Our commitment to responsible lending

In our first few weeks of trading, we want to be clear about the principles that guide how we lend.

Responsible lending, to us, means more than ticking a box. It means lending only where it is genuinely affordable, being transparent about the cost of credit, and treating every business on its own merits rather than as a credit score.

What this means in practice

• We assess affordability properly, looking at the company’s income and essential outgoings — not just its past.
• We set out the terms of any loan clearly, so you know what you are agreeing to before you sign.
• If your circumstances change, we would far rather hear from you early and agree a way forward than see an account fall behind.

If money becomes tight for the business, support is available. Our online forms let you ask for a payment arrangement, a short extension or a hardship variation, and free, independent advice on business debt is available from Business Debtline (0800 197 6026).

We will return to these themes often. They are central to the kind of lender we intend to be.