no online application.","Minimum turnover for invoice finance is not published on pages we could check; reviews quote anything from £250k to £750k a year."],"best_for":["Established SMEs needing asset or invoice finance","Intermediary-introduced deals"],"weak_at":["Sole traders without asset security","Very small or new invoice books","Speed-prioritised cases"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"00195626","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00195626"}},{"slug":"hampshire-trust-bank","name":"Hampshire Trust Bank","legal_name":"Hampshire Trust Bank plc","company_number":"01311315","founded_year":1977,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.htb.co.uk/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/hampshire-trust-bank/","product_type":"Asset finance, commercial mortgages, bridging, development finance","ticket_range":"Not published","typical_rate":"Bespoke, quoted at offer","decision_time":"Not published (its bridging target is three weeks from application to completion)","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":true,"rating":{"overall":4.1,"transparency":4,"eligibility":4,"speed":3,"decline":4},"summary":"PRA-authorised UK specialist bank covering asset finance, commercial mortgages, bridging and specialist development finance. Established 1977 (relaunched as HTB 2014). Distributed through intermediaries and relationship-led. Strong on asset-backed and property-backed deals where mainstream banks decline on covenant rather than credit.","pros":["Genuine PRA-regulated UK bank; FSCS deposit protection on linked savings.","Multiple specialist product lines under one underwriter.","Real human credit team attached to each case.","Strong record on bridging and development finance for SME developers."],"cons":["Distributed through intermediaries; not self-serve.","Headline rates not published.","Slower than fintech alternatives.","Engagement below £25k unlikely."],"best_for":["Asset-backed and property-backed deals","SME developers and commercial landlords","Intermediary-introduced cases £150k+"],"weak_at":["Self-serve sub-£25k","Unsecured working capital","Sole traders"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"01311315","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01311315"}},{"slug":"united-trust-bank","name":"United Trust Bank","legal_name":"United Trust Bank Limited","company_number":"00549690","founded_year":1955,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.utbank.co.uk/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/united-trust-bank/","product_type":"Bridging, development finance, asset finance, structured property","ticket_range":"Bridging £100k to £15m; development finance £1m to £35m (its own figures)","typical_rate":"Bespoke, quoted at offer","decision_time":"Indicative terms within 24 hours, formal offer within 48 hours of credit decision, development finance (its own figure)","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":true,"rating":{"overall":4.2,"transparency":4,"eligibility":4,"speed":3,"decline":4},"summary":"PRA-authorised UK specialist bank with deep heritage in bridging, development finance, asset finance and structured property lending. Original entity dates to 1955; rebranded as United Trust Bank in 2003. Distributed through intermediaries across the property and SME finance markets. Sweet spot is £250k to £10m bridging and development.","pros":["PRA-regulated specialist bank with multi-decade property finance track record.","Strong reputation among intermediaries for bridging and development.","Genuine in-house credit team; cases progress with a named underwriter.","Broad asset finance book covering plant, vehicles and specialist equipment."],"cons":["Distributed through intermediaries only; no self-serve borrower journey.","Pricing is bespoke; no headline APR.","Engagement below £100k unlikely outside existing relationships.","Hard credit search at full application."],"best_for":["Property developers needing bridging or development finance","Asset-backed SME deals £250k+","Intermediary-introduced commercial property cases"],"weak_at":["Self-serve unsecured working capital","Sole traders","Sub-£100k tickets"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"00549690","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00549690"}},{"slug":"white-oak-uk","name":"White Oak UK","legal_name":"White Oak UK (a trading style of LDF Operations Limited, LDF Ops Limited and LDF Finance group companies)","homepage":"https://www.whiteoakuk.com/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/white-oak-uk/","product_type":"SME term loans, asset finance, professional finance","ticket_range":"£2k to £2m across its business loans; asset finance £5k to £1.5m (its own figures)","typical_rate":"Bespoke, quoted at offer","decision_time":"Most decisions within 24 hours (White Oak UK's own figure)","soft_search_only":true,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":4,"transparency":3,"eligibility":4,"speed":4,"decline":4},"summary":"UK SME lender whose regulated companies still carry the LDF name (White Oak UK is a trading style of LDF Operations Limited, LDF Ops Limited and LDF Finance companies). It says it has over 30 years of commercial lending experience and turns around most decisions within 24 hours. Covers business loans, asset finance and asset-based lending, and also works with a panel of lenders as a credit intermediary.","pros":["Over 30 years of commercial lending experience, by its own account.","Strong professional-practice line for regulated firms.","Authorised as both a lender and a credit intermediary, so it can refer cases it does not fund.","Most decisions within 24 hours, by its own account."],"cons":["Pricing not headlined; quoted at offer.","Most volume distributed via intermediaries and panels rather than direct.","Brand recognition lower than the rebrand replaced.","Hard search at full application."],"best_for":["Established SMEs","Professional practices (legal, accounting, dental)","Intermediary-introduced cases"],"weak_at":["Self-serve sub-£10k","Pre-revenue startups","Pure rate-shoppers"]},{"slug":"barclays","name":"Barclays","legal_name":"Barclays Bank UK plc","company_number":"09740322","founded_year":1690,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/borrow/loans/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/barclays/","product_type":"Business loans, overdrafts, asset finance, commercial mortgages","ticket_range":"£1k to £25k unsecured; loans up to £25m in total (its own figures)","typical_rate":"8.5% to 14.9% APR representative on unsecured loans up to £25k, depending on amount","decision_time":"Immediate decision possible for existing customers; funds in as little as 48 hours (its own figure)","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":3.8,"transparency":3,"eligibility":3,"speed":2,"decline":3},"summary":"Major UK high-street bank with a full SME lending book covering unsecured term loans, overdrafts, asset finance and commercial mortgages. Barclays says applicants need a UK business with an existing business current account (which can be with another bank), and lending is subject to its normal assessment. Branch and online application routes. Useful as the comparator against fintech and challenger pricing rather than a speed product.","pros":["Relationship managers and branch access.","Full product range under one provider, including international trade.","Established underwriting and FCA / PRA regulation.","Published representative APRs on unsecured loans up to £25k, with no arrangement or early repayment fees."],"cons":["Hard credit search at application; no soft-search quote.","Loans over £100,000 must be secured, by its own account.","Decline rates higher than fintech for sub-2-year trading and post-CCJ cases.","Sector exclusions (gambling, adult, CBD, vape) standard."],"best_for":["Existing Barclays business banking customers","Established Ltd companies 2+ years trading","Borrowers wanting a relationship-led mainstream bank"],"weak_at":["Sub-2-year trading","Recent CCJs or missed payments","Speed-prioritised cases"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"09740322","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/09740322"}},{"slug":"lloyds-bank","name":"Lloyds Bank","legal_name":"Lloyds Bank plc","company_number":"00002065","founded_year":1765,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/business-loans.html","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/lloyds-bank/","product_type":"Business loans, overdrafts, commercial mortgages, asset finance","ticket_range":"£1k to £50k (small business loans); larger loans from £50,001 (its own figures)","typical_rate":"From around 7.4% to 12% APR for unsecured term loans","decision_time":"Instant decision on loans up to £50,000 (its own figure)","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":3.8,"transparency":3,"eligibility":3,"speed":2,"decline":3},"summary":"Major UK high-street bank under Lloyds Banking Group. Full SME lending book for existing Lloyds business banking customers, with small business loans of £1,000 to £50,000 (its own figures) and larger loans, secured facilities and commercial mortgages above that. Personal guarantee from a director typical. Mainstream criteria: 2+ years trading, clean credit, established Ltd company.","pros":["Largest UK SME banking customer base; relationship managers across regions.","Full product range, from small business loans of £1,000 to commercial mortgages.","Competitive APR for top-tier applicants with existing banking flow.","Established underwriting, FCA / PRA regulation, FSCS protection on deposits."],"cons":["Hard credit search at application; no soft-search quote stage.","Only loans up to £50,000 get an instant decision, by its own account; larger loans need fuller underwriting.","Decline rates high for sub-2-year trading and post-CCJ applicants.","Sector exclusions standard (gambling, adult, CBD, vape)."],"best_for":["Existing Lloyds business banking customers","Established Ltd companies 2+ years trading","Borrowers wanting a relationship-led mainstream bank"],"weak_at":["Sub-2-year trading","Post-decline applicants with CCJs","Speed-prioritised cases"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"00002065","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00002065"}},{"slug":"natwest","name":"NatWest","legal_name":"National Westminster Bank plc","company_number":"00929027","founded_year":1968,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.natwest.com/business/loans-and-finance/small-business-loan.html","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/natwest/","product_type":"Business loans, overdrafts, asset finance, commercial mortgages","ticket_range":"£1k to £100k (Small Business Loan); £25,001 to £10m on fixed rate loans (its own figures)","typical_rate":"From around 7.5% to 12% APR for unsecured term loans","decision_time":"Funds within 24 hours if approved, on its Small Business Loan (its own figure)","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":3.8,"transparency":3,"eligibility":3,"speed":2,"decline":3},"summary":"Major UK high-street bank within NatWest Group plc. Full SME lending book covering unsecured term loans, overdrafts, asset finance and commercial mortgages for existing NatWest business banking customers. Female Founders programme adds mentoring rather than relaxed credit criteria. Mainstream criteria: 2+ years trading, clean credit, established Ltd or LLP.","pros":["Major UK SME banking presence with relationship managers across regions.","Full product range plus international trade and Female Founders mentoring.","Competitive APR for top-tier applicants with existing banking flow.","FCA / PRA regulation, FSCS protection on linked deposits."],"cons":["Hard credit search at application; no soft-search quote.","Only its Small Business Loan has a published speed figure in our review (funds within 24 hours if approved).","Decline rates high for sub-2-year trading and post-CCJ applicants.","Sector exclusions standard."],"best_for":["Existing NatWest business banking customers","Established Ltd / LLP 2+ years trading","Borrowers wanting a relationship-led mainstream bank"],"weak_at":["Sub-2-year trading","Post-decline applicants","Speed-prioritised cases"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"00929027","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00929027"}},{"slug":"hsbc-uk","name":"HSBC UK","legal_name":"HSBC UK Bank plc","company_number":"09928412","founded_year":1865,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/products/small-business-loan","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/hsbc-uk/","product_type":"Business loans, working capital, asset finance, international trade finance","ticket_range":"£1k to £25k (Small Business Loan); from £25,001 up to £25m on variable rate loans (its own figures)","typical_rate":"From around 7% to 12% APR for unsecured term loans","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":3.8,"transparency":3,"eligibility":3,"speed":2,"decline":3},"summary":"UK ring-fenced bank within the HSBC group. Full SME and corporate lending book with a clear bias toward larger SMEs (often £500k+ turnover) and international trade. Below the preferred turnover band, declines are categorical rather than credit-based. Best fit for businesses trading internationally or banking large customer flows.","pros":["Strong international trade finance product set unique among UK high-street banks.","Large SME and mid-corporate book; relationship-led for £250k+ deals.","Genuine UK bank, FCA / PRA regulated, FSCS deposit protection.","Competitive pricing for applicants in the preferred turnover band."],"cons":["Categorical decline pattern below preferred turnover, regardless of credit quality.","Hard credit search at application; no soft-search quote.","Slower than fintech alternatives.","Sector exclusions standard."],"best_for":["UK SMEs with £500k+ turnover","International trade and import / export finance","Existing HSBC business banking customers"],"weak_at":["Micro-businesses below preferred turnover band","Sub-2-year trading","Speed-prioritised cases"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"09928412","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/09928412"}},{"slug":"rbs","name":"Royal Bank of Scotland","legal_name":"The Royal Bank of Scotland plc","company_number":"SC083026","founded_year":1727,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.rbs.co.uk/business/loans-and-finance/small-business-loan.html","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/rbs/","product_type":"Business loans, overdrafts, asset finance, commercial mortgages","ticket_range":"£1k to £100k (Small Business Loan); £25,001 to £10m on fixed rate loans (its own figures)","typical_rate":"From around 7.5% to 12% APR for unsecured term loans","decision_time":"Funds within 24 hours if approved, on its Small Business Loan (its own figure)","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":3.7,"transparency":3,"eligibility":3,"speed":2,"decline":3},"summary":"Scotland-headquartered high-street bank within NatWest Group plc. Group lending criteria mirror NatWest, with regional routing for Scotland-based applicants and local-manager decision authority on relationship-led cases. Mainstream criteria: 2+ years trading, clean credit, established Ltd or LLP with RBS business banking.","pros":["Local-manager authority for Scotland-based relationship cases.","Full product range, from small business loans of £1,000 to commercial mortgages.","NatWest Group balance sheet; FCA / PRA regulation; FSCS protection.","Competitive APR for top-tier applicants with banking flow."],"cons":["Hard credit search at application; no soft-search quote.","Group criteria mirror NatWest; reapplying across both rarely changes the outcome.","Decline rates high for sub-2-year trading and post-CCJ applicants.","Slower than fintech alternatives."],"best_for":["Scotland-based SMEs with RBS banking","Established Ltd / LLP 2+ years trading","Relationship-led mainstream cases"],"weak_at":["Sub-2-year trading","Post-decline applicants","Speed-prioritised cases"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"SC083026","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/SC083026"}},{"slug":"hodge-bank","name":"Hodge Bank","legal_name":"Julian Hodge Bank Limited","company_number":"00743437","founded_year":1962,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://hodgebank.co.uk/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/hodge-bank/","product_type":"Commercial mortgage + asset finance + bridging","ticket_range":"Development and investment finance £2m to £16m; short-term finance from £1m (its own figures)","typical_rate":"From around 7% APR","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":true,"rating":{"overall":4,"transparency":4,"eligibility":3,"speed":3,"decline":4},"summary":"Cardiff-based specialist bank established in 1962, owned by the Carlyle Trust. Strong on commercial mortgages, semi-commercial property and SME asset finance. PRA-regulated bank with FSCS protection on linked deposit accounts. Distributed through intermediaries; not self-serve.","pros":["Genuine PRA-regulated bank.","Long-established sector specialism, especially semi-commercial property.","Stable funding base independent of fintech wholesale lines.","Strong on bespoke commercial property structures."],"cons":["Intermediary channel dominates; direct application less common.","Slower than fintech alternatives.","Pricing only revealed at offer for most products."],"best_for":["Commercial property Ltd companies","£2m to £16m property development and investment deals","Asset finance for established SMEs"],"weak_at":["Self-serve unsecured cases","Sub-£1m tickets","Sole traders"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"00743437","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00743437"}},{"slug":"investec","name":"Investec","legal_name":"Investec Bank plc","company_number":"00489604","founded_year":1950,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.investec.com/en_gb/business/who-we-work-with/private-companies.html","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/investec/","product_type":"Corporate banking + asset finance + commercial property","ticket_range":"Not published","typical_rate":"Bespoke","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":true,"rating":{"overall":4.2,"transparency":3,"eligibility":3,"speed":2,"decline":4},"summary":"UK private and corporate bank serving the upper-mid-market and HNW segments. Business lending sits inside a relationship-banker model rather than a self-serve product. Offers working-capital lines and asset finance. It says it works with companies turning over more than £25m; smaller firms can reach its asset finance through an intermediary.","pros":["Lending is handled by a relationship banker rather than an online application.","Suited to larger, bespoke facilities.","Wider banking platform (deposits, FX, treasury) attached to lending.","PRA-regulated; FSCS protection on linked accounts."],"cons":["No published decision time.","Not self-serve; direct relationship required.","Works directly with companies turning over more than £25m (its own figure, on its private companies page); smaller firms must go through an intermediary for asset finance."],"best_for":["Companies turning over more than £25m","Larger, bespoke facilities","Borrowers wanting a banker relationship"],"weak_at":["Companies turning over under £25m that want to bank with it directly (smaller firms reach its asset finance through an intermediary)","Self-serve fast cash","Newer businesses"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"00489604","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00489604"}},{"slug":"paragon-bank","name":"Paragon Bank","legal_name":"Paragon Bank plc","company_number":"05390593","founded_year":2005,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.paragonbank.co.uk/business/asset-finance","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/paragon-bank/","product_type":"Asset finance + commercial property + development finance","ticket_range":"Not published","typical_rate":"Bespoke","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":true,"rating":{"overall":4.1,"transparency":3,"eligibility":4,"speed":3,"decline":4},"summary":"Solihull-based specialist bank with strong asset finance, commercial property and development finance lines. Listed parent (Paragon Banking Group plc) gives funding stability and filing transparency. Distributed through intermediaries for most product flow; not a self-serve fintech experience.","pros":["Listed PRA-regulated banking group with stable funding.","Strong asset finance product covering vehicles, plant and equipment.","Established commercial property and development finance teams.","Sector specialism in transport, manufacturing and care."],"cons":["Distributed through intermediaries for most product flow; less direct-channel access.","Pricing not headlined.","Slower than fintech alternatives."],"best_for":["Asset finance for established Ltd companies","Commercial property £500k+","Development finance"],"weak_at":["Self-serve sub-£100k tickets","Sole traders","Speed-prioritised cases"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"05390593","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05390593"}},{"slug":"secure-trust-bank","name":"Secure Trust Bank","legal_name":"Secure Trust Bank plc","company_number":"00541132","founded_year":1954,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.securetrustbank.com/business-finance","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/secure-trust-bank/","product_type":"Commercial finance + asset finance + invoice finance","ticket_range":"Bridging £2m to £20m; development finance £2m to £45m; asset based lending £5m to £50m (its own figures)","typical_rate":"Bespoke","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":true,"rating":{"overall":4,"transparency":3,"eligibility":4,"speed":3,"decline":4},"summary":"Solihull-based specialist UK bank, listed on the LSE main market. SME lending sits across commercial finance, asset finance and invoice finance. Sweet spot is mid-market IF and ABL deals where mainstream high-street rules don't fit. Distributed through intermediaries.","pros":["PRA-regulated bank, listed on the London Stock Exchange, stable funding base.","Combined IF, ABL and asset-finance under one bank.","Established intermediary channel with sector teams.","FSCS protection on linked deposit accounts."],"cons":["Distributed through intermediaries; direct application uncommon.","Pricing only revealed at offer.","Slower than fintech alternatives."],"best_for":["Mid-market Ltd companies","Asset based lending from £5m","Property development and bridging from £2m"],"weak_at":["Sub-£2m tickets","Sole traders","Speed-prioritised cases"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"00541132","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00541132"}},{"slug":"haydock-finance","name":"Haydock Finance","legal_name":"Haydock Finance Limited","company_number":"01526882","founded_year":1980,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://haydockfinance.co.uk/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/haydock-finance/","product_type":"Asset finance (hire purchase and lease)","ticket_range":"Not published","typical_rate":"Quoted at offer","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":4.2,"transparency":4,"eligibility":4,"speed":4,"decline":4},"summary":"Lancashire-based independent asset finance specialist trading since 1980. Hire purchase, finance lease and refinance across vehicles, plant, manufacturing and yellow goods. Long relationships with intermediaries and a track record of underwriting cases mainstream banks decline make it a workhorse name in UK asset finance.","pros":["More than 40 years in asset finance, on its own site.","Strong on hard assets: HGV, plant, manufacturing, agriculture.","Offers refinance, which releases cash from assets the business already owns.","Completed its fourth public securitisation in July 2026, according to its own news page, which adds funding capacity."],"cons":["No published rates; pricing comes through intermediaries.","No retail unsecured business loans.","Direct applicants typically routed to intermediary channel."],"best_for":["Hard-asset HP and lease","Asset refinance for cash release","Sub-prime to prime asset deals"],"weak_at":["Pure unsecured working capital","Soft assets without resale value","Self-serve fintech borrowers"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"01526882","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01526882"}},{"slug":"liberty-leasing","name":"Liberty Finance","legal_name":"Liberty Leasing Limited (trading as Liberty Finance since May 2026)","company_number":"04302060","founded_year":2001,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://libertyfinance.co.uk/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/liberty-leasing/","product_type":"Asset finance (hire purchase and lease)","ticket_range":"£10k to £1m (its own figure)","typical_rate":"Quoted at offer","decision_time":"Average payout in 24 to 48 hours (its own figure)","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":4,"transparency":4,"eligibility":4,"speed":4,"decline":4},"summary":"Formerly Liberty Leasing, renamed Liberty Finance in May 2026 (its own announcement). Hampshire-based independent asset finance lender running hire purchase, lease and refinance across vehicles, plant, soft assets and IT. Distributed through intermediaries with direct relationships into UK SMEs. Solid track record on cases mainstream banks decline, particularly soft-asset and used-equipment deals.","pros":["Strong on soft assets and used-equipment cases mainstream banks reject.","Refinance product unlocks equity in owned plant and vehicles.","Direct underwriter access on live cases."],"cons":["No published rates.","Intermediary-led distribution; direct route is slower.","No unsecured working capital product."],"best_for":["Soft-asset HP and lease","Asset refinance for cash release","Used-vehicle and plant deals"],"weak_at":["Pure unsecured working capital","Sub-£10k tickets","Self-serve fintech borrowers"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"04302060","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04302060"}},{"slug":"propel","name":"Propel","legal_name":"Propel Finance plc","company_number":"04015132","founded_year":2000,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.propelfinance.co.uk/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/propel/","product_type":"Asset finance (hire purchase and lease)","ticket_range":"From £500 to facilities over £1m (its own figures)","typical_rate":"Quoted at offer","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":4.3,"transparency":4,"eligibility":5,"speed":5,"decline":4},"summary":"Newport-based independent asset finance specialist that says it has provided over £2bn of finance to more than 70,000 businesses, with a heavy push into vendor finance and digital onboarding. It lends to a wide range of businesses, including small Ltd companies and sole traders, and says it can finance technology equipment from £500 through its technology partners. Particularly strong in IT, soft assets and commercial vehicles via vendor partnerships.","pros":["Can finance technology equipment from £500 upwards through its technology partners, according to its own FAQ.","Wide eligibility: small Ltd, sole trader, partnership.","Vendor finance integration: many sellers offer Propel at point of sale.","Publishes its customer satisfaction score (9.7 out of 10 when checked in September 2026) on its own site."],"cons":["No published pricing; APR depends heavily on profile and vendor channel.","No published decision time.","Vendor margin can sit on top of the headline rate."],"best_for":["Vendor-introduced asset finance","IT and soft-asset HP","Commercial vehicles and plant"],"weak_at":["Pure unsecured working capital","Borrowers who need a published rate before applying","Bespoke ABL"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"04015132","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04015132"}},{"slug":"ultimate-finance","name":"Ultimate Finance","legal_name":"Ultimate Finance Limited","company_number":"04325262","founded_year":2001,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.ultimatefinance.co.uk/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/ultimate-finance/","product_type":"Invoice finance, asset finance, bridging and working capital","ticket_range":"£10k (asset finance, limited companies) to £10m (invoice and structured finance) (its own figures)","typical_rate":"Quoted at offer","decision_time":"Asset finance decision within one working day; bridging decision in principle within 24 hours (its own figures)","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":4.2,"transparency":4,"eligibility":4,"speed":4,"decline":4},"summary":"Bristol-headquartered SME specialist running invoice finance, asset finance, working-capital loans and bridging under one roof. Owned by Tavistock Group since July 2015; balance sheet remains principal-funded. Strong service reputation in the intermediary channel and a mid-market sweet spot mainstream banks have abandoned.","pros":["Multiple products (invoice, asset, bridging) under one lender relationship.","Principal lender, not a packager.","Direct underwriter access on live cases."],"cons":["No published pricing across product lines.","Bridging arm priced on per-month basis; total-cost framing required.","Personal guarantee typical on commercial term debt."],"best_for":["Multi-product SME lender relationship","Invoice finance £100k+","Mid-market asset and bridging"],"weak_at":["Self-serve fintech borrowers","Sub-£10k tickets","Sole traders without trading history"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"04325262","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04325262"}},{"slug":"novuna-business-finance","name":"Novuna Business Finance","legal_name":"Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC (trading as Novuna Business Finance)","company_number":"01630491","founded_year":1982,"founded_label":"Founded","homepage":"https://www.novuna.co.uk/business-finance/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/novuna-business-finance/","product_type":"Asset finance (HP, leasing), stock finance, project finance","ticket_range":"Not published; bespoke by asset and case","typical_rate":"Bespoke pricing, quoted at offer","decision_time":"Not published; typical of corporate asset lenders","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":4.1,"transparency":3,"eligibility":4,"speed":3,"decline":3},"summary":"The business finance division of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, formerly Hitachi Capital UK (rebranded Novuna in February 2022), with over £5bn funded to UK companies (company-reported). Core strength is asset finance: hire purchase and leasing across construction, manufacturing, transport, agriculture, technology and renewables, plus stock finance and block discounting. A stable, balance-sheet-backed corporate funder rather than a fast fintech: strongest where the asset and sector fit its specialisms.","pros":["Backed by the Mitsubishi HC Capital balance sheet; long UK track record as the former Hitachi Capital UK.","Deep asset-finance specialisms: construction, manufacturing, transport, agriculture, renewables, healthcare.","Broad product set beyond HP and leasing: stock finance, project finance, block discounting.","Comfortable with mid-market deal sizes where smaller funders cap out."],"cons":["No published pricing or ticket ranges; everything is quoted case by case.","Corporate credit process, so decisions are slower than fintech lenders.","Asset-led: not the route for an unsecured working-capital lump sum."],"best_for":["Asset purchases in its specialist sectors","Mid-market Ltd companies wanting a stable corporate funder","HP and leasing structures"],"weak_at":["Published-rate shoppers","Urgent same-week funding","Unsecured borrowing"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"01630491","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01630491"}},{"slug":"lombard","name":"Lombard","legal_name":"Lombard North Central PLC","company_number":"00337004","homepage":"https://www.lombard.co.uk/","profile_url":"https://fundbiz.co.uk/lenders/lombard/","product_type":"Asset finance","ticket_range":"No published minimum; institutional-scale mid-market and larger tickets","typical_rate":"Not published; quoted case by case","decision_time":"Not published","soft_search_only":false,"ltd_only":false,"rating":{"overall":4,"transparency":3,"eligibility":3,"speed":2,"decline":2},"summary":"NatWest Group's asset finance arm, describing itself as the UK's largest asset finance provider by volume, with a brand that traces back to the North Central Wagon Company in 1861. It suits established Ltd companies needing larger plant, vehicle and equipment finance where a bank-grade balance sheet and a stable, well-documented business matter more than speed. Not a post-decline or fintech-speed route; expect a full corporate underwriting process.","pros":["Scale and sector depth few independents can match, backed by NatWest Group balance sheet.","Broad asset coverage: plant, vehicles, technology, agriculture and specialist equipment.","A named relationship manager rather than an app-only process, useful for complex or repeat deals."],"cons":["No published rates or ticket floor; everything is quoted case by case, so a soft-search comparison isn't possible here.","A bank-standard credit process, so decisions run to days or weeks, not hours.","Not a fit for recent-incorporation or adverse-credit applicants; this is a mainstream, not a specialist post-decline, lender."],"best_for":["Established Ltd companies with a clean credit history needing mid-market or larger asset finance","Applicants who value an institutional lender over fintech speed"],"weak_at":["Post-decline or adverse-credit applicants, who may suit a specialist MCA or asset-refinance lender better","Small tickets or same-week funding needs"],"companies_house":{"company_number":"00337004","source":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00337004"}}]}