Some lenders may require a director’s guarantee, particularly for unsecured loans. We will explain this clearly before you proceed.
Business Loans
Flexible funding to support growth, cash flow, and business opportunities
Business loans can give you the breathing space to grow, invest, and manage cash flow with confidence. Whether you need funding to purchase stock, hire staff, expand into new premises, invest in marketing, or take advantage of a time-sensitive opportunity, a well-structured loan can provide fast access to capital with predictable repayments.
At Bothwick Finance, we arrange tailored business loans for UK companies through a broad panel of trusted lenders. We take the time to understand what you are trying to achieve, your trading position, and how you would prefer repayments to work, then source the most suitable option for your business.
What is a business loan?
A business loan is a lump sum of funding provided to a company, repaid over an agreed period with interest. Loans can be structured in different ways depending on:
The right loan structure should support your plans without creating unnecessary strain on day-to-day cash flow. That’s why our approach is always to match the facility to your goals, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all product.
Secured vs unsecured business loans
Most business loans fall into one of two categories: secured or unsecured.
Unsecured business loans
Unsecured loans do not require a charge over property or other major assets. They are often used for:
- Working capital and cash flow support
- Stock purchases
- Marketing investment
- Recruitment and short-term growth costs
- Smaller equipment purchases where asset finance is not suitable
Unsecured funding is typically available for £10,000 to £750,000, with terms commonly ranging from 12 to 60 months. Depending on the lender and the business profile, a director’s personal guarantee may be required.
Unsecured loans can be a strong option if you want to move quickly, avoid property security, and keep the funding structure simple.
Secured business loans
Secured loans use an asset, usually commercial or residential property, as security. This often allows for:
- Larger loan amounts
- Longer repayment terms
- More competitive pricing, depending on risk profile
Secured loans are typically used for:
- Business acquisition
- Larger expansion projects
- Premises purchase or refurbishment
- Property development (where appropriate)
- Consolidating existing borrowing into a longer-term structure
Loan sizes can range from £100,000 up to £10,000,000, depending on the security offered, affordability, and lender criteria.
How a Bothwick Finance business loan works
We keep the process straightforward and transparent:
1
Initial conversation
We discuss what you need funding for, the amount, your preferred repayment term, and any key deadlines.
2
Review and lender matching
We assess your business profile and approach lenders most likely to offer competitive terms for your situation.
3
Indicative terms and explanation
We outline your options clearly, including the difference between secured and unsecured routes, so you can make an informed decision.
3
Application and underwriting
We support you through what the lender needs (financials, bank statements, trading information, and in some cases property details).
5
Completion and drawdown
Once approved, funds are released and your repayment schedule begins as agreed.
Our role is to reduce complexity, set expectations, and help you choose a facility that supports your business without overcommitting.
What assets can be used in an ABL facility?
Asset-based lending can be highly flexible, depending on the lender and business profile. Common asset types include:
Accounts receivable
Funding is provided against unpaid invoices, allowing businesses to release cash without waiting for customers to pay.
Stock and inventory
Businesses holding significant stock levels may be able to borrow against inventory value, supporting working capital requirements.
Plant, machinery, and equipment
Owned assets such as machinery or vehicles can be included within an ABL structure, increasing the overall borrowing base.
Property (in some cases)
Property may be incorporated into wider asset-backed facilities where appropriate, depending on risk and structure.
Key benefits of business loans
A well-structured business loan can help you:
- Access growth funding without diluting ownership
- Spread costs into predictable monthly repayments
- Support cash flow during busy or transitional periods
- Invest in expansion, people, or infrastructure
- Act quickly on opportunities that require upfront capital
For many businesses, a loan is most effective when it is aligned to a specific purpose and a realistic repayment plan, rather than being used as a short-term fix.
What affects eligibility and pricing?
Rates and terms vary depending on your business circumstances. Lenders typically consider:
- Trading history and performance
- Profitability and affordability
- Existing borrowing and commitments
- Credit profile
- Sector and business model
- Security available (for secured lending)
Where possible, we will position your application in the best light by ensuring the right information is presented clearly and accurately.
Why arrange ABL through Bothwick Finance?
ABL facilities can be complex, and the right structure is critical. Our role is to ensure the facility works for your business, not just the lender.
When you work with Bothwick Finance, you benefit from:
1
Access to specialist asset-based lenders
1
Experience structuring multi-asset facilities
1
Clear explanation of reporting and obligations
1
Facilities aligned to operational realities
1
Ongoing support as your business evolves
We take the time to understand how your business operates, so the funding structure supports growth rather than creating unnecessary administrative burden.
Frequently asked questions
Business loan FAQs
How quickly can I access funds?
Timescales vary by lender and loan type. Unsecured funding is often faster than secured loans, which may involve property valuation and legal steps.
Do I need to provide security?
Not always. We can explore unsecured options first if you prefer not to secure borrowing against property.
Will I need a personal guarantee?
How much can I borrow?
Unsecured loans are commonly available from £10,000 to £250,000. Secured loans may extend from £100,000 up to £10,000,000, depending on security and affordability.
Request a quote
If you are considering a business loan, we can help you understand the most suitable funding route and provide options from our lender panel.
Request a quote and one of our account managers will come back with a tailored view of what may be available for your business.
To enquire about any of products or services, please contact us to speak to a member of staff.