It is a blend. Much of the assessment is automated so that straightforward applications get a fast, consistent decision — but that does not mean no human is ever involved. People review where judgement is needed and are there if you want to talk something through.
Why automation, and where it stops
Automated affordability and credit checks let us decide quickly and apply the same standards to everyone, without bias creeping in. Where an application is finely balanced, unusual, or needs context — a one-off spike in the accounts, an explanation of recent trading — a person looks at it. See how we decide whether to lend.
You are never shut out of talking to someone — see whether you will speak to a person during your application. If a decision does not go your way, the reasons are explained rather than left as a black box.
Fair by design
Consistent, evidence-based assessment is fairer than gut feel, and it is faster — which is how a decision can come quickly. Our wider approach is set out at how we lend.
Apply for a decision that is quick where it can be and considered where it needs to be.
We lend only to UK limited companies and LLPs, the loan is to the company with no director personal guarantee, and this is business finance outside the consumer-credit regime — as an exempt lender under Article 60B of the Regulated Activities Order we sit outside FCA consumer-credit regulation, so the Financial Ombudsman Service and FSCS do not apply.
See also: How we decide whether to lend?, Whether you will speak to a person during your application, Why an application might be declined?.