Guide to borrowing
Available to
Businesses thinking of applying for finance for growth.
Businesses that have had applications declined.
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You should consider what type of lending is most suitable, and whether you can afford the repayments. We will assess this before we make any decision.
Submitting your finance application
Applications may need extra information and supporting documents. The list below will help to ensure we have all the information we need to consider your request.
Outline what you need
- State how much you would like to borrow. We need to quantify your request.
- State why you would like the finance. This is so we can check it is for a suitable business purpose and decide which type of finance best suits your needs.
- State how long you would like the finance for. We need to know this to help assess affordability and ensure the right Finance is recommended.
Information we may need
- Business plan
- Cash flow forecast. This is so we can see how you expect your business to perform in the future. We may also want to understand the assumptions underlying these numbers.
- Historic accounts. This is so we can see how your business has performed to date.
- Management accounts
Further information that will help your application
- Profile of the owner and/or management team. This helps the bank assess your experience in the sector you operate in.
- The owner's investment in the business. This is so we can compare this to the bank's proposed investment.
- Whether or not security is available. In case we need to consider this to support your application.
- Other business interests. This allows the bank to assess any other commitments you have and check there are no conflicts.
Getting to know your business
You could be a new business that needs start-up funding, or a growing company that wants to expand. Any application for finance involves building up a picture of your personal and business circumstances. This is key to assessing the business and will be used alongside your business plan and cash flow projections.
If we decline your application
If we decline your application, we will confirm the reasons why in writing. Your relationship contact can discuss any other options you may have. If you are unhappy with the decision, you have the right to appeal. Your relationship contact can give you more information on how to do this.
You should consider what type of lending is most suitable, and whether you can afford the repayments. We’ll assess this before we make any decision.
How can I appeal?
1. You can submit your appeal to your relationship contact.
2. You can complete an online appeal form through the Better Business Finance website Details of your appeal will then be forwarded to us. Any information you supply will be subject to data protection protocols.
The appeals process
All appeals are serious to us, and we aim to deal with them promptly. Somebody within the bank who wasn’t part of the original decision will review the appeal. They’ll consider all the information provided at the outset and may ask for more where necessary. We’ll give you a decision, in writing, within 28 days.
If your appeal is unsuccessful, we’ll give you information on other finance options that may be suitable. We may also provide support in another form, such as putting you in touch with a business mentor.
Request a referral
If we decline your application, you may request a referral to one of the government’s designated finance platforms. They’ll try to match your business’ needs with the most suitable lender for your situation. You must request this within 30 days of the decline decision. Learn more on how to request a referral.
If we decline your application, you can ask for a referral to one of the government’s designated finance platforms. They’ll try to match your business' needs with the most suitable lender for your situation.
How to request a referral
You can request a referral within 30 days by calling 0800 681 6684. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Additional Information
As well as your right to a referral, there are other finance options that may be available to you. You can get more information on our sources of finance tab, or by speaking to your relationship contact.
Santander UK plc is not responsible for the government’s designated platforms. A referral doesn’t mean that your application will be successful. Any lending decision made would be at the discretion of the lender(s) you’re referred to.
For the purpose of the referral Santander UK plc are acting as a credit broker and not as a lender. We won’t receive any commission.
If we decline your application, you can ask for a referral to one of the government’s designated finance platforms. They’ll try to match your business' needs with the most suitable lender for your situation.
How to request a referral
You can request a referral within 30 days by calling 0800 681 6684. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Additional Information
As well as your right to be referred to a government designated finance platform, there are other sources of finance available which you may want to consider.
Santander UK plc is not responsible for the finance platforms, so if you choose to be referred this does not mean that your application will be successful. Any lending decision made would be solely a matter for the lender(s) to whom you are referred.
For the purpose of the referral Santander UK plc are acting as a credit broker and not as a lender and will not receive any commission.
Government designated finance platforms
General help and support services
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