Lending application process

TSB is proud to offer a complete range of business finance options which can be tailored to meet your business needs. Before speaking to us it's a good idea to look at which of the different finance options are available.

Browsing the Loans & finance pages on our website gives a comprehensive list of our products and features.

Please view our Financing your business area for more information.

The Financing your business brochure will help you understand what form of finance will suit your business need.

To begin preparing your application our finance application checklist gives details of the questions you may be asked. These will relate to your borrowing requirements, information about your business and additional information such as business plans and cashflow forecasts.

By preparing this information it will strengthen your application and reduce the likelihood of any delays that can arise from missing information.

Please view our Finance application checklist.

Once your application has been submitted one of our Relationship Team members will check to ensure that they have all the information that they need from you.

We will try to give you a decision as quickly as possible but there are certain factors which can affect our ability to do this.

Reviewing your application:

During this process we will:

• Ensure we have all the information we need. In some instances we may need to request further documentation from you, so it's worth while providing as much information up front in order for us to process your application efficiently.
• Complete background checks on you and your business as appropriate, such as Companies House searches.
• Assess the suitability and affordability of the finance option you have chosen, including explaining the cost of borrowing.
• Explain the other types of finance which may be suitable, so that you can consider which is most appropriate for your business.
• Ask for your permission to carry out a credit check on you and your business.
• Potentially ask for additional information.

If necessary, a member of the Relationship Team will call you to discuss your application.

Making a decision:

Following the application submission the Relationship Team will complete a Credit Proposal.

Depending on the amount you wish to borrow, your business sector and your credit history, we may need to refer your application to our Credit Sanctioning Team. If this happens our decision may take a little longer, but we'll keep you informed.

We will assess every reasonable request for finance (whether short-term or long-term) from viable business customers.

As soon as we have made a decision on your application we will let you know in writing. If your application has been successful we'll provide the appropriate documentation and let you know when and how you will receive your finance.

In the event that your application is declined we will work with you to strengthen your financial position and support you through future applications. Being able to demonstrate the following puts your business in a stronger position when applying for finance.

• A good financial track record (if it's an existing business)
• Sound management of your business
• A business idea expressed in a well-researched, well-presented business plan
• Financial controls and expert support
• Personal commitment from its principal shareholders
• Financial security

In the event that we are unable to provide you with finance, please speak to your Relationship Team who will be able to give you information on alternative forms of finance.

If you disagree with a declined application:

If you feel that an application for finance has been incorrectly declined we have a clearly defined appeals process which provides details of how and when you can appeal.