Business loans

Secured business loan

For companies, sole traders and partnerships. Security by debenture over the company’s assets, or specific plant, machinery or property. Repayment from 6 months to 10 years. Typical range £5,000–£10 million.

Apply for Secured business loanLoan estimatorLearn moreOn qedfinance.com
Range
From £5,000
Term
6 months–10 years
Family
loans
Search
Full market, one file

At a glance

  • £5k–£10m
  • 6 months–10 years
  • Debenture or specific security
  • Working capital & growth

How it works

  1. 1A term loan to a company, sole trader or partnership, typically £5,000–£10 million.
  2. 2Security may be an all-asset debenture, or specific plant, machinery or property.
  3. 3Repayment from 6 months to 10 years. Larger loans can be structured (step-up, interest-only periods).
  4. 4Use of funds is flexible: cash flow, payroll, stock, premises, growth.

Who it’s for

  • Businesses that can offer security and want a larger cheque or longer term
  • Companies refinancing dearer short-term debt

Good to know

A debenture is a charge over company assets — it does not always mean a personal guarantee, though PGs are common.

QED’s loan estimator on this app uses the same illustrative rates as qedfinance.com/quote (around 7.9–11.7% plus a platform fee). Actual offers vary.

One application with QED searches the full market. That saves you running the same file around several lenders, and it avoids multiple credit searches on the business and directors. A hard search is only placed when you proceed with a chosen lender.

Documents QED will ask for

Same list as the attach-files section on the website application. Tick what you have when you apply; email the rest.

  • Last 2 years’ published accounts (full, not abbreviated)
  • Last 6 months’ business bank statements, up to today
  • Latest management accounts
  • Use-of-funds note and any contracts the loan will pay
  • Existing loan / RLS statements if refinancing

FAQ

Drawn from qedfinance.com and the way the UK market actually underwrites these facilities.

How quickly can I access funds once approved?

It varies by lender and whether security needs to be registered. Unsecured lines can be faster; property-backed loans wait on legal work.

Can I increase the loan later?

Often yes, subject to trading and conduct. Some houses offer a second draw or a top-up product.

Are there options for women-led businesses?

Yes. The panel includes lenders with specialised programmes. Mention it on the application and QED will look for those houses.

Does exploring loan options affect my business’s credit rating?

Initiating a search with QED Finance will not impact your credit score. Credit checks that may affect a score only occur when you proceed with a loan application through a partner lender.

Can I repay my loan early through your partners?

Yes. The network includes lenders who allow early repayments. Specific terms, including any fees, depend on the lender.

What purposes do businesses typically secure loans for?

Working capital, cash flow, operational expenses, payroll, stock, premises, tax, digital marketing and growth-related investment.

Is it possible to get a loan with less-than-ideal credit?

The panel is wide. Partners look at overall business health and history, not only a credit score. A low score can still limit options with some houses.

Can I increase the loan amount later?

Depending on trading and conduct with the lender, additional funding is often possible — a top-up or a second draw.

Do your partner lenders offer both secured and unsecured loans?

Yes. The network includes both, which is why the application asks what security you can offer.

What are the typical terms?

Widely varying. Short-term options and longer arrangements (secured loans commonly 6 months to 10 years) are available, tailored to the file. Typical range £5,000–£10 million.

What credit criteria do lenders consider?

More than a score: trading history, bank conduct, affordability, security, use of funds and the people behind the business.

What if I’ve previously been declined a loan?

Past rejections do not prevent a later approval. Different houses use different criteria. QED reassesses the file and places it with suitable lenders.

Does exploring loan options affect my credit rating?

Initiating a search with QED Finance will not impact your credit score. Credit checks that may affect a score only occur when you proceed with a partner lender.

Can I repay early?

The panel includes lenders who allow early repayment. Specific terms and any fees depend on the lender chosen.

What if I have been declined before?

A past rejection does not prevent a later approval. Different houses use different criteria; QED reassesses the file and places it with suitable lenders.

Is less-than-ideal credit a blocker?

Not automatically. Partners look at overall business health, not only a credit score.

Prefer a number first?

Run the same calculator that sits on the website, then apply if the shape looks right.

Open the calculator

QED is a broker, not a lender. A low credit score can limit options with some houses; a search with us does not place a hard search on the business or directors until you proceed with a chosen lender.