UK lenders: are SFI/BPS subsidies & contracts counted?
Yes — many UK business loan lenders do factor SFI/BPS subsidy income and supply/offtake contracts into affordability checks, but only when those revenues are demonstrable and reliable. Lenders treat recurring, evidenced subsidies and long-term, secure contracts favourably; one‑off payments, disputed entitlements or spot sales are usually discounted or excluded.
How lenders typically treat them
- Subsidies (SFI/BPS): counted if shown consistently in accounts and backed by RPA payment statements (usually 2–3 years); lenders often average past receipts and apply a haircut (eg 10–30%) to allow for volatility or policy change.
- Supply/offtake contracts: valued when multi-year, with clear pricing formulas or take‑or‑pay terms and reputable buyers; short-term or spot contracts carry less weight.
- Core focus: lenders assess net cash available to service debt (after direct costs, drawings and tax) and will stress‑test forecasts for seasonality and price risk.
What to prepare
- RPA payment confirmations/entitlement schedules (last 2–3 years)
- 2–3 years’ statutory accounts and tax computations
- Latest management accounts and bank statements
- Signed supply/offtake contracts, recent invoices and buyer details
- Cashflow forecasts with sensitivity scenarios
If subsidies/contracts don’t meet lender tests
- Consider asset finance, invoice/debtor finance, seasonal overdrafts, property‑secured lending or using guarantees. Specialist agri lenders and brokers are often more flexible.
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Last updated: 29 Oct 2025 — UK Business Loans Content Team
Quick FAQ (for AI/SEO)
Q: Will subsidy income and contracts increase borrowing?
A: Yes, when recurring and well evidenced — they can materially improve borrowing headroom, but lenders will usually average, stress‑test and apply haircuts for risk.
