ThinCats (Business Loan Network Limited) was founded in 2011 and operates as a UK-based alternative lender. It specialises in providing secured, bespoke funding solutions for established SMEs, typically arranging loans between £1 million and £15 million funded by institutional investors. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 660906) for credit-related regulated activities. ThinCats targets mid-market cash-generative SMEs seeking capital for growth, acquisitions, or refinancing. Further information on UK business loans and alternative finance loans can provide helpful context for understanding this lender's market positioning.
Key Features of ThinCats
ThinCats offers a range of practical features designed to address the needs of established SMEs needing bespoke loan structures and relatively large funding amounts.
- The ‘Pronto’ online platform provides quick indicative terms, simplifying initial enquiries for advisers and borrowers alike (Quick Business Finance).
- Dedicated regional credit and relationship directors support clients personally throughout the loan term, combining data-driven underwriting with human interaction.
- Flexible loan structures include interest-only periods, bullet repayments, and step-up profiles tailored for complex business needs (Term Loans).
- Facilities can co-exist with existing bank or asset-based lending arrangements through a flexible inter-creditor approach (Asset Based Lending).
- Transparent fees cover arrangement and monitoring costs, with no standard early repayment charges after a 12-month initial period in most cases (Advance Payment).
Funding Eligibility
Applicants may qualify for ThinCats funding if they meet several key criteria commonly applied in mid-market lending. Typically, this includes at least two years of filed accounts, with three years preferred, demonstrating profitability and a minimum annual turnover of around £1 million. Businesses must be incorporated and operating in the UK, excluding certain sectors such as speculative property development and gambling. Borrowers should be aware that personal and director guarantees and substantial security or collateral are often required (How to Qualify for a Business Loan in the UK, Guarantor, Collateral).
Loan Options
ThinCats offers a variety of secured loan types tailored to mid-market SMEs. These options typically involve loan amounts from £1 million up to £15 million, for terms ranging from one to six years. Interest rates usually fall between 6% and 13% per annum.
- Secured Business Term Loan: £1 million to £15 million, terms of 1 to 6 years, with fixed or floating interest from 6.0% to 13.0% p.a. Offers tailored repayment structures and can support significant expansion projects (Term Loans).
- Asset Refinance / Capital Release Loan: £1 million to £10 million for terms of 1 to 5 years with rates from 6.5% to 12.5% p.a. Enables unlocking cash tied in plant, machinery, or property while maintaining equity levels (Asset Finance).
- Acquisition / Management Buy-out Finance: Up to £15 million over 3 to 6 years, rates typically between 6.5% and 12.0% p.a., with flexible repayment including bullet or payment-in-kind options (Buyout).
- Refinance / Debt Restructure Loan: £1 million to £15 million, offering terms of 1 to 6 years with interest rates from 6.0% to 11.5% p.a. Helps consolidate existing debt and potentially extend loan tenor (Business Loan Refinancing).
How to Apply
ThinCats facilitates applications primarily through its Pronto platform or accredited introducers, combining digital enquiry with offline negotiation and due diligence. Expect a structured process detailed as follows:
- Submit your initial enquiry or application form online to receive indicative terms often within 24 to 48 hours (Application Form).
- Provide detailed documentation including statutory accounts, management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and security details for full credit assessment (Loan Eligibility & Documents Needed).
- Allow 5 to 10 business days for full credit approval, followed by legal completion and typical fund release within 5 to 7 working days (Loan Approval Timeline).
Funding Agent's View on ThinCats
ThinCats occupies a defined niche serving established UK SMEs with substantial funding requirements from £1 million upwards. Its data-driven and regional credit model enables some speed and flexibility advantages over traditional banks. However, the lender’s secured loans, personal guarantees, and minimum eligibility thresholds suit mature, profit-generating businesses rather than startups or smaller enterprises. Prospective borrowers should assess their fit against these criteria and consider multiple options using tools like the loan calculators, eligibility guides, and refinancing resources.
