Simply Business Finance Limited is a UK credit broker established in 2016 that arranges a range of commercial finance solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It operates an online platform backed by dedicated account managers to help businesses access funding from a broad panel of specialist lenders. This setup may suit growing businesses that seek a variety of finance products including secured and unsecured loans, as well as alternative funding. Learn more in our Simply Business Finance reviews and find options in business loans.
Key features of Simply Business Finance
The broker offers several practical features that assist businesses in obtaining suitable finance. It combines a digital application process with human support and a broad lender panel.
- Single online application form with e-signature available
- Access to specialist lenders to improve funding chances via Simply Business Finance reviews
- Dedicated account managers reachable by phone, email and live chat
- Open Banking and cloud accounting integration for quicker underwriting
- No broker fee on most products, with pre-qualification via a soft credit search
Funding eligibility criteria
Typically, businesses may qualify if they have between 6 to 24 months of trading history depending on the finance type and meet sector and turnover requirements. Eligibility is primarily for UK-registered SMEs excluding some higher-risk industries.
- Minimum trading periods range from 6 months for asset finance to 24 months for secured loans - see eligibility requirements
- Annual turnover minimums vary, starting around £75,000 for unsecured loans, rising to £250,000 for invoice finance
- Excluded sectors include arms, gambling, adult entertainment, and speculative property businesses
- Business must be registered in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
Loan options available
Simply Business Finance brokers a wide array of products suitable for different business needs, from small loans to multi-million pound property development finance.
- Unsecured Business Term Loan: £5,000–£500,000, 3 months to 5 years, typical APR 7.9%–29.9%, usually requiring 12 months trading and personal guarantees.
- Secured Business Loan: £25,000–£2,000,000, 1 to 10 years, APR 4.9%–15.0%, requiring property or asset security and 18–24 months trading.
- Asset Finance (Hire Purchase & Finance Lease): £10,000–£1,000,000, terms 12 months to 7 years, flat rate 5.5%–18.0%, secured on the asset leased, 6 months trading minimum.
- Invoice Finance: Facilities from £25,000 to £5,000,000, rolling 12 months, service fees 0.3%–3% plus interest on drawn funds, requires minimum £250,000 invoiceable turnover.
- Merchant Cash Advance: £5,000–£300,000, 3 to 18 months repaid via card sales, factor rate 1.1 to 1.5 times advance, suitable for businesses with monthly card sales over £5,000.
- Bridging Finance: £50,000–£10,000,000, 1 to 24 months, monthly interest 0.55%–1.5%, asset-secured with no trading history required.
- Property Development Finance: £100,000–£20,000,000, 6 to 36 months, annual interest 6%–12%, requires development experience and a charge on the site.
- Revolving Credit Facility: £10,000–£300,000, renewable 6 or 12 months, monthly interest 1%–3%, suited for short-term working capital.
- Trade Finance: £50,000–£2,000,000, 30 to 180 days per transaction, interest 1%–2.5% per 30-day period, secures goods in transit or debtor assignment.
- Startup Loan: £500–£25,000 per director, 1 to 5 years, fixed 6% interest, unsecured government-backed loan for new businesses.
How to apply for finance
Applications proceed fully online with quick preliminary decisions. Documents evidencing business performance and identity are required. Personal guarantees are common.
- Complete online enquiry and application form with e-signature via application form
- Participate in a telephone consultation to discuss business needs and products
- Submit latest filed accounts, bank statements, ID, and any required additional documents - see document checklist
- Receive indicative decisions within 24 hours and sign final agreements electronically
Funding Agent’s view on Simply Business Finance
Simply Business Finance presents a useful one-stop digital conduit to a broad spectrum of UK SME funding solutions. Its panel supports mainstream and niche products from £5,000 to £20 million. The combination of online tools and human account management suits businesses seeking choice and speed. Start-ups and companies with limited security may access unsecured and alternative finance options. Prospective borrowers should consult our eligibility guide, use the business loan calculator, and review financing options to identify appropriate products before applying.