Business Finance FAQs

Clear answers to your
most common questions

Real questions from UK business owners who were in exactly the same position you're in now. Plain answers, no jargon, and a clear next step at the end of each one.

Answers by category

General finance questions

What does Finding Capital do? +

Finding Capital is an independent finance broker. We help UK businesses access funding by matching each enquiry to a suitable lender and product, rather than trying to force every case into a single finance line.

Will checking my options affect my credit score? +

No. An initial enquiry with us does not leave a credit footprint. A formal lender credit search only happens when you choose to proceed with a lender and give permission for that next step.

How quickly can I get a decision? +

Some straightforward applications can receive an initial credit decision in as little as 30 seconds, while more complex cases or larger facilities take longer. Timescales vary by product, lender and documentation requirements. You can compare product timings on our Asset Finance, Vehicle Finance and Business Loans pages.

Do you only work with limited companies? +

No. We can often help sole traders, partnerships, LLPs and limited companies. The structure, trading history and documentation required will depend on the product and the lender.

What credit score is required? +

There is no single minimum score across every lender. Some lenders focus on stronger profiles, while others look at the wider case, including trading strength, sector, deposit and director experience.

Asset finance

What types of assets can be financed? +

Almost any hard or soft asset used for business purposes can be financed, including manufacturing machinery, plant, IT infrastructure, catering equipment, medical equipment, technology, agricultural assets and more. See our Asset Finance page for more detail.

What is the difference between hire purchase and a finance lease? +

With hire purchase, you work toward ownership of the asset over the term. With a finance lease, you are primarily paying for use of the asset over a fixed period. The right option depends on whether ownership, flexibility or monthly cost is the bigger priority.

Can I finance used or second-hand assets? +

Yes. Many lenders on our panel are happy to finance used assets, although age, condition, value and supplier all influence the final terms offered. Our Equipment Finance page also shows how these structures work for business-critical equipment purchases.

Is a deposit always required for asset finance? +

Not always. Some cases can be structured at 100% of asset value, while others may require a contribution. The answer depends on the asset, trading profile and lender appetite for the deal.

Vehicle finance

Can I finance a used commercial vehicle? +

Yes. Used vans, trucks and specialist commercial vehicles can often be financed, subject to age, mileage, condition and supplier. Our Vehicle Finance page covers the main routes available.

Can I buy from any dealer or supplier? +

In many cases, yes. We can often work with franchised dealers, independents and specialist suppliers, although some lenders have seller restrictions that need to be checked first.

How does fleet finance work? +

Where a business needs multiple vehicles, it is often possible to structure a wider fleet facility rather than arranging each vehicle in isolation. That can simplify administration and improve pricing for the overall facility. If you want to see the type of deals we arrange, visit Funding Examples.

Are there finance options for electric vehicles? +

Yes. We can help with EV cars, vans and wider mixed-fleet requirements, including cases where charging infrastructure also needs to be funded alongside the vehicles.

How quickly are suppliers paid? +

Once approval conditions are satisfied and documents are completed, supplier payment is often released quickly. In many straightforward cases that means within 24 to 72 hours, although the exact timing varies by lender and asset type.

Business loans

How much can I borrow? +

Facilities can range from smaller working-capital requirements through to six and seven figure needs, depending on the product, turnover, trading history and overall profile of the business. Our Business Loans page explains this in more detail.

How quickly can funds be released? +

Some unsecured products move quickly once approved, while secured or more complex facilities naturally take longer. The exact timing depends on the lender, the product and whether any additional due diligence is needed. If speed is important, you can also request a callback so we can point you to the most suitable route first.

Can I still apply if I have adverse credit? +

Possibly. We work with lenders that consider a range of credit profiles, including some adverse-credit cases. The availability and cost of finance will depend on the details of the file and the strength of the wider case.

Will I need to give a personal guarantee? +

Many unsecured facilities do involve a personal guarantee, although this is not universal. We will explain any guarantee requirement clearly before you decide whether to proceed.

Invoice finance

What is invoice finance? +

Invoice finance releases cash from unpaid customer invoices before the customer pays. It can help businesses that sell to other businesses on 30, 45 or 60 day terms. Instead of waiting for the full payment cycle, the lender advances part of the invoice value early. You can learn more on our Invoice Finance page.

Is invoice finance only for struggling businesses? +

No. Many healthy and growing businesses use invoice finance because growth can create cash pressure. If sales rise but customers still pay later, wages, suppliers and tax can need funding before invoices are settled. Invoice finance is often about timing, not failure.

Can recruitment agencies use invoice finance for payroll? +

Yes, recruitment agencies are a common fit where temps or contractors are paid weekly but clients pay later. The facility is advanced against approved invoices, and the agency can then use that cash to support payroll timing. The quality of the end clients, timesheet approval and debtor book will all matter. See our recruitment invoice finance page for more detail.

Will my customers know I am using invoice finance? +

That depends on the structure. Some facilities, such as factoring, can involve the funder in collections and may be visible to customers. Other routes can be more discreet, especially for established businesses with strong systems. If customer handling matters, raise that early so the facility is matched properly.

Applications & next steps

What documents do I usually need? +

Common requirements include business bank statements, filed or management accounts, basic business details and proof of identity for directors or owners. Larger or more complex facilities may need additional supporting information. If you are ready to proceed, head to Check Eligibility.

Should I apply directly or request a callback first? +

If you already know what you need, you can go straight to Check Eligibility. If you want guidance on the best route first, a callback is often the better starting point because we can point you to the most suitable product before a formal application begins.

Can suppliers partner with Finding Capital? +

Yes. Suppliers who want to offer finance at point of sale can learn more on our Supplier Finance Partner page. We also have a dedicated supplier portal for approved partners.

Where can I see examples of the types of deals you arrange? +

You can visit Funding Examples to see representative case types and deal structures across asset finance, vehicle finance and wider business funding.

Can startups apply? +

Yes. Startups can often apply, especially where directors have relevant experience, a clear use of funds and a sensible deposit or guarantee profile. The exact route depends on the product and the lender we match you with.