Blog and News
Articles from RLA Capital



Apply

or call us on
01244 389304

tick mark

Over 250 funding lines

tick mark

Decisions within 48 hours

tick mark

Funds within 48 hours of acceptance

tick mark

Borrow from £2,000

tick mark

3 month to 5 year terms


Jump to

Business Finance


Click to read more

Business Development


Click to read more

Business Tips


Click to read more

Industry Specific Loans


Click to read more

Business Finance

Limited Company Loans

Bridging Loans Explained


If you're in need of quick funding for a property purchase but don't have the necessary funds available, a bridging loan could be the solution you're looking for.

But what exactly are bridging loans and how do they work?

Whether you're a property investor or a developer looking to complete a project, bridging loans can provide the funding you need.



Click to read more
Limited Company Loans

Limited Company Loans


If you're a business owner looking to expand your company, you may be considering taking out a limited company loan. With various options available, it can be challenging to know which loan is right for your business.

In this article, we'll explore the different types of limited company loans and provide tips on how to choose the best one for your company's needs.



Click to read more
Business Loans for non-homeowners

Business Loans for Non-Homeowners UK


Non-homeowner business loans have become increasingly sought after in the UK due to a decrease in homeownership so there are a number of lenders who cater for non-homeowners.


As business loan eligibility is slightly different to personal loans, lenders favour applications from homeowners.



Click to read more
Quick Business Loans

Quick Business Loans | Can you get same day business finance?


Quick business loans can be an important source of capital for any small business.

Same day approvals and payouts depends on:

  • Time of day you apply
  • The lenders case load
  • Whether you correctly submit all required documentation
  • The lender does not request any additional information


Click to read more
Should I Pay off my busines loan early

Should I Pay off my business loan early?


Paying off your business loan early can be a good idea if you have the cash available, providing that it’s cost effective and doesn’t negatively impact on your business.

  • Will is save you money
  • Where else could you use the funds?
  • What are your future borrowing options?
  • How will it affect your cash flow?


Click to read more
how to get a business loan

Business loans | A guide to getting business funding


How you qualify for a business loan varies between lenders, however there are common criteria that you must meet.

  • Have a trading business for at least 1 year
  • Provide company financials such as accounts and bank statements
  • At least 1 director to be a UK homeowner if a relatively new start business (NOTE not required for long established entities)
  • Have a rationale for the funds required

Click to read more
business loan rates explained

Business Loan Rates Explained


Interest rates are applied to loans and are the cost of borrowing. Interest rates are applied to business loans so that the lender can make a profit from lending you the money.



You may have encountered a wide range of different rates when applying for finance and these can change daily for several reasons.




Click to read more
business loan eligibilty

Business Loan Eligibility


There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to eligibility for business loans due to the differences in business types, funding needs and lender criteria.



Finding the right lender and the correct facility for your requirements can be time consuming and differences in eligibility between lenders can make the process even more difficult.




Click to read more
how credit score affect loans

How does your credit score affect loan applications?


When applying for a business loan, lenders will look at credit scores to assess whether you are eligible for a loan and will gauge this on how high or low your score is.



Credit scores are often used as an indication of how you manage your credit agreements and whether you can afford more credit. There are a wide range of small business loans available and choosing the right one for your company and borrowing needs is extremely important.




Click to read more
what are small business loans

What are small business loans


A small business loan is a form of finance aimed to help businesses access additional funding.



There are a wide range of small business loans available and choosing the right one for your company and borrowing needs is extremely important.




Click to read more
short term business loans

What are short term business loans


A short term business loan is a type of financing that has a repayment period of less than one year.



These loans are often used by businesses who need funds to cover gaps in cash flow or unexpected expenses.




Click to read more
what is a personal guarantee

What is a personal guarantee on a loan?


Find out what a personal guarantee on a loan is.

As a condition of raising business finance, directors are often required to provide additional security to the lender by signing a personal guarantee. A personal guarantee is a legal promise to pay back a loan in full as per your agreement. In other words, an agreement to act as guarantor for the loan.



Click to read more
Secured vs Unsecured Business Loans

Secured vs Unsecured Business Loans


Find out the differences in secured and unsecured business finance.

Unsecured loans are those that are not secured against personal or business assets. Most secured loans are secured against property or business assets.



Click to read more
what use security business loan

What can I use as security for a business loan?


Find out what you can use as security for a secured business loan.

There are range of different types of assets that are eligible to be used as security. How much you can borrow depends on which type of asset you use as security.



Click to read more
Unsecured Business Loans

A guide to unsecured business finance


Unsecured business loans do not use any tangible assets, either personal or business, as collateral when applying for business finance. When using unsecured finance, lenders look at your personal credit rating, business bank accounts and business financial reports, this is known as an affordability assessment.

How they decide on your suitability for business loans varies from lender to lender based upon their own predefined affordability criteria, but all lenders must ensure that they carry out responsible lending.

Click to read more

What is Cash Flow Finance

What is Cash Flow Finance And How to Apply


According to the Bank of England, in 2022 Q1, there has been a strong demand for working capital finance as companies cope with unstable market conditions and the rise in material and labour costs.Revenue growth is good news for any business, but to improve efficiency you need to make investment and that requires cash flow.

Revenue, for many businesses has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are other factors that have influenced revenue, such as seasonal trading or lower demand for products and services.

Click to read more

cash flow injection

Cash Flow Injection for Small Businesses


All businesses need cash flow to succeed and if your cash flow is running low you will need to look for a cash flow injection. Effective cash flow management can help you analyse how healthy your cash flow is and look for ways to improve it.



There are a few ways to get a cash flow boost, with some easier than others. Increasing sales is an obvious way of boosting cash flow, however this is not always easy. A quick way to potentially boost sales is to carry out promotions and increase marketing.




Click to read more
vat loans and how they can help

How VAT loans can benefit your business


You can apply for [VAT Finance] if you can't pay your VAT on time, so you don't incur late payments penalties.

This cost alone can increase your accounts payable, in addition to any current expenses your company is already liable for.



Click to read more
Asset Depreciation

What is Asset Depreciation?


What is Asset Depreciation and how is it calculated? Most assets will lose value over time, this is known as depreciation.


Depreciation is caused by age and wear and tear and can be calcualated in a number of ways.



Click to read more
Asset Finance

What is Asset Finance?


Lease Rental or Hire Purchase agreements are types of asset finance, which companies can use to buy brand new assets or refinance existing assets. Asset finance can be used for almost all tangible assets.
For example, vehicles and wheeled equipment, plant and machinery amongst other items.

It is a vital tool for many organisations as it enables them to purchase equipment or release equity from existing assets already owned.



Click to read more
Invoice Finance

What is Invoice Finance?


Invoice finance is a way to fund slow paying invoices without having to wait for your clients to pay.
It is a type of business finance offered to companies who want to release money tied up in outstanding invoices.
There are two main types of invoice finance - Invoice Factoring and Discounting.



Click to read more
Inovoice Factoring

What is Invoice Factoring?


It is a type of invoice finance offered to companies who want raise finance secured on their sales ledger.
Invoice factoring is also known as debt factoring and differs from the other type of invoice finance known as invoice discounting



Click to read more
Invoice Discounting

What is Invoice Discounting?


Discounting is similar to invoice factoring, however the main difference is that you still remain in control of your sales ledger and therefore debts. Because of this, fees tend to be lower.
SMEs are currently chasing £50 billion in late payments from outstanding invoices.



Click to read more
best business loans of 2021

What are the best business loans in 2021?


The finance market has been unpredictable throughout the past 18 months due to COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown in the UK.

Many businesses have been successful in securing government backed funding given the range of emergency funding implemented by the UK Government.

Click to read more

what are alternative lenders

What are alternative lenders?


Alternative finance providers have stepped up to fill the gap in traditional lending, which has been a lifeline for many businesses.



Many businesses can benefit from this alternative route when applying for a commercial business loan as it can be quicker and easier to seek out funding. Many lenders need minimal information to get the ball rolling.




Click to read more

Business Development

brokers-vs-lenders what are the differences?

Difference Between Business Finance Brokers and Lenders


When it comes to securing financing for your business, there are a few different avenues you can explore. Two of the most common options are working with a finance broker or directly with a lender.



While these may seem like interchangeable terms, there are some important differences between the two which can impact your overall experience and results.




Click to read more
What are your lending options after the RLS

What are your lending options after the RLS?


The Recovery Loan Scheme launched on 6th April 2021 and ran until 30th June 2022.



For businesses looking to source external finance or to pay off their CBILS, bounce back or RLS loans, or to increase spending power, there are a range of options available.




Click to read more
guide managing business finances

A guide to managing small business finances


Financial management is essential for all businesses, whether big or small. It's difficult for businesses to succeed without this. There has been a large decrease in the number of businesses trading over the past few years.



This guide will cover the main topics of how you can manage your cash flow effectively and sources of finance.




Click to read more
Property Development and funding

How to get started in property development and secure funding


Property Development takes planning, time and most importantly money.

There are many routes you can take to become a property developer, either alone, in a partnership or using a property investment company.

Regardless of which route you take, you will always need adequate funding to get the ball rolling. Funding can come from a variety of sources......



Click to read more
Fintech and RLA Captial

What is fintech?


Fintech/Financial Technology, refers to the combination of new technology systems and the traditional financial sectors operating methods. It incorporates the delivery and design of financial services that are accessed via online technologies......



Click to read more
tips-employable-web-developer

Tips to become a more employable web developer


You may still be studying or have recently graduated, either way you must be thinking about your next step, employment.


Finding a job can be a bit of minefield and gaining employment fresh out of university can be a little tricky.


But don't worry, here are some great tips to help you become a more employable web developer.


Click to read more
Making Tax Digital

Making Tax Digital comes into force in April 2019


As most of you are aware Making Tax Digital comes into force in April 2019. The majority of businesses with UK taxable supplies in excess of £85k per annum will be caught by MTD.

‘UK taxable supplies’ means all income that has a UK place of supply and is subject to UK VAT at the zero, reduced or standard rate. It also includes ‘deemed’ supplies, for example where a UK business receives services from overseas that would be liable to VAT if bought from a UK supplier......



Click to read more

Business Tips

Business Loans with a CCJ

Can You Get a Business Loan With a CCJ?


For many business owners, securing a loan can be a crucial step towards success. However, if you have a County Court Judgement (CCJ) on your credit record, it can make the process more challenging.


Obtaining business loans can be more difficult due to the impact of a CCJ on your credit file, however there are ways to increase your chances of approval.



Click to read more
How Much Can You Borrow with Asset Finance

How Much Can You Borrow with Asset Finance?


Asset finance is a popular funding solution for businesses that require new equipment but don't have the cash flow to purchase it outright.


Whether it's for a new fleet of vehicles or upgraded machinery, asset finance allows businesses to spread the cost over a fixed term.



Click to read more
Leasing vs. Owning

Leasing vs. Owning


As a business owner, you know that having the right equipment is crucial to your success. But when it comes to obtaining that equipment, should you lease or buy?


It's a question that many business owners may struggle with, and the answer depends on your specific needs and circumstances.



Click to read more
How Technology is Changing Business Finance

How Technology is Changing Business Finance


As the business landscape evolves, so do the ways in which businesses access business finance.  Gone are the days when traditional banks were the only source of loans for small and medium businesses.


In recent years, there has been a surge in alternative lending options and technological advancements that are changing the game.



Click to read more
business loan documents

What Business Loan Documents do you need to Apply?


Applying for a business loan can be a daunting task, but having all the necessary documents organised and ready to go can make the process much smoother.


From financial statements to business plans, there are several key documents that lenders will want to see before approving your loan application.



Click to read more
Do You Need to Be VAT Registered

Do You Need to Be VAT Registered?


Knowing when to become VAT registered with HMRC is an important step in the life cycle of any business.


Being aware of the requirements set by HMRC is an essential part of making sure your business meets all the necessary criteria and doesn’t incur fines, penalties or unexpected liabilities.



Click to read more
Lenders Opt to Use Open Banking

Lenders Opt to Use Open Banking


With the introduction of Open Banking, loan applications will run smoother and safer for both customers and lenders.


Open banking access allows lenders to directly access your banking information, such as bank statements, so you don’t need to manually send documents.



Click to read more
Rate of Corporation Tax in the UK

Rate of Corporation Tax in the UK


Currently, the UK Corporation Tax rate is 19%. The corporation tax rates are changing in April 2023.


The rate will increase for most businesses, but unlike previous years the amount you pay will depend on your profits.



Click to read more
How To Fund Your New Business Venture

How To Fund Your New Business Venture


Starting a new business can be complex and time consuming. Having enough cash get the ball rolling will always be extremely important.


There are many sources of funding available to you but knowing which one is the best fit for you can be difficult.



Click to read more
Using Finance To Grow Your Business

How to Grow Your Business Using the Power of Finance


As a business owner, you know that it's not always easy to get the capital you need to grow.


Whether your business is starting up or has been around for many years, it can be difficult to find ways to expand and thrive without enough capital to invest in your business.



Click to read more
New VAT late Payment Penalties and Interest Charges

New VAT late Payment Penalties and Interest Charges


From 1st January 2023 there will be a new late payment penalties and interest rates introduced by HMRC.


For late submission of VAT returns there will be a new points-based system, which will replace the current “default surcharge”.


For late payment of VAT returns there will be new interest rates applied and the amount you pay depends on how quick you make the payment.



Click to read more
7 ways reduce business costs

7 Ways To Reduce Business Costs Without Sacrificing Quality or Service


If you want your business to be stable and profitable, you need to make sure that you are using your cash efficiently.


Too little investment and too much spending on the wrong things can have a massive impact on your finances.


Reducing costs is a common task for all businesses, with proper research and good decision making, you can save without compromising on the quality of your products or services.


Click to read more
5 ways improve business credit score

5 ways to improve your business credit score


Your credit score is an overall indication of how credit worthy your business is.
Most lenders will use your score when assessing any credit or loan application. To improve your score you need to ensure that you:


  1. Pay on time
  2. File on time
  3. Minimise and time credit applications
  4. Check your report regularly
  5. Demonstrate increased profitability


Click to read more
Business Finance Broker | We help you find business loans

Business Finance Broker | We help you find business loans


Business finance brokers can help you arrange finance and loans for your business and maximise your chances of approval.



Understanding the different types of finance available to you and the best options for your business, a broker can be a great tool to use when applying for a business loan.




Click to read more
How to pay for your next marketing campaign

How to pay for your next marketing campaign


All businesses need to carry out marketing in some shape or form. There are many ways to market your business, with some more expensive than others. When businesses are looking to save money and reduce spending, for many the first thing to be cut is their marketing budget.



There are many ways to pay for your next marketing campaign. We've listed our top 5




Click to read more
cash flow managment

How to manage your cash flow


Cash flow is money moving in and out of a company. Incoming cash refers to revenue or external funding and outgoing cash are your expenses, such as stock purchases and wages.



One of the biggest challenges a company faces is the effective management of their operating cash flow. Whether you are a small business or large corporation, proper cash flow management can be the make or break of any business.




Click to read more
5 tips for a successful business loan application

5 tips for a successful business loan application


If you are applying for a business loan, there are a few ways to maximise your chances of approval. Given the amount of business loan lenders to choose from, having all the information at hand and knowing where to apply can help speed up the application process and hopefully help you get the funding.



The business loan application process can vary between lenders and brokers. Having a clear picture of how they operate is important.




Click to read more
get-business-loan-in-4-steps

How to get a business loan in 4 simple steps


1. Have your documents ready to provide to a broker or lender.

2. Pick the right lender/broker

3. Keep on top of communications with your broker.

4. Review loan offer and accept



Click to read more
HMRC Time to Pay

HMRC Time to Pay


What if I can’t pay my VAT Tax bill on time?

There are times when business and individuals struggle to pay their VAT and tax bills on time for a variety of reasons. This may be due to unexpected costs, reduced seasonal income or lack of general cashflow to name a few.

When a Vat or Tax bill is due HMRC will expect you to pay it straight away if they think you have the financial means to do so.



Click to read more
Advantages to using a finance broker

Advantages to using a finance broker


It is difficult to rate the advantages of using a finance broker by importance, due the varying reasons as to why companies chose to/are considering sourcing finance via a broker.



One of the most obvious advantages however......



Click to read more
Business Loans for Bad Credit

Can I get a business loan with bad credit?


A question many business owners ask but don’t know what options are available for their credit status.

When obtaining business finance via traditional banks and lenders, an adverse credit status can be another barrier or hurdle in finding a lender who is willing to lend to your business.



Click to read more
best business loans of 2019

Which Business Loan 2019


The best business loan for you and your company depends on what the funds will be used for. There are a wide range of different types of finance options available for different purposes and financial statuses.


There are too many factors and variables to take into consideration, and these vary from business to business, to say that one type of loan is the best for you and your needs.


Click to read more

Industry Specific Loans

Plant and Machinery Loans

Plant and Machinery Loans


Investment is always a wise move, especially when it comes to your business. One of the most effective ways to achieve long-term growth is through the acquisition of new plant and machinery.


Click to read more
Dental Practice Finance Solutions

Guide to Dental Practice Finance Solutions


Starting and managing a dental practice can be tricky, both financially and operationally. When it comes to specialist dental finance, it's important to understand what options are available to you so you are equipped with the necessary resources to ensure the success of your practice.


Click to read more
5 Finance Available for the Hospitality Sector

5 Types of Finance Available for the Hospitality Sector


If you own a hospitality business, it's important to be aware of the financial options available.
Knowing what your financing options are will help you stay ahead of local competition and ensure that you have enough working capital for renovations, rebranding or relaunching efforts when the demand shifts


Click to read more
medical practice funding

A guide to construction finance | What are your options?


Construction finance is a broad term that covers a variety of loans, credit facilities and other financial products designed to support the construction industry with developments and projects.
With so many choices of lenders, loan types and terms, finding the best option can be difficult and time consuming.


Click to read more
medical practice funding

Medical Practice Loans | A guide to medical practice finance


Medical practice funding can be highly beneficial to a variety of practices for several reasons. Many practice owners are taking advantage of additional funding to:

  • Expand through buying a practice
  • Purchase new equipment
  • Pay VAT & Tax bills (VAT where applicable)
  • Renovate existing practices
  • Increase working capital and cashflow reserves
  • Pay NHS dental clawbacks

Click to read more
sme finance

SME Finance | A guide to securing SME funding


There are many forms of SME funding available to UK businesses and selecting the correct lender can be a difficult task for business owners.

Selecting the most suitable SME finance product and provider is extremely important for several reasons.

  • Suitability - is the loan facility the best fit for your organisation
  • Affordability - are repayments suitable for your financial status
  • Terms - are the funding terms right for your needs

Click to read more
solicitors funding

Funding For Solicitors


Legal professionals are becoming more aware of the positives of using specialist finance facilities to assist in the operation of their business.


Many are using funding to;

  • Assist with cash flow by releasing money tied up in disbursements
  • Increase volumes of cases by assisting with acquisition costs and all associated disbursements
  • Manage exposure to lenders, which in turn enables them to access additional business funding when required

Click to read more
Sole Trader Loans

Sole Trader Loans and how to get them


Finding a business loan can be a bit of a rollercoaster and it's not always easy to stay on board. But, as with any other form of lending, there are some things you can do to make the process smoother.



In this article, we'll take a look at what you need to know about how loans can help your sole trader business grow.




Click to read more
Finance Options for Small Businesses

Finance Options for Small Businesses


As a small business owner, you know how important it is to have the cash flow you need to operate and to grow. But sometimes the cost of getting there can be prohibitive when you don't have the required resources.

But instead of reaching for the credit card when cash flow is tight, reach out for a small business loan. Business Loans can help you get back on track without having to break the bank.




Click to read more
5 types common costs ecommerce

5 most commons costs for Ecommerce businesses and how to fund them


There are a range of common costs involved in successfully running your business. There are a range of business loan specifically designed to meet the needs of ecommerce businesses looking fund their:

  1. Marketing
  2. Stock and Inventory
  3. Business Premises and Utilities
  4. Equipment and Tech
  5. Payment Processing Fees



Click to read more