Business Finance Brokers

This is a person or company whose role is to assist their clients in the purchase of assets from their selected supplier by finding the right lender to borrow from to suit their needs.
It is best to ensure this is a reputable lender for your requirements. Check their FCA permissions and/or membership to a professional body, such the NACFB (National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers).

The finance company will pay the supplier for the equipment, plant, vehicle or machinery and the client will pay a regular sum (monthly or quarterly) to the provider. The item may eventually become the property of the business over time, depending on the sort of asset finance involved.

However, these assets must meet the DIMS criteria. That is to say that the assets in question are:

• Durable
• Identifiable
• Moveable
• Saleable

This can include vehicles, plant, machinery, IT hardware and software, printers, LED lighting, etc. Even livestock can be purchased on asset finance!

As a rule of thumb, asset finance becomes better value if the asset is over £10,000, but lower value assets can also be financed on asset finance.

 
Property finance for developments are generally short term loans to cover the costs of converting an existing property or developing land into flats, houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), or alternate uses. It is normally advanced as a loan, secured against that property or land asset.

Either the property is being purchased as an investment and will ultimately be let, or it is ‘owner occupied’, when the business trades from that address. Different lenders offer different terms depending on the circumstances.

Principally it works in the same way as a private mortgage to finance the cost of a large purchase.

A cashflow forecast is a plan that shows how much money you expect your business to receive and pay out over a set period of time. It can help you plan how much you expect to make in sales and spend in costs.

Not all banks provide finance for new businesses, which can include a business trading for less than 24 months. You will need a business plan and cashflow forecast for your new enterprise. You are also likely to need to provide details of your personal financial position, eg Assets/Liabilities/Income/Expenditure form and personal bank statements. Check your personal credit report to ensure it won’t impact you personally.

Draw up a budget based on your business plan, including forecasts for sales and expenditure, and what your cash position will be each month. Do include capital costs, such as purchasing equipment, and most importantly: be realistic. Plan for sales being lower and later than you hope, getting paid may take longer and costs can be higher. And don’t forget VAT!

1. Investment – this could be yourself, friends and family or other outside investors. It will be difficult to borrow money from a bank unless you have invested enough of your own money in the business. Showing that you are personally invested underlines your commitment.

2. Short term lending – In the early days, your bank overdraft is a good source to fund working capital. Your bank may also provide a business credit card – speak to them about options. Invoice finance may be a route to explore too.

3. Long term lending – Business loans and secured finance is usually the best way to finance equipment, vehicles and other long-term borrowing requirements. Asset finance may allow you to raise more money than a loan.

4. Grants – Check if you are eligible for any financial support through grants and other schemes. There are regional and central schemes available, some of which are sector specific. Areas such as exporting, technology and training are often targeted for support. Check what is available before you start trading or make purchases as grants cannot usually be awarded retrospectively.

However, these assets must meet the DIMS criteria. That is to say that the assets in question are:
• Durable
• Identifiable
• Moveable
• Saleable

This can include vehicles, plant, machinery, IT hardware and software, printers, LED lighting, etc. Even livestock can be purchased on asset finance!
As a rule of thumb, asset finance becomes better value if the asset is over £10,000, but lower value assets can also be financed on asset finance.