Start with one written brief
State the amount, use, drawdown date, desired term, repayment source and security you can offer. Give every shortlisted provider the same request.
Use primary evidence
Prefer bank statements, filed tax records, signed contracts, ageing reports and official registers. Keep the forecast assumptions separate from historical results.
Compare the agreement, not the headline
Record net cash received, total cash paid, rate basis, fees, guarantees, security, default terms, cancellation rights and early settlement.
Keep an audit trail
Save the quote, product terms, repayment schedule and the reason for the decision. Recheck any time-sensitive rate or licence immediately before signing.
Organise one indexed credit file
Create folders for legal entity and ownership, management identity, bank conduct, accounts and tax, receivables and payables, existing debt, funding purpose and forecast. Use a cover sheet that names every file, period and unresolved gap.
Reconcile the management accounts to bank deposits and tax filings where possible. Add short notes for cash sales, intercompany transfers, one-off dividends, shareholder loans and unusual refund periods so the reviewer can follow the business without guessing.
Show the transaction that needs funding
A working-capital request needs a cash conversion cycle. Equipment finance needs supplier quotations, installation costs and expected savings. Trade finance needs purchase orders, invoices, shipping terms, buyer details and foreign-exchange assumptions.
Forecasts should separate historical fact from management assumptions. Include a base case and a downside case with delayed collections, weaker sales and higher interest. The lender may disagree with the forecast, but transparent assumptions make the discussion productive.
Rates, limits and eligibility can change. Ask for a current written quote, repayment schedule and agreement. General information only.