How quickly can a UK business get funding?
By Bridgemead Finance ·
Quick answer: some business funding, such as a merchant cash advance or a smaller unsecured loan, can be arranged within a few days. Asset finance and invoice finance usually take one to three weeks. Property-backed finance usually takes several weeks because of valuations and legal work. Having your documents ready is the single biggest thing you can do to speed things up.
Typical timescales by type of finance
These are typical ranges, not guarantees. Every lender and every application is different.
| Type of finance | Typical time to funds |
|---|---|
| Merchant cash advance | A few days |
| Unsecured business loan | A few days to two weeks |
| Asset and equipment finance | A few days to two weeks |
| Invoice finance | One to three weeks to set up, then funds against new invoices usually within a day or so |
| Tax and VAT funding | A few days to two weeks |
| Bridging finance | Typically two to six weeks |
| Commercial mortgage or development finance | Several weeks to a few months |
| Business acquisition finance | Usually several weeks or more, alongside the deal timetable |
What slows applications down
- Missing or out-of-date accounts and bank statements
- Unclear explanation of what the money is for
- Credit issues that haven’t been explained upfront
- Waiting for valuations, solicitors or landlord consents on secured deals
How to speed things up
- Gather your last two years’ accounts, recent management accounts and three to six months of business bank statements. See what information a business lender needs.
- Be clear about how much you need, what it is for and when you need it.
- Mention any credit issues at the start.
- Use a broker who knows which lenders can meet your timescale.
Need funding soon?
Bridgemead Finance is a UK commercial finance broker. Tell us your deadline and we’ll say honestly which options can realistically meet it. Start your enquiry.
This guide is general information, not financial advice.