Most decisions are quick. When one takes longer, it is almost always down to something specific and fixable rather than a queue — usually a missing input we are waiting on, or a picture that needs a second look.
The common causes
- The bank was not connected. Statements reviewed by hand take longer than an Open Banking feed — see uploading statements instead.
- A document is outstanding. If we asked for something and are waiting, the clock pauses until it arrives — how to send us a document we asked for.
- The picture needs context. An unusual month or a recent change can prompt a human review — is the decision automated or reviewed by a person.
- Details do not match. A name or filing mismatch at Companies House can slow verification — whether your Companies House filing status matters.
Connecting by Open Banking, replying promptly to any request, and making sure your details are current remove almost every delay. The full list is in what slows a business finance application down.
Checking progress
You can always check your status rather than wonder. Typical timings are in how quickly will I get a decision.
Apply the smooth way and keep it quick.
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: What slows a business finance application down?, How quickly will I get a decision?, How to check the status of your application?.