Business finance in London

Business finance in London is usually about timing: covering costs that fall due before customers pay. The capital's economy is broad, so the finance a company needs depends far more on how it trades than on its postcode.

Beyond the office districts, London has large industrial and logistics areas in its outer boroughs, such as Park Royal in the west and the Lea Valley in the east. These areas are home to food producers, wholesalers, couriers, printers and trade suppliers that serve the rest of the city. Many run vans and specialist equipment and sell on credit terms to other businesses.

Vehicle operators should also factor in the Ultra Low Emission Zone, which now covers all London boroughs. Older vans that do not meet the standards may face a daily charge, so some companies choose to replace vehicles earlier than planned. Check Transport for London's current rules before you buy.

Most London enquiries fall into a handful of product types. Each has its own page with more detail for the capital:

• Asset finance in London spreads the cost of kitchen equipment, machinery, IT or plant over its working life, often through hire purchase.
• Vehicle and fleet finance in London can help replace vans and cars with newer models, for example to meet emission standards.
• Unsecured business loans in London provide a lump sum without a charge over a specific asset, although lenders often ask directors for a personal guarantee.
• Working capital finance in London helps with payroll, rent and supplier bills while income catches up.
• Invoice finance in London releases cash tied up in unpaid invoices to business customers.
• Merchant cash advance in London is repaid as a share of future card takings, which can suit restaurants, bars and shops.

Sector matters too. Lenders look closely at seasonality in hospitality and at stage payments and retentions in construction, so it helps to explain how money flows through your company from the start.

We work with London companies remotely, by phone, email, chat and online. The whole process can be handled without a face-to-face meeting, at times that suit you.

1. Start with our 60-second eligibility check online. It does not affect your credit score.
2. Your dedicated relationship manager, a real person, contacts you by phone, email or chat to understand what the money is for and how your company trades.
3. They approach suitable lenders on our panel and explain the options that come back in plain English.
4. If you decide to apply, the lender runs its own credit checks and makes its own decision. Your relationship manager stays with you until the lender pays out the funds.

We do not charge you a fee. We are paid a commission by the lender when the finance completes. You can ask how much we will receive, and the amount can differ between lenders.

Do lenders treat London companies differently?

Not usually because of location alone. Lenders typically focus on trading history, turnover, profitability, credit records and the purpose of the funding. Higher London costs can affect how much a lender thinks a company can comfortably repay.

Can finance help us replace vans that are not ULEZ compliant?

Often, yes. Hire purchase, leasing and other vehicle finance can spread the cost of newer vehicles. Remember that the vehicle may be repossessed if payments are missed, so check the monthly cost fits your cash flow.

Who can apply through Welcome Finance?

We arrange unregulated finance for UK limited companies, LLPs and partnerships of four or more partners. Lenders set their own minimum trading period and turnover requirements, and approval is a decision for the lender.