Documents You Need for a Free UK Commercial Finance Eligibility Check

Written by UK Business Loans — matching businesses to UK lenders for 10+ years.

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Quick summary

Most UK commercial finance eligibility checks need the same basic paperwork: director ID and proof of address, company registration documents, recent business bank statements (typically the last 3–6 months), management or statutory accounts, VAT/corporation tax records (if applicable) and a clear list of existing debts and assets. For specialised finance—construction, development, invoice or asset finance—you’ll need contracts, title deeds, invoices, equipment quotes or development appraisals. Gather PDFs or clear scans, prioritise the last 6 months of bank statements and management accounts, and then submit a short, free enquiry (this is not an application). Start a Free Eligibility Check now: Get Quote Now.

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Why lenders and brokers ask for documents

Lenders and brokers need documents to assess whether a business is likely to be able to repay a loan, what security (if any) is available, and how risky the sector or project is. Having the right paperwork ready speeds up matching and produces more accurate, faster results from our panel of finance partners.

Practical benefit: When you upload the right documents at enquiry stage you often get a response within hours rather than days. Ready to start? Free Eligibility Check.

Universal documents every commercial finance eligibility check needs

Below is the core checklist most lenders and brokers will request for an initial, free eligibility check. These items let underwriters and brokers quickly understand company status, cashflow and security.

Company identity & governance

• Certificate of Incorporation and Company Registration Number.
• Companies House printout showing current directors and shareholders (latest confirmation statement or WebCheck printout).
• Memorandum & Articles or evidence of authorised signatories where relevant.

Director ID & address

• Proof of ID: passport or driving licence for company directors (clear scan).
• Proof of address: recent utility bill, council tax, or bank statement dated within last 3 months.

Trading and financial documents

• Business bank statements: last 3–6 months (some lenders may ask for 12 months for larger deals).
• Management accounts: most recent 1–12 months — priority for lenders if statutory accounts aren’t available.
• Statutory / audited accounts: last 1–3 years if available (important for larger loans).
• VAT returns and evidence of VAT registration (if applicable).
• Corporation tax filings (CT600) or tax computations where requested.

Cashflow, forecasts & purpose

• Cashflow forecast (3–12 months) — especially important for development or growth finance.
• Business plan or project briefing outlining how funds will be used and expected outcomes.
• Breakdown of costs — quotes, supplier invoices, or cost schedules for the project or asset purchase.

Security, assets & other liabilities

• Details of any assets offered as security (property, machinery, vehicles) plus invoices or valuations.
• Title information for property or lease documents (for commercial mortgages and development finance).
• List of existing lending, hire-purchase, HP, outstanding facilities or CCJs.

Providing these documents at the enquiry stage improves the quality of the matches we can find for deals typically from around £10,000 upwards.

Documents specific to common commercial finance types

Different finance types often require extra, targeted documents. Below are quick, practical lists by type.

Construction & contractor finance

• Copies of contracts, purchase orders and client certificates.
• Detailed build costs, contractor quotes and stage payment schedules.
• Planning permission, architect drawings and CDM/health & safety details where relevant.

Development & bridging finance

• Title deeds or recent title information.
• Planning consents, site survey and development appraisals.
• Contractor quotes, build programmes and an exit strategy (sale or refinance).

Asset finance & equipment loans

• Supplier quotes or invoices for equipment you want to finance.
• Asset list, serial numbers and any existing hire-purchase agreements.

Invoice finance / factoring

• Sample invoices and an aged debtor ledger.
• Customer contracts and typical payment terms.
• Credit control procedures that show how debts are chased.

Sustainability & energy projects

• Project specs, installer quotes and expected energy savings.
• EPCs, MCS certificates (for renewables) and any grant or incentive details.

Commercial mortgages

• Title deeds, lease documentation (if leasehold) and tenancy agreements.
• Rent roll or trading figures for investment properties.

If you’re unsure which category your enquiry fits, start with the core checklist above and add any project-specific documents. For more on broader commercial funding options, see our commercial finance overview on commercial finance.

Learn more about specialist options and how to prepare for larger projects on our commercial finance page: commercial finance.

How to prepare and send documents quickly

Practical tips that save time and reduce delays:

• Scan or photograph documents in colour, save as PDF where possible.
• Name files clearly: e.g., “CompanyName_BankStatement_Jun2025.pdf”.
• Combine multiple pages into a single PDF per document type (e.g., all bank statements in one file).
• Compress large files where necessary (<2–5MB recommended) but keep legibility.
• Mask sensitive personal data not needed for eligibility (e.g., full national insurance numbers) — keep essential info visible.
• Use secure upload channels or our enquiry form to send documents safely.

Tip: prioritise uploading the last 6 months of bank statements and your most recent management accounts — most initial eligibility decisions are based on cashflow and trading performance.

What happens after you submit your free eligibility check

1. We receive your enquiry and documents via our secure form (this is only an enquiry — not an application).
2. We match your business to lenders and brokers best suited to your sector, deal size and credit profile.
3. Expect a response from our panel within hours, typically within 24–48 hours; brokers or lenders may call or email for clarification.
4. If you progress, lenders will carry out formal checks and may ask for certified copies or additional documents.

Important: the enquiry does not normally trigger a hard credit search — lenders will confirm before any hard credit checks take place. Ready to get matched? Free Eligibility Check — Get Started.

Common reasons eligibility checks are delayed or declined (and how to fix them)

• Missing or incomplete documents — upload complete bank statements and ID to avoid delays.
• Weak cashflow signature — provide a clear cashflow forecast and explain one-off timing issues.
• Insufficient security — disclose all available assets and provide valuations.
• Unrealistic forecasts — be conservative and provide supporting quotes or contracts.
• Outstanding legal issues — resolve or explain disputes, licences, or planning matters before applying.

Privacy, compliance & transparency

UK Business Loans is an introducer that helps match businesses to lenders and brokers; we do not lend. Your enquiry and documents are used only to identify suitable funding partners and will be shared with approved lenders/brokers relevant to your request. Read our full Privacy Policy for full details.

Standard disclaimer (please include near CTAs): “UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide credit. We connect businesses to regulated brokers and lenders who may contact you with offers. Using our service is free and does not affect your credit score. We do not provide regulated financial advice.”

If you have questions about how we handle your data, contact us or email our team. (We will only share your details with lenders/brokers who are relevant to your enquiry.)

Ready to check? Get a free, no-obligation eligibility check

Complete a short enquiry and upload your documents — it usually takes under 2 minutes. We’ll match you to the best lender or broker for your needs and typical responses arrive within hours.

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now

The enquiry form is only an information-gathering step to help us match you — it is not a loan application.

FAQ

Which documents are required for a free UK business loan eligibility check?

At minimum: proof of director ID and address, recent business bank statements (last 3–6 months), management or statutory accounts, company registration information and a list of assets and liabilities. Additional documents depend on the finance type (contracts, titles, invoices etc.).

Will my credit score be affected?

No — a free eligibility check arranged via UK Business Loans typically does not affect your credit score. Lenders usually carry out hard credit checks only with your consent at a later stage.

How long does an eligibility check take?

Once documents are submitted you’ll typically hear back within hours or up to 48 hours. Complex development or large commercial mortgage enquiries can take longer.

Can I apply if I don’t have audited accounts?

Yes — many lenders accept management accounts, recent bank statements and a realistic cashflow forecast where audited accounts aren’t available.

What if I only need a small working capital loan?

We typically work with deals from around £10,000 upwards. For smaller amounts some specialist lenders or brokers may still be available; include full details in the enquiry and we’ll match accordingly.

Is the enquiry an application?

No — the enquiry form is not a formal application. It’s information we use to match your business to suitable lenders/brokers.

Related resources & image alt-text suggestions

• Homepage
• Start Your Enquiry
• Privacy Policy
• Suggested images (use lazy-load & compressed files):
  • Business owner submitting documents for commercial finance eligibility check — alt: “Business owner submitting documents for commercial finance eligibility check”
  • Sample business bank statement for loan eligibility — alt: “Sample business bank statement for loan eligibility”
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If you’re ready to get matched with lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and deal size, complete a short, free enquiry now: Get Quote Now.

Disclaimer: UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide credit. We connect businesses to brokers and lenders who may contact you with offers. Using our service is free and does not affect your credit score. We do not provide regulated financial advice.

1. Which documents do I need for a free UK commercial finance eligibility check?
At minimum: director photo ID and proof of address, the last 3–6 months of business bank statements, recent management or statutory accounts, company registration/Companies House printout and a list of assets/liabilities, with extra items (contracts, title deeds, invoices or equipment quotes) depending on the finance type.

2. Will submitting a free eligibility check affect my credit score?
No — the free eligibility enquiry via UK Business Loans is not a formal application and typically does not trigger a hard credit search unless you later consent to one.

3. How long does it take to get matched after I submit documents?
You’ll usually hear back from our panel of lenders or brokers within hours and typically within 24–48 hours, though larger or complex cases can take longer.

4. What types of business finance can UK Business Loans connect me with?
We match businesses to lenders and brokers for business loans, commercial finance, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance/factoring, commercial mortgages, bridging and development finance, sustainability loans and short- or long-term working capital.

5. Can startups or firms without audited accounts still get an eligibility check?
Yes — many lenders accept management accounts, recent bank statements and a credible cashflow forecast in place of audited accounts for eligibility checks.

6. What loan amounts can I apply for through your service?
Our partners typically handle deals from around £10,000 up to £10 million+ depending on the product and lender, so include your target amount in the enquiry.

7. Will lenders require security or property title deeds?
Some products — especially commercial mortgages, development and larger secured loans — usually require title deeds, valuations or other security, while unsecured options exist for smaller facilities.

8. How should I prepare and send documents to avoid delays?
Scan or photograph documents in colour, combine pages into single PDFs, name files clearly (e.g., Company_Bank_Statement_Jun2025.pdf), compress if needed and upload via our secure enquiry form.

9. What happens after I submit the free eligibility enquiry?
UK Business Loans reviews your information, shares it only with relevant approved lenders/brokers to match you quickly, and a lender or broker will contact you for clarification or next steps if you wish to proceed — it is not an application and we are an introducer, not a lender.

10. Can I get business finance if I have a poor credit history?
Possibly — some specialist lenders work with businesses that have adverse credit, but outcomes depend on sector, cashflow, security and full disclosure of your financial history.