A business loan provides a lump sum of capital that is repaid over an agreed term with interest.Whether you need funding for expansion, equipment, stock, working capital, or to refinance existing debt, Square Gain Capital searches across 50 plus lenders to find the most suitable product for your business.
Unsecured business loans do not require collateral but are limited in size, typically up to £250,000 to £500,000 depending on the lender and your business profile. Rates are higher than secured equivalents to reflect the lender’s risk.
Secured business loans are backed by an asset, most commonly property, and allow larger loan
amounts, longer terms, and lower interest rates. A personal guarantee from directors is usually
required for both secured and unsecured facilities.
A standard term loan provides a fixed amount repaid over a set period, typically one to ten years. Monthly repayments are predictable, making budgeting straightforward. Term loans are suited to specific investments such as premises improvements, machinery, or acquisitions.
A revolving credit facility operates like a flexible overdraft. You draw and repay funds as needed up to an agreed limit, paying interest only on what is drawn. Revolving facilities are ideal for managing seasonal cash-flow fluctuations.
The British Business Bank operates several guarantee schemes that encourage lenders to support businesses they might otherwise decline. These include the Growth Guarantee Scheme and various regional funds. We identify eligibility for government-backed products as part of our market search.
| Criterion | Unsecured | Secured |
|---|---|---|
| Typical loan size | Up to £250,000 | Up to several million |
| Term | 1 to 5 years | 1 to 25 years |
| Rate type | Fixed or variable | Fixed or variable |
| Security required | None (PG usually needed) | Property or assets |
| Trading history | 1 to 2 years minimum | 2+ years preferred |
| Decision speed | 24 to 72 hours typical | Weeks (valuation needed) |
| Use of funds | General business purpose | General or property-linked |
We establish how much you need, what for, over what term, and how quickly. This shapes whether we look at unsecured, secured, or government-backed options.
Lenders will want two to three years of accounts, recent bank statements, and a brief business plan where the loan is for expansion. We advise on how to present your figures to best effect.
We search across 50 plus lenders and submit to the most suitable. Alternative lenders can often provide a decision in principle within 24 to 48 hours.
Once approved, unsecured loans can fund within days. Secured loans require valuation and legal process, typically adding two to four weeks
Working capital loans help businesses fund day-to-day operations, cover payroll during growth phases, or bridge the gap between invoice issuance and payment. Unsecured term loans and revolving credit facilities are both suitable options. We compare lenders on rate, flexibility, and drawdown speed to find the right fit.
Equipment purchases can be funded by a business loan or, in many cases, more cost-effectively through asset finance. Asset finance preserves other credit lines and can be structured to match the productive life of the asset. We compare both options and recommend the most efficient funding structure for your specific purchase.
Business acquisition finance is a specialist area requiring lenders comfortable with goodwill and intangible assets. We work with lenders experienced in management buyouts, acquisitions, and succession deals, including those who will consider part-funding with a deferred element from the seller.
Adverse trading history or a CCJ does not automatically exclude you from business lending. Specialist lenders assess the cause, how recent it was, and what has changed since. We approach lenders known to take a pragmatic view on adverse credit where the underlying business is now performing well.
Start-up finance is available through a combination of government-backed loans, angel investment-linked products, and a growing number of specialist start-up lenders. A strong business plan, personal financial contribution, and relevant experience significantly improve approval prospects. We identify the most suitable options for your stage of business.
Speak to an adviser to discuss your circumstances and find out how we can help.
Clear,honest answers to the questions we hear most from clients and introducers.
Unsecured loans from alternative lenders can fund within 24 to 72 hours of approval in straightforward cases. High-street banks typically take longer. Secured loans require valuation and legal work, which adds two to six weeks depending on complexity.
Most business lenders, including those offering government-backed products, require a personal guarantee from company directors. This means your personal assets could be at risk if the business defaults. We ensure you understand the implications before proceeding.
Many business lenders allow early repayment, though some charge an early repayment fee, typically equivalent to one to three months of interest. We clarify repayment terms before you commit so you are not surprised if your cash position improves.
Unsecured loans typically cap at £250,000 to £500,000 with mainstream and alternative lenders. Larger amounts are available through secured lending against property or significant business assets. Government-backed schemes have their own caps, usually up to £2 million depending on the scheme.
Our advisers are here to help you find the right business loan for your specific requirements.
Share a few details and a member of our team will get in touch to discuss your options.
We’ll get in touch to discuss your circumstances, what you’re looking to achieve and any relevant requirements.
Based on your enquiry, we’ll explain the available options and how you can move forward.
Your enquiry will be handled confidentially, and we’ll only contact you regarding the information you’ve provided.