1. Tell us the requirement
Start with the amount, purpose and timing. You do not need to choose the correct product first.
Larger & specialist funding
Asset-Based Lending for UK Companies
Asset-based lending combines funding supported by more than one eligible business asset pool. Receivables, inventory, plant and machinery or commercial property may contribute to a structured facility, depending on their quality, ownership, value and the provider’s assessment.
Usually takes around 5–8 minutes. An enquiry does not commit you to taking finance.
Access to 250+ funding routes through our lender & specialist partner network.
What assets can support an ABL facility?
Receivables may support a revolving component linked to eligible unpaid B2B invoices. Inventory is assessed for saleability, ageing, ownership and control. Plant and machinery may support borrowing against assessed realisable value. Commercial property may provide a further secured component. Inclusion of one asset does not mean every asset qualifies.
The provider sets eligibility rules, reserves and reporting requirements. Availability can change as invoices are paid, stock changes or valuations are updated. Multi-million-pound facilities may be considered where the assets and business support the requirement; there is no automatic facility size.
ABL, invoice finance or ordinary asset finance?
| Starting route | What drives the requirement | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Asset-based lending | Several eligible asset pools support a wider facility. | Combined availability, security, monitoring and costs. |
| Invoice finance | Unpaid eligible B2B invoices are the principal cash-flow constraint. | Debtor eligibility, concentration and collections. |
| Asset finance | A vehicle, machine or equipment purchase is the main purpose. | The asset, contribution, repayments and agreement type. |
| Business loan | A defined business purpose with repayments supported by cash flow. | Affordability, term and any security. |
If the debtor book alone meets the need, invoice finance may be sufficient. If the priority is buying a machine, asset finance may be the clearer starting route. Compare the asset pools and funding structures.
How an ABL requirement progresses
- Define the amount, purpose and working-capital cycle, including acquisition, growth or refinance needs.
- Review asset records and existing facilities to identify what may support funding.
- A suitable provider may carry out ledger verification, stock review, valuations and due diligence.
- Agree the facility structure, security, conditions and reporting before funds can be drawn.
A facility may combine revolving receivables funding with other secured components. Existing lenders, priority of security and intercreditor arrangements can affect feasibility.
What affects provider appetite?
Trading performance, cash generation, asset quality, debtor concentration, stock obsolescence, reliable reporting and the management team all matter. Providers also assess existing charges, ownership, sector exposure and how the business would manage reduced availability. ABL can support acquisitions, growth, refinancing or restructuring, but a weak repayment case is not solved simply by listing assets.
Useful information to prepare
You do not need every item to start. Tell us the amount, purpose and timing; NBS can explain what would help the next review.
- Latest accounts and current management accounts
- Aged debtor and creditor reports, customer concentration and payment terms
- Stock reports covering ageing, location, ownership and valuation basis
- Plant and machinery schedule and commercial property details where relevant
- Existing facilities, outstanding balances and security
- Amount, purpose, timing and forecasts or transaction information
Important considerations
- Availability may fall as eligible assets change; leave headroom for trading fluctuations.
- Valuation, audit, legal and monitoring costs can affect the total cost.
- Security, guarantees and reporting obligations require careful review.
- Existing lender releases and security priorities may affect completion.
NBS Finance is a commercial finance broker and introducer, not a lender. Providers make funding and credit decisions and set the amount, charges, security and terms. An enquiry or introduction does not guarantee finance.
The NBS enquiry process
2. Review the starting route
NBS reviews the information and identifies an appropriate starting route through its lender and specialist partner network.
3. Provider assessment
A suitable provider may request further information and decide whether to offer terms. Review any offer before committing.
Related funding routes
Frequently asked questions
Is ABL the same as asset finance?
No. ABL usually combines eligible balance-sheet assets within a wider facility. Ordinary asset finance commonly funds a specific vehicle, machine or item of equipment.
Must a business use every asset pool?
No. A structure depends on the need and the assets a provider accepts. Invoice finance alone may be enough where receivables drive the requirement.
Can existing borrowing prevent an ABL facility?
Existing facilities and security can affect the structure. NBS needs to understand them so an appropriate starting route can be reviewed.
Can I enquire before gathering all the reports?
Yes. Start with the amount, purpose and timing. NBS can explain which information would help the next review.
Tell us what the business needs
Tell us the amount, purpose and timing. We can review which starting route appears most relevant.
One enquiry. No commitment to take finance. Subject to provider assessment and terms.