Portman Asset Finance Limited, established in 2007 and based in Northampton, operates as both an independent finance broker and lender. It caters to UK SMEs by offering asset, vehicle, and business finance options. The company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit-related activities and collaborates with over 40 funders alongside its in-house lending division. This combined approach provides a broad spectrum of funding products, which may suit businesses ranging from start-ups to well-established firms seeking various financing solutions. For an overview of asset finance, see asset finance options.
Key Features of Portman Asset Finance
Portman Asset Finance offers practical benefits that can accommodate diverse business needs through both direct funding and brokering services. Their portfolio and approach emphasise flexibility and sector expertise.
- Wide product range including asset, property, and specialist sector finance; see financing options.
- Access to 40+ partner lenders increasing acceptance rates; details on lenders.
- Soft-credit searches at quotation for less impact on credit reports; understand credit score basics.
Funding Eligibility
Eligibility varies by product, but generally, you may qualify if your business is a UK registered limited company or LLP with suitable trading history and turnover. Personal guarantees from directors are commonly required, and some sector exclusions apply. Learn about business loan eligibility.
- Minimum trading period from start-ups with 0-3 months for some loan types; more established businesses usually require 6-12+ months.
- Typically, a minimum annual turnover of around £100,000 for unsecured and invoice finance; lower for asset finance.
See eligibility checker tool. - Directors’ personal guarantees are standard; read about personal guarantees.
Loan Options
Portman Asset Finance provides a spectrum of business loans, starting from £5,000 for some products up to £10 million for complex financing needs. Terms vary typically between 1 and 7 years depending on the product.
- Hire Purchase (Asset Finance): £10,000 – £2,000,000; 1 – 7 years; rates from 4.9% to 12.9% flat. Ownership at end of term.
Learn more about asset finance. - Finance Lease: £10,000 – £1,500,000; 2 – 7 years; from 5.5% flat. May offer off-balance sheet treatment.
Details on finance leases. - Equipment Loan (Unsecured): £5,000 – £250,000; 1 – 5 years; rates 6.9% – 19.9% APR.
Equipment finance options. - Vehicle Finance: £5,000 – £500,000; 2 – 5 years; from 6.0% flat.
Read about vehicle finance. - Unsecured Business Loan: £10,000 – £500,000; 3 months – 5 years; 7.9% – 29.9% APR.
Unsecured loans explained. - Refinance / Sale & Leaseback: £25,000 – £1,000,000; 1 – 5 years; from 6.5% flat.
Loan refinancing information. - Invoice Finance: Facility up to 90% of invoice value, typically £50,000 – £5,000,000 with rolling terms.
Invoice finance overview. - Merchant Cash Advance: £5,000 – £300,000; 3 – 18 months; factor rate 1.1 – 1.4.
MCA loans explained. - VAT & Corporation Tax Loan: £10,000 – £500,000; 3 – 12 months; 1% – 2.5% per month.
VAT loan details. - Bridging & Property Development Finance: £100,000 – £10,000,000; 3 – 24 months bridging, up to 36 months development; 0.55% – 1.2% monthly interest.
Bridging loans explained.
How to Apply
The application process at Portman Asset Finance is mostly digital, with soft-credit checks during initial enquiry. Expect quick indicative decisions and fast funding depending on loan type.
- Submit an online enquiry form; see the application form and steps.
- Provide required documents including filed accounts, bank statements, proof of ID, and asset quotations; guidance on application requirements.
- Application reviewed and decision communicated usually within 4 to 24 hours for simpler requests; learn more at instant decision loans.
- Upon approval, sign documents electronically; expect funding as soon as same day for unsecured loans.
Additional info on same day funding.
Funding Agent's View on Portman Asset Finance
Portman Asset Finance offers UK SMEs access to an extensive range of finance products from £5,000 to £10 million, spanning asset finance, working capital, and property funding. The combination of direct lending and brokering with over 40 panel lenders enhances flexibility and the likelihood of securing funding. Its acceptance of start-ups and quick decision times suit growing businesses, while the wide product range can accommodate established firms requiring more complex loans. For further assistance, visit our tools, explore loan comparison resources to find suitable finance options.
