The right type of finance depends on what the money needs to do. Start from the problem, not the product. Here are the main options, with the typical range and time to funds for each.
Matched to what the money is for
- Hiring, marketing or a new contract: a term loan or revolving credit. Flexible use of funds; a revolving facility suits lumpy, seasonal cash flow. Typically £25,000 to £500,000, in 2 to 4 weeks.
- Equipment, vehicles or plant: asset finance (hire purchase or leasing). Priced on the asset itself, so approval often rests on the kit, not just the accounts. Typically £25,000 to £2 million, in 2 to 4 weeks.
- Paying suppliers before customers pay you: trade or stock finance. Pays suppliers up front and is repaid from the sale. Typically £25,000 to £2 million, in 2 to 4 weeks.
- Waiting on unpaid invoices: invoice finance. Releases up to 90% of the invoice value, paid the same day once the facility is set up. Up to £5 million, 1 to 3 weeks to set up.
- Buying or refinancing premises: a commercial mortgage. Owner-occupier, typically £100,000 to £5 million, loan-to-value usually up to 75%, terms up to 25 years, in 6 to 12 weeks.
- A step up the high street said no to: a Growth Guarantee Scheme facility. A 70% government guarantee to the lender often unlocks a yes. You stay liable for the full loan. £25,001 to £2 million, typically 4 to 8 weeks. See What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)?.
- Buying another business: acquisition finance. Cash-flow-led structures sized on the combined business, up to £10 million, typically 6 to 12 weeks. See our acquisition finance page.
Not sure which fits?
Tell us what the money is for, and we'll come back with two or three options. Ranges and timings are typical, not promises. Every case is priced on its own facts.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026