Growth Lending Group Limited is a UK-based alternative lender established in 2013, offering tailored finance solutions for high-growth small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It provides various funding products including invoice finance, term loans, venture debt, and specialised tax-credit advances. These solutions target established businesses with a notable turnover or annual recurring revenue and aim to address both working capital and growth capital needs. The lender operates under Financial Conduct Authority regulation for credit activities, catering particularly to scaling firms, including venture-backed and private equity-backed businesses. For a broader understanding of alternative lending options, see alternative finance loans and for lender types visit lenders overview.
Key Features of Growth Lending Group
Growth Lending offers an array of practical features to support SME clients with flexible and integrated finance solutions:
- Online portal facilitates invoice submissions and drawdowns, enhancing convenience and control; explore more on financial tools.
- API integration with popular accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage allows for live ledger monitoring, connecting finances seamlessly.
- Dedicated portfolio manager supports clients throughout the loan lifecycle, ensuring smooth facility management.
Eligibility for Funding
Typically, businesses may qualify if they have a minimum trading history and turnover or recurring revenue aligned with the product requirements. For instance, most products require between six months and two years of trading and either £500,000 ARR or £2 million turnover. This makes the lender suitable for well-established and growing SMEs rather than start-ups without a revenue track record. Specific eligibility criteria and application guidance can be found in how to qualify for a business loan in the UK, loan eligibility criteria, and insights on personal guarantee requirements.
Loan Options Available
Growth Lending provides several loan types tailored to different SME needs, structured around growth, cashflow, and tax credit financing:
- Confidential Invoice Discounting Facility: Funding lines from £250,000 to £10,000,000 with revolving terms of 12 to 36 months. Interest includes a monthly discount fee from 1.25% to 2.50% plus service fees. Business must have at least 12 months trading and £2 million turnover. More details at invoice financing overview.
- Selective / Spot Invoice Finance: For £50,000 to £1,000,000 per invoice over terms of 30-120 days. Rates run from 1.75% to 3.00% flat fee per 30 days funded. Applicants require £500,000+ turnover and 6+ months trading. Information available through invoice financing resources.
- Growth Term Loan: Loans between £250,000 and £10,000,000, repayable over 12 months to 5 years, with fixed or floating rates of 8% to 15% per annum. Typically needs two years trading or VC backing and £2 million turnover or £1 million ARR. Find details at term loans explained.
- Venture Debt / Recurring Revenue Loan: Amounts from £500,000 to £5,000,000, 24 to 48 months terms, aimed at VC-backed SaaS or tech firms with £500,000+ ARR and 18 months trading. Interest rates range between 10% and 14% per annum. More on venture debt and debt financing options.
- R&D Tax Credit Advance: Provides £100,000 to £2,000,000 against validated R&D tax credit claims, with 3 to 12 months terms. Monthly flat fees range from 1.0% to 1.75%. Suitable for UK taxpaying businesses with professional claim validation. See R&D tax relief advances for details.
How to Apply
The application process is primarily online, combining convenience with thorough due diligence. Applicants should expect to provide financial statements, debtor lists, forecasts, and corporate documents. The provider offers timely decisions and rapid funding upon approval.
- Start by completing an online enquiry form and uploading necessary documents; more information is at application form details.
- Provide required supporting documents including accounts, debtor lists, bank statements, and forecasts as guided in application document checklist.
- Expect initial decisions within 48 hours and final approval typically within 5-10 working days, with quick funding thereafter; see typical loan approval timelines.
Funding Agent's View on Growth Lending Group Limited
Growth Lending occupies a distinct position between conventional banks and equity investors, providing flexible capital facilities up to £10 million suited to scaling SMEs and technology firms focusing on fast growth. Its combination of invoice finance, venture debt, and R&D tax credit advances appeals to established businesses that value speed and adaptable structures more than bank-level pricing. However, its revenue thresholds and reporting requirements may exclude start-ups and very small enterprises. For exploring other funding options and eligibility, consider using the loan eligibility guide, funding tools, or bank vs alternative lenders comparison.
