Funding Checklist

Personal identification for all directors, shareholders (typically those with 25%+ holding), and guarantors. This usually includes photographic ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, typically dated within the last 3 months). Some lenders use electronic verification; others require certified copies.

Certificate of incorporation, Companies House registration number, registered address, list of directors and company secretaries, shareholding structure (PSC register), and details of any group or associated companies. If the company has changed name or structure, have the documentation ready.

Last 2-3 years of filed statutory accounts. If the most recent accounts are not yet filed, have draft or management accounts available. Lenders may also request accountant's details for verification.

Current-year management accounts (typically to the most recent month or quarter). These should include a profit and loss statement and, ideally, a balance sheet. Management accounts show how the business is performing since the last statutory accounts. Lenders often request these for the last 3-6 months.

Business bank statements for the last 3-6 months (some lenders request up to 12 months). These verify your cashflow position and trading activity. Ensure the statements are complete, legible, and cover consecutive months with no gaps.

Cashflow forecast (minimum 12 months) and profit and loss projection. These should be consistent with each other and with your business plan. Lenders may also request a balance sheet projection. See our Cashflow Forecast guide for what is typically required.

Confirmation of tax status with HMRC — VAT returns, corporation tax, and PAYE/NI. Some lenders request a tax clearance certificate or evidence that tax liabilities are up to date. Outstanding tax liabilities can affect lending decisions.

Details of all existing facilities: loans, overdrafts, asset finance, mortgages, and any other borrowing. Include lender names, balances, monthly payments, and security held. Lenders need to understand your total debt position to assess affordability.

Details of business assets (equipment, vehicles, property) including valuations, title documents, and existing charges. If you are offering property as security, have title deeds, leases, and planning permissions available. Lenders will instruct their own valuation, but your documentation helps initial assessment.

Key customer contracts, supplier agreements, and property leases. Lenders may want to see the strength of your customer base and the terms of your premises lease (remaining term, break clauses, rent reviews). For investment property, the lease and tenant covenant are critical.

A current business plan covering the funding request, use of funds, and repayment strategy. See our Business Plan guide for what is typically required. The plan should be consistent with your financial forecasts.

A clear statement of where your deposit/equity contribution comes from (source) and exactly how the borrowed funds will be spent (use). Lenders are required to verify the source of funds under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Be prepared to evidence the source with bank statements or other documentation.

Be prepared to discuss what security you can offer (property, assets, debentures) and whether you are willing to provide personal guarantees. See our Personal Guarantee Guide for what this means and the risks involved. Always seek independent legal advice before signing a guarantee.