How it works
From first enquiry to settlement
Five steps, with the structure and full cost in front of you before any documents are requested.
- 1
1. Brief us in about 60 seconds
Amount, purpose, turnover, state, existing debt and whether property is available. No credit check at this stage, and nothing is sent to other lenders.
- 2
2. A specialist calls you
We talk through the balance sheet, the cash cycle, your current lenders and the timing — the context behind the numbers. Accountants are welcome on the call.
- 3
3. You see a proposed structure
Facility type, security, term, repayments and the all-in cost, explained in plain terms. You decide whether to go further.
- 4
4. Documents, valuation and approval
Only if you proceed. We tell you exactly what's needed — typically financial statements, management accounts, a debt schedule, bank statements and property details — and a credit check is discussed at this point.
- 5
5. Settlement and funding
Funds go where the deal needs them: your operating account, a vendor, the ATO or an outgoing lender. Existing security is released as part of settlement where it's being refinanced.
What makes the process faster
Most delays in business lending come from information arriving in pieces. You can shorten the timeline considerably by having these ready once you decide to proceed:
- Two to three years of financial statements, and year-to-date management accounts
- A debt schedule covering every lender, including equipment finance and any ATO arrangement
- Aged debtors and creditors
- Recent business bank statements
- Property details for any security offered, including existing mortgage statements
- A short note on purpose and exit — our guide to writing a funding proposal shows how
If you're not sure how big the working capital gap really is, run the working capital cycle calculator first. To check whether earnings comfortably cover existing and proposed repayments, try the debt service cover calculator.
Common questions about the process
What should we have ready for the first call?
Recent turnover, a rough view of existing debt and repayments, what the funds are for, and details of any property that could be offered. Financial statements and management accounts help but aren't needed for the first conversation.
Does the first step affect our credit file?
No. There's no credit check when you enquire. A credit check is only discussed once you've seen a proposed structure and decided to proceed.
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on the structure. Unsecured facilities sized on bank statements can move relatively quickly; property-backed facilities involve valuations and legal documents; refinances depend on the outgoing lender's discharge process. We give you a realistic timeline on the first call.
Will you approach lots of lenders on our behalf?
No. A specialist works out which structure suits the business and approaches the funder suited to it. Your details are not broadcast to a panel.
Can our accountant or CFO deal with you directly?
Yes. Many enquiries come through finance directors and external accountants. We're happy to work with whoever runs the numbers.
Ready when you are: start the 60-second enquiry. Accurate answers on the form mean the first call can go straight to structure.
See what the balance sheet can support
One short enquiry, no credit check at the first step, and a specialist who calls back with structures that fit the business.
No credit check to enquire
No spray-and-pray
A specialist, not a queue