Empire Commercial Finance is a UK-based brokerage established in 2014. It connects businesses and property investors with a broad panel of banks, specialist lenders, and alternative finance providers. As an authorised and regulated credit broker (FRN 736453), it does not lend its own money but arranges various secured and unsecured funding solutions. This approach suits SMEs and property professionals seeking tailored finance, with options from small unsecured loans to complex property developments. For an overview of business financing options and secured lending, see business loans and commercial mortgages.
Key features of Empire Commercial Finance
Empire Commercial Finance offers practical support for diverse funding needs. Its market reach and service model enable customised guidance and packaging for complex deals.
- Access to over 200 UK lenders including banks and specialist funders; see our lenders directory.
- Dedicated case managers provide tailored assistance from enquiry to completion.
- Indicative terms often delivered within 24 hours, aiding swift decision-making; learn about short-term business financing.
- Ability to structure layered finance such as bridging combined with development exit finance.
- Supports both regulated and unregulated property transactions nationwide.
Funding eligibility
Qualification criteria vary by product and lender. Generally, you may qualify if your business meets certain trading or asset requirements. Personal or director guarantees are commonly needed for larger loans.
- Trading history requirements range from none (for asset-backed property finance) to 3–12 months for unsecured or asset finance; details on loan eligibility requirements.
- Turnover thresholds apply, with unsecured loans requiring from £60,000 annually and invoice finance often above £250,000; see financial tools for self-assessment.
- Personal guarantee expectations and implications are explained in understanding personal guarantees.
Loan options
Empire Commercial Finance arranges multiple loan types to cover a range of business and property funding needs. Below are some key options with respective features:
- Unsecured Business Loans: £5,000 to £500,000 over 3 months to 5 years. Rates from 7.90% APR; full personal guarantees required. Suitable for businesses with minimum 3 months trading and £5,000 monthly turnover. More details at unsecured business loans.
- Asset Finance: £10,000 to £2,000,000 over 1 to 7 years. Rates from approximately 8% to 14% APR, secured against the asset. Minimum 6 months trading, start-ups considered with deposit. Learn about asset finance options.
- Invoice Finance: Facilities from £50,000 to £5,000,000, revolving 12-month agreements, up to 90% of invoice value. Requires minimum £250,000 turnover and creditworthy invoices. Find out more on invoice financing.
- Commercial Mortgages: £50,000 to £25,000,000 over 1 to 30 years. Rates starting from 2.50% above Bank Base Rate variable or 3.50% fixed, plus fees. Generally 12 months trading or evidenced rental income required. Details at commercial mortgages.
- Bridging Loans: £100,000 to £25,000,000 over 1 to 24 months. Rates 0.55% to 1.20% per month. No minimum trading history required as asset-backed finance. See our guide to bridging loans.
- Development Finance: £250,000 to £25,000,000 over 3 to 36 months. Interest 6.50% to 10.00% p.a., rolled or serviced. Typically for experienced developers with strong teams. More on development finance.
How to apply
Applications are typically made via enquiry forms, phone, or email with document uploads through secure portals. Approval and funding times vary by product and lender.
- Submit initial enquiry using the online application form or contact the broker by phone or email.
- Provide key documents such as recent filed or management accounts, bank statements, ID, and asset or property details; see our application service provider glossary entry for context.
- Expect indicative terms within 24 hours for many property loans; formal credit approval may take 2 to 10 working days depending on complexity; review our insights on loan approval timelines.
- Upon approval, sign agreements and complete legal processes before receiving funds.
Funding Agent's view on Empire Commercial Finance
Empire Commercial Finance offers a wide spectrum of lending solutions through a comprehensive lender panel. Its brokerage model and hands-on case management suit businesses and property investors needing bespoke funding packages, including complex layered deals. The trade-off includes broker fees on successful facilities, dependency on third-party lender terms, and limited self-service digital options. For businesses seeking to explore financial suitability and compare loan options, Funding Agent offers tools like the loan eligibility checker, loan calculators, and a detailed guide on how to qualify for a business loan in the UK.



