Intro — quick answer and what we do

At UK Business Loans we connect hotels and hospitality businesses with lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial finance. We are an introducer — we do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Whether a lender or broker is FCA‑regulated depends on the product being offered and who is borrowing. For example, many commercial mortgages, development loans and business finance facilities for limited companies are treated as commercial (not consumer) and fall outside the FCA’s consumer credit rules, whereas consumer credit products, certain platform lending and regulated mortgages do attract FCA oversight.

Need certainty? Complete a Free Eligibility Check and tell us you prefer an FCA‑authorised partner — we’ll prioritise introductions where that preference is available. Get Quote Now

Who the FCA regulates: a short explainer (context for hotels)

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates firms carrying out certain financial activities in the UK, particularly where consumers or regulated retail investment products are involved. Key regulated areas include:

• Consumer credit (loans to individuals and some sole traders)
• Mortgages that meet the definition of a regulated mortgage contract
• Investment and P2P platform activity
• Financial promotions and advice when the activity falls within the regulatory perimeter

Importantly, FCA regulation is activity‑based: whether a lender or broker must be authorised depends on the nature of the service and the borrower. For commercial borrowing by limited companies — the most common structure for hotels — the consumer credit rules often don’t apply. Still, many reputable brokers and lenders choose to seek FCA authorisation or to operate with similar governance standards to give customers extra assurance.

Check a firm’s live status yourself on the FCA Register: https://register.fca.org.uk/.

How FCA rules apply to typical hotel finance products

Commercial mortgages & property development loans

Most commercial mortgages and development loans used to buy or refurbish a hotel owned by a limited company or special purpose vehicle (SPV) are treated as commercial finance. These typically sit outside the FCA’s consumer credit rules. That said, if a facility is structured in a way that creates regulated mortgage characteristics or the borrower is an individual in a consumer capacity, FCA rules may apply. Always ask lenders to confirm whether an agreement is regulated.

Short‑term bridging finance and development funding

Bridging and development lenders vary. Some operate as institutional commercial lenders, others are specialist funds or peer‑to‑peer platforms. If the lender provides regulated consumer credit or operates an FCA‑regulated platform, they must be authorised. Always ask for the firm’s FCA firm reference number (FRN) and details of permissions.

Asset finance, equipment and working capital

Equipment and asset finance for kitchens, furniture, plant and other hotel equipment is usually commercial. If the counterparty is a business (a limited company) the FCA consumer protections are typically not engaged. But when finance is given to an individual (rare for hotels) consumer credit rules could apply.

Invoice finance & cashflow facilities

Invoice discounting, factoring and most cashflow facilities for businesses are commercial products and are not usually regulated by the FCA as consumer credit. Firms providing these services often follow professional standards and industry codes, but FSCS protection does not normally apply to commercial facilities.

If you want us to focus on FCA‑authorised partners for your enquiry, mention this preference in the form and we’ll prioritise matches where available. Free Eligibility Check

Broker vs lender: who needs FCA authorisation?

Understanding roles helps you know who should be authorised.

• Brokers / Intermediaries: A broker that provides regulated consumer credit activities (or gives regulated advice) must be authorised by the FCA. Many commercial brokers operate outside the FCA perimeter because they only place commercial finance, but some choose to be authorised to increase trust.
• Lenders: Lenders that originate regulated consumer credit, operate P2P platforms or sell regulated investment products generally need FCA authorisation. Commercial funders and private debt providers may not be regulated by the FCA where their activity is strictly commercial.

Bottom line: a firm’s need for FCA authorisation depends on the activity, the product and the borrower. If you require an FCA‑authorised partner, tell us when you submit your enquiry and we’ll try to match you accordingly. Get Matched — Free Eligibility Check

How UK Business Loans vets our partners (our due diligence)

UK Business Loans is an introducer. We do not provide regulated financial advice or lend money directly. Before we add any broker or lender to our panel we carry out checks designed to protect businesses and maintain quality introductions. These include:

• Verifying FCA registration and permissions where applicable (FRN checks on the FCA Register)
• Anti‑money‑laundering (AML), KYC and identity checks for partner firms
• Evidence of trading history, client references and reputation checks
• Review of product documentation to ensure promotions are clear, fair and not misleading
• Data handling and security standards consistent with ICO guidance

When you complete our short enquiry we share only the relevant details with partners who can help. Partners contact you directly with their quotes — you then compare offers and choose the option that fits. Start now with a quick Free Eligibility Check: Get Quote Now

How you can confirm a firm’s FCA status — practical checklist for hotels

Before you accept an offer or take advice, use this quick checklist:

1. Ask for the firm’s full trading name and FCA firm reference number (FRN).
2. Check the FCA Register: register.fca.org.uk. Confirm the name, FRN and permissions.
3. Ask which specific permissions they hold (consumer credit? debt counselling? investment services?).
4. Confirm whether the product proposed is regulated or commercial — get this in writing.
5. Check whether FSCS protection applies (it usually does not for commercial loans).
6. Request written quotes, clear T&Cs, APR/fees and early repayment terms.
7. If unsure, ask us to carry out the check on your behalf via a Free Eligibility Check.

Need help checking a partner’s status? Send a quick enquiry and we’ll do the legwork for you.

Typical questions hotels ask — quick answers

If I borrow in my limited company’s name, is the loan regulated?

Usually not. Most commercial loans taken by limited companies (including hotels) are outside the FCA consumer‑credit regime. Always check the lender’s permissions and the contract wording.

Are bridging lenders FCA authorised?

Some are and some aren’t. Many commercial bridging funds operate outside consumer credit regulation; certain platform lenders or P2P operators will be FCA‑authorised. Ask for the FRN.

Can I rely on FSCS for hotel loans?

Typically not. FSCS protection is focused on regulated savings, investments and certain banking products — not commercial lending to businesses.

Why choose an FCA‑regulated partner?

Where regulation applies, FCA authorisation brings consumer protections, standards for conduct and redress routes. For commercial loans the protections may be different, so check terms carefully.

Have more questions? Complete our short enquiry and lenders and brokers will contact you with tailored options. Free Eligibility Check

What to do next — apply through UK Business Loans

How the process works:

1. Complete our short enquiry (about 2 minutes).
2. Tell us the amount you need (we work with loans from around £10,000 upwards) and specify if you prefer FCA‑authorised partners.
3. We match you with a small number of relevant lenders or brokers who then contact you with quotes.
4. Compare the offers and choose the best fit — no obligation to proceed.

Ready to get started? Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Legal & compliance notices

Transparency: UK Business Loans is an introducer. We are not a lender and we are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We do not provide regulated financial advice. Where FCA regulation applies, we will introduce you to FCA‑authorised firms and will tell you who will receive your details before you submit your enquiry.

Always check the FCA Register and read the lender’s terms and conditions before you sign any agreement. For full details see our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Related resources & links

Further reading and useful links:

• FCA Register
• FCA guidance on financial promotions
• Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
• For sector‑specific lending options and use cases see our industry hub on hotels business loans.

Still unsure which route to take? Start your enquiry — Free Eligibility Check