Business finance questions, answered
Plain-English answers to the questions business owners ask us most, checked against official sources.
Nexgen Business Finance Limited is a credit broker, not a lender, and an Appointed Representative of AFS Compliance Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 625035).
Should I use a broker or go to my bank for a business loan?
Compare access to lenders, speed, cost and support to decide which suits you.
Read the guideBusiness loans for companies trading under 2 years
See which business finance is realistic for young companies, from Start Up Loans to asset and invoice finance, and how to prepare.
Read the guideCan a sole trader get asset finance?
Yes, sole traders can often get asset finance for vans, tools and equipment. See what lenders look at, how regulation works under £25k, and how we can help.
Read the guideCan I get a business loan with a CCJ?
How county court judgments affect lending, why satisfied and older CCJs matter, and your options.
Read the guideCan I refinance equipment I already own?
How asset refinance and sale and leaseback release cash from machinery and vehicles, plus risks and tax.
Read the guideHire purchase vs lease vs contract hire for vans
Compare ownership, monthly costs, maintenance, tax and VAT to pick the right option.
Read the guideHow do commercial finance brokers get paid?
Lender commission, client fees, how commission can affect cost, and what the FCA expects brokers to disclose.
Read the guideHow does a merchant cash advance work?
How a merchant cash advance works in the UK: the upfront sum, factor rate, repayment as a share of card takings, costs and risks.
Read the guideHow long does asset finance take?
Typical timescales for hire purchase and leasing, what slows deals down and how to pay your supplier sooner.
Read the guideHow much can my business borrow?
See how lenders size loans from turnover, profit, assets and invoices, with typical UK ranges.
Read the guideHow to finance a VAT bill
Compare HMRC Time to Pay, VAT loans and other finance, see current late payment penalties and act early.
Read the guideHow to finance solar panels for a business
How to finance commercial solar panels: hire purchase, leasing, loans and PPAs compared, plus capital allowances, export payments and planning.
Read the guideHow to fund a padel club
How to fund a padel club or new padel courts: typical build costs, asset finance, loans, LTA facility loans and what lenders want to see.
Read the guideInvoice factoring vs invoice discounting: what’s the difference?
Invoice factoring vs invoice discounting explained: who chases your invoices, whether customers know, costs and who each suits.
Read the guideWhat credit score do I need for a business loan?
How lenders use business and personal credit scores, typical bands and how to improve.
Read the guideWhat documents do I need for a business loan?
A UK checklist of accounts, bank statements, ID, forecasts and asset details that lenders often ask for.
Read the guideWhat happens if I can’t repay a business loan?
What usually happens next, how personal guarantees and security work, and where to get free, confidential help.
Read the guideWhat is a personal guarantee on a business loan?
How PGs work, what you could be liable for, how to limit the risk and questions to ask before you sign.
Read the guideHow to work towards a healthier credit rating before applying for finance
Practical steps to support your business and personal credit files before applying for finance: filing on time, utilisation, searches, CCJs and corrections.
Read the guideWhat our clients say
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