business

Business Loan UK 2026: How They Work, What They Cost and How to Compare

UK business loans in 2026: rates from 6.9% APR, amounts from £1,000 to £5 million, terms from 1 month to 25 years. This guide covers types, costs, eligibility and how to compare lenders using primary sources.

29 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Bank Referral Scheme UK: What Happens When Your Bank Declines Your Business Loan

If a UK bank declines your business finance application, it must offer a referral to one of three government-designated finance platforms. Launched 2016 under the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015. Free to use, no credit impact.

29 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Start Up Loan UK: How to Apply, Who Qualifies and What It Costs in 2026

The UK government Start Up Loan provides £500 to £25,000 at a fixed 7.5% rate from 6 April 2026, repayable over 1 to 5 years. No security or equity required. Free 12-month mentoring included. Trading up to 60 months now eligible.

29 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Growth Guarantee Scheme UK: How It Works, Who Qualifies and How to Apply

The Growth Guarantee Scheme provides a 70% government-backed guarantee to lenders on business loans up to £2 million. Extended to 31 March 2030. Turnover cap £45m. Complete guide to eligibility, products, lenders and application.

29 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

FCA Consults on Removing Non-UK Business from Consumer Duty Scope: What CP26/23 Means for Wholesale Firms

The FCA opened consultation CP26/23 on 29 June 2026, proposing to remove business with non-UK customers from the Consumer Duty. Closes 18 September 2026. What wholesale firms and UK retail consumers need to know.

29 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Asset Finance Calculator UK: Monthly Payments, Total Cost and Tax Savings Explained

Calculate UK asset finance payments. £50K at 8% APR over 5 years is approximately £912 per month. Compare Total Cost of Finance, not just monthly payment.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

How to Offer Finance to Customers UK: FCA Rules, Appointed Reps and BNPL 2026

Offering finance to UK customers requires FCA authorisation or appointed representative status. BNPL is regulated from 15 July 2026.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Plant and Machinery Depreciation UK: Capital Allowances, AIA and WDA Explained

Plant depreciation differs for accounts and tax. AIA gives 100% first-year relief up to £1m. WDA applies at 18% main pool or 6% special rate.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Used Plant and Machinery UK: Buying, Finance and Tax Treatment Guide

Used plant saves 40-70% versus new and still qualifies for AIA. Finance available for machines up to 15 years old. Same tax rules as new plant.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Commercial Vehicle Loan UK: HGV Finance, Trucks and Specialist Vehicle Funding

Commercial vehicle loans cover HGVs, trucks and specialist vehicles. AIA up to £1m available. FLA reports 15% fall in HGV finance in Jan 2026.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Business Van Finance UK: AIA, Tax Treatment and How to Finance a Work Van

Vans qualify for AIA up to £1m, unlike cars. No 15% contract hire disallowance. Electric vans have a £0 BiK rate for 2026/27.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Business Car Finance UK: Hire Purchase, Contract Hire and Tax Treatment Explained

Business car finance options include contract hire, finance lease and HP. EVs qualify for 100% first-year allowance. Cars cannot claim AIA.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Excavator Finance UK: Hire Purchase and Lease Options for Construction Plant

Finance an excavator from £15,000 to £500,000+ on hire purchase or finance lease. High approval rates for construction plant. Rates from 5% APR.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Business Equipment Finance UK: How to Fund Machinery, Technology and Tools

Business equipment finance lets UK companies acquire machinery without upfront payment. 96% FLA approval rate. AIA up to £1m under hire purchase.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

How Does Asset Finance Work in the UK? Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

Asset finance lets businesses acquire equipment without upfront cost. Lender buys the asset, business makes monthly payments. 96% FLA approval rate.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Asset Finance Rates UK: What to Expect and How to Get the Best Deal (2026)

UK asset finance rates range from 4.5% to 25% APR depending on asset type and credit. BoE base rate is 4.25% (June 2026). Compare on APR.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Asset Finance Bad Credit UK: Lenders, Approval Tips and What to Expect

Asset finance is available with bad credit because the asset acts as security. FLA reports 96% approval rate. Specialist lenders consider CCJs.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Hire Purchase vs Finance Lease UK: Tax Treatment, Key Differences and Which to Choose

Hire purchase transfers ownership at end of term; finance lease keeps it with the lender. HP gives AIA and capital allowances up to £1m.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Before You Take a Merchant Cash Advance: Factor Rates, True APR and the FCA Regulation Gap

MCAs repay through a % of daily card sales. A 1.3x factor rate on £50,000 means £65,000 back. Effective APR is often 40-150%. Almost entirely unregulated.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Before You Use Invoice Finance: Factoring vs Discounting, True Costs and Bad Debt Risk

Invoice finance advances 70-90% of unpaid invoices. Factoring is disclosed to customers. Discounting is confidential. Minimum contracts are 12-24 months.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Before You Apply for a Commercial Mortgage: Personal Guarantees, LTV and What Lenders Assess

Commercial mortgages are unregulated. Directors almost always sign a personal guarantee. Max LTV is 70%. Prepare 3 years of accounts before applying.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Before You Sign a Business Energy Contract: Traps and TPI Risks

Business energy contracts are unregulated compared to domestic supply. This guide covers broker commission disclosure, auto-rollover clauses, deemed contract rates and why the Ofgem price cap does not protect business customers.

25 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

UK Company Insolvency Statistics 2026: CVLs, Administrations and Sector Data

1,868 company insolvencies in England and Wales in May 2026 -- 16% lower than May 2025. CVLs account for 72% of all cases. Construction remains the most affected sector with 3,931 insolvencies in the past 12 months. Source: Insolvency Service / Companies House, June 2026.

25 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Export Health Certificate Vets UK: APHA-Registered OV Directory by Region

Find APHA-registered Official Veterinarians for export health certificates across England. Pets, livestock, food products, equines. All 10 regions. Source: APHA GOV.UK.

24 Jun 2026 · 18 min read

DB Pension Surplus Release 2026: DWP Consults on Unlocking £160bn for Employers and Members

4 in 5 defined benefit pension schemes are now in surplus. DWP launched a consultation on 10 June 2026 on rules to release some of the estimated £160bn surplus. What it means for members and employers.

24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

UK VAT Rates 2026/27: Standard 20%, Reduced 5% and Zero-Rated Explained

UK VAT rates 2026/27: standard rate 20%, reduced rate 5% (domestic energy, car seats), zero rate 0% (food, books, children clothing). Registration threshold 90,000 pounds. Full guide to categories, exemptions and schemes.

23 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

NFU Mutual Farm Insurance UK: Agricultural Cover Explained

NFU Mutual Farm Insurance UK: Agricultural Cover Explained

23 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

AXA Business vs Simply Business UK: SME Insurance Compared

AXA Business vs Simply Business UK: SME Insurance Compared

23 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

AXA Business Public Liability Insurance UK: What It Covers and Costs

AXA Business Public Liability Insurance UK: What It Covers and Costs

23 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

AXA Business Insurance Review UK: SME Cover, Costs and FCA Regulation

AXA Business Insurance Review UK: SME Cover, Costs and FCA Regulation

23 Jun 2026 · 6 min read