LDF Operations Limited, trading as LDF, is a UK non-bank lender established in 1986. It specialises in asset finance and unsecured business lending tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises. LDF operates with its own balance-sheet funding and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 774712). The lender offers diverse financing options suitable for established businesses seeking flexible credit solutions without requiring traditional real-estate security. For an overview of relevant unsecured business loans, see unsecured business loans and general business loans.
Key Features of LDF Lending
LDF provides a technology-driven application process combined with dedicated account management, serving UK-registered businesses mainly via digital and telephone channels.
- Fast online application and same-day credit decisions, supported by a digital unsecured loan application.
- Wide product range including loans, asset finance, and specialist tax funding detailed at asset finance options.
- Dedicated UK-based support team with tailored account management and a customer portal offering statements and settlement quotes.
- Supplier payment facility enabling staged draw-downs enhances payment flexibility.
- Integration with Open Banking for instant bank statement retrieval to speed decision-making.
Funding Eligibility with LDF
You may qualify for LDF lending if your business typically operates with a minimum trading history of 12 to 24 months, depending on the product, and meets turnover benchmarks starting at £100,000 annually. Lending is restricted to UK-registered companies, excluding sectors like speculative property development and gambling. Personal guarantees from directors are usually mandatory, reflecting standard personal guarantee requirements. For further advice on qualifiers, refer to the business loan qualification guide and the guarantor definition.
Loan Options Provided by LDF
LDF offers several distinct loan types tailored to different business needs, with details below. Interest rates and terms reflect a balance-sheet lending model with product-specific eligibility criteria.
- Unsecured Business Term Loan: Loans from £10,000 to £2,000,000 with terms of 12 to 60 months. Representative rates range from 6.9% to 18.9% fixed per annum (APR 12.9%). No physical asset security required up to £250,000. Details and application at unsecured business loans.
- Asset Finance – Hire Purchase: Finance from £5,000 to £5,000,000 over 12 to 84 months. Rates run from 4.5% to 12% flat (equivalent APR 8% to 15%). Assets financed include plant, vehicles, IT, and software. Full ownership passes after the final payment. See asset finance options and use the asset finance calculator.
- VAT & Corporation Tax Loan: Tax loans between £10,000 and £500,000 for 3 to 12 months with flat monthly rates of 0.75% to 1.25%. No tangible security required but personal guarantees apply. HMRC is paid directly. Application guidance is available via related tax funding info.
How to Apply for Funding from LDF
LDF’s application process is primarily online or via telephone underwriting. Decision times can be as quick as 2 to 4 working hours for smaller loans under £150,000, with typical funding within one to two days post-approval.
- Submit an online application or phone their underwriting team, beginning at Funding Agent application form.
- Provide required documents: latest filed accounts, 3 to 6 months of business bank statements, director identification and address verification, plus asset invoices or quotations if applicable.
- LDF undertakes credit and affordability checks, with some cases offering instant bank statement retrieval via Open Banking for faster underwriting.
- Sign digitally through their e-signature platform to confirm loan agreements and enable speedy fund draw-down.
Funding Agent's View on LDF
LDF operates as a dedicated lender with a niche in the SME lending market by pairing balance-sheet lending with modern digital tools. Its focus on asset finance and specialist tax loans suits established UK businesses seeking rapid, flexible finance options without real-estate collateral. Firms should consider the need for personal guarantees and potentially higher rates compared with mainstream banks. For those assessing suitability or comparing lenders, relevant resources include the free loan calculators and tools, and thorough checks at loan eligibility advice. Explore unsecured business lending options and asset finance alternatives to find a suitable match for your business needs.
