1. Tell us the requirement
Start with the amount, purpose and timing. You do not need to choose the correct product first.
Funding decision guide
Preparing a Large Business Funding Enquiry
A substantial funding enquiry is easier to assess when the amount, purpose, timing, business structure and repayment or cash-flow case are clear. You do not need every document below to start an NBS enquiry; use the checklist to prepare what is available and identify gaps.
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.
Start with a one-paragraph requirement
Describe the legal entity, what the funds will do, the approximate amount and when they are needed. Explain the outcome: for example, completing an acquisition while retaining working-capital headroom, buying equipment to support a contract, or refinancing facilities into an appropriate structure.
Separate the total project cost from the amount requested. Identify your contribution and whether it is already available. If the amount is uncertain, explain the assumptions rather than presenting a precise figure without a basis.
Business, group and ownership checklist
- Legal entity names, company numbers and group structure.
- Directors, shareholders and the proposed borrower.
- Any acquisition or ownership change and the entities affected.
- Existing guarantees, cross-company security and intercompany balances where relevant.
Financial and facility checklist
- Latest filed accounts and current management accounts.
- Recent bank statements and forecasts where useful.
- A schedule of facilities, providers, balances, repayments and expiry dates.
- Security and guarantees, including existing charges.
- Aged debtors and creditors, customer concentration and major contracts.
- Known CCJs, defaults, arrears, disputes or other issues affecting assessment.
Older filed accounts may not show current trading. Explain changes in performance and any unusual items. Forecasts should set out assumptions, not guarantee growth.
Add the information for the actual purpose
| Requirement | Useful additional information |
|---|---|
| Acquisition | Heads of terms, share versus asset purchase, target financials, contribution, deferred consideration and post-completion cash flow. |
| Asset-backed or invoice-led funding | Debtor reports, inventory, machinery schedule, ownership and existing security. |
| Commercial property | Property details, value, purchase/refinance terms, contribution, leases and repayment. |
| Development | Planning, cost plan, programme, team, equity, end value and exit. |
| Trade or contract funding | Supplier and customer orders, payment timeline, margins, contracts, applications and dispute status. |
What if something is missing?
Start with what you have. Mark missing documents, uncertain figures and outstanding terms clearly. NBS can review the starting route and explain what further information a suitable provider may need. You do not need to upload every document to begin the existing enquiry form.
A clear requirement is more useful than a large bundle of unexplained documents. Use secure channels agreed with NBS when detailed financial or transaction records are requested.
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.
- Amount, purpose and timing
- Business and group structure
- Latest available trading information
- Existing facilities and security
- Contribution and proposed repayment or exit
- Purpose-specific information and a list of known gaps
Important considerations
- Do not omit material credit, security or transaction issues.
- An enquiry is not an approval or a commitment to finance.
- Provider diligence and actual terms determine whether a facility can proceed.
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
Do I need all these documents before enquiring?
No. Start with the amount, purpose and timing and provide what is available. NBS can explain the useful next information.
Should I hide a CCJ or existing security issue until later?
No. Explain material issues at the outset so the review reflects the actual circumstances.
Does a complete checklist guarantee an offer?
No. Providers make the funding decision and set any conditions, security, costs and terms.
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.