Common Questions, Direct Answers
Candid answers on process, timelines, fees, and what separates Northmere from a bank or a comparison platform.
Expertise, Not Aggregation
Is Northmere a bank or a comparison site?
Neither. Northmere is a direct-operator broker with established lender relationships. We prepare and place applications ourselves — we do not aggregate or refer.
What types of finance can Northmere source?
Invoice financing, trade finance, unsecured business loans, acquisition debt (senior and mezzanine), and asset-backed facilities. All structures are unregulated commercial finance sourced for UK businesses. We do not place commercial mortgages, bridging loans, development finance, HMO finance, or Buy to Let products
Will my enquiry be passed to third parties?
No. Your information is handled by Northmere directly. We approach lenders only with your explicit instruction and only where there is a genuine fit.
Do I need to provide a personal guarantee?
No. In many cases, no. Northmere specifically structures facilities to avoid personal guarantees wherever the deal allows. Whether a personal guarantee is required depends on the lender, the facility type, the business's trading history, and the strength of any underlying assets. We assess this at first enquiry and tell you upfront — not after you've signed a heads of terms.
Will a lender take a second charge on my home?
No. Northmere does not place facilities that require a second charge on residential property. All structures we source are commercial in nature, and we work specifically to avoid attaching personal assets to business debt. If a lender requires a second charge, we will not place that application — and we will tell you why.
Is Northmere regulated by the FCA?
No. Northmere sources unregulated commercial finance only. The products we place — invoice finance, trade finance, business loans, acquisition debt, and asset-backed facilities — fall outside FCA regulation when lent to businesses. We do not source regulated products, including consumer credit or regulated mortgages. If you need those, we will tell you directly rather than try to place you.
Speed, Cost, and Aligned Incentives
How quickly can a decision be reached?
Credit-backed decisions on invoice and trade facilities typically arrive within 3–10 business days. Acquisition and structured debt can take 4–12 weeks depending on due diligence complexity depending on what type of financing you apply for. Applications reach the right lender desk first time, prepared to that lender's exact requirements — that is where time is saved.
What does Northmere charge?
A broker fee is charged on successful completion only. The structure and amount are agreed transparently at the outset. We are paid when the deal closes — our incentive is your success.
My bank declined — can Northmere still help?
In most cases, yes. A bank decline reflects one lender's criteria at one point in time. Non-bank and specialist lenders operate with different structures; the capital often exists elsewhere.
What information do I need to provide?
The detail varies by facility type. Our Required Documents page sets out the standard checklist. A strong submission includes audited accounts, management information, and a clear statement of purpose.
Ready to Discuss Your Requirement?
Submit a structured enquiry and a Northmere broker will respond within one business day with a direct assessment — no holding queue, no automated response.