Commercial Finance
Commercial finance provides businesses with a wide range of funding options tailored to different needs and goals — from short-term loans for immediate cash flow, tax & VAT funding, to longer-term loans for investment or expansion.
Invoice financing releases cash tied up in unpaid invoices, while merchant cash advances provide flexible funding based on future card sales. Whatever your objective — managing cash flow, financing new opportunities, or consolidating existing commitments — Essential Finance Partners can help you find the right solution.
Business Loans
Whether you’re expanding or smoothing cash flow, business loans provide flexible finance so you can invest without draining working capital.
With tailored terms and structured repayments, loans can stabilise cash flow and support growth. Timely repayments can also help strengthen your business credit profile for future funding.
Essential Finance Partners will help you navigate the market with access to a broad panel of lenders and products, matching a solution to your circumstances.
Unsecured Loans
No property used as collateral; lenders typically require a director/personal guarantee. Terms and rates vary by credit strength, loan size and term.
Secured Loans
Backed by property (sometimes alongside a director/personal guarantee). Lower perceived risk can mean keener rates, subject to overall profile.
Tax & VAT Funding
Spread larger tax liabilities across fixed instalments to protect cash flow. VAT loans typically match the quarter (e.g., 3 months), while tax loans often run up to 12 months.
Short-Term Funding
Access options from select lenders for 3–12 month terms to handle immediate needs.
Invoice Finance
Borrow against outstanding invoices to accelerate cash flow instead of waiting for customer payment terms.
Invoice Discounting
You keep control of your credit control and receive an advance against eligible invoices. Customers are typically unaware of the facility.
Invoice Factoring
Sell invoices to a factoring provider (at a discount) and outsource collections — freeing time and smoothing cash flow.
Typical Fees & Advances
Lenders typically advance 80%–95% of invoice value. Fees depend on invoice value/tenor and the business’s risk profile.
Merchant Cash Advance
An MCA provides a lump sum repaid via a percentage of future card sales — ideal for card-heavy businesses with seasonal or variable revenue.
Flexible Repayments
Repay more when sales are strong and less when quieter — repayments flex automatically with card takings.
Fast Access
Typically quicker to arrange than traditional loans — useful for stock, marketing or surprise expenses.
No Fixed Collateral
Approval focuses on card sales performance rather than asset security.
Cash Flow Control
No fixed monthly instalments — deductions happen as a share of card revenue.
Debt Consolidation
Combine multiple liabilities into one, simplifying repayments and potentially lowering overall costs to create clearer cash-flow planning.
Simplify Repayments
One payment date and one facility can reduce admin and missed-payment risk.
Potentially Lower Interest
Depending on terms and security, consolidation can reduce blended borrowing costs.
Less Admin, Less Stress
Streamline multiple agreements and focus on running the business.
Strengthen Financial Health
With a clear plan and consistent payments, you can improve predictability and stability over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many different products — how do I know which is best for me?
“Commercial finance” covers multiple products. Speak to a broker who can understand your goals and recommend the most suitable route.
What’s the difference between secured & unsecured loans?
Unsecured loans generally avoid a property charge but often require a director/personal guarantee. Secured loans are backed by property.
Can I repay early & settle the finance?
Often yes, but terms vary by lender. Ask upfront; your broker can confirm early-settlement terms and any fees.
What is Invoice Discounting?
You remain responsible for credit control. The lender advances funds against your invoices to help maintain critical cash flow.
What is Invoice Factoring?
The lender effectively provides credit control/collections and takes a fee from recovered invoices, so you can focus on operations.
Is Merchant Cash Advance for me?
It’s typically used by businesses with significant card turnover. If that’s you, an MCA could be worth exploring.
What is Debt Consolidation?
If you have multiple commitments, consolidation could reduce the number of agreements and set clearer terms. Always discuss with a professional.
Obligation Free Quotation
Call us or drop us a quick message to get your obligation-free quotation in minutes.
Call Us
Nottingham: +44 1156 860985
London: +44 2038 860985
Email Us
info@essentialfinance.co.uk
Open Hours:
Mon–Friday: 9AM - 5PM