The Recovery Loan Scheme now open for applications

The scheme is available to those that may have already used existing loan schemes such as the Bounce Back Loans or other coronavirus interruption loan schemes. The amount, though borrowed under an existing scheme, may in certain circumstances limit the amount that can be borrowed under the new Recovery Loan Scheme.

Those looking to access funding through the scheme must have been affected by Covid-19, though the finance can be used for any legitimate business purpose – including cashflow, investment and growth.

Up to £10 million is available per business. The actual amount offered and the terms are at the discretion of participating lenders.

The government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender. As the borrower, you are always 100% liable for the debt.

The scheme is open until 31 December 2021, subject to review.

Loans are available through a network of accredited lenders, listed on the British Business Bank’s website.

Accredited lenders include Bank of Scotland, Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, Lloyds Bank, Paragon, RBS, Santander, Skipton Business Finance, Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale Bank.

Eligibility

You can apply for a loan if your business:

• is trading in the UK

You need to show that your business:

• would be viable were it not for the pandemic
• has been adversely impacted by the pandemic
• is not in collective insolvency proceedings

Who cannot apply?

Businesses from any sector can apply, except:

• banks, building societies, insurers and reinsurers (but not insurance brokers)
• public-sector bodies
• state-funded primary and secondary schools

What you can get

• term loans or overdrafts of between £25,001 and £10 million per business
• invoice or asset finance of between £1,000 and £10 million per business

No personal guarantees will be taken on facilities up to £250,000 and a borrower’s principal private residence cannot be taken as security.

How long the loan is for

The maximum length of the facility depends on the type of finance you apply for and will be:

• up to 3 years for overdrafts and invoice finance facilities
• up to 6 years for loans and asset finance facilities

How to apply

Those seeking finance through the scheme will need to approach an accredited lender and will need to provide certain evidence to demonstrate the affordability of the loan and their ability to repay.  This is likely to include the following:

• Management accounts
• Business Plan
• Historic accounts
• Details of assets

Looking for support and guidance with an application

If you are looking for support and assistance in making an application or preparing the relevant information for submission, then please email or call your usual Streets contact.