Unsecured loans up to £250k for food & drink businesses.

Backing small businesses with more than just finance.
Because we take a people-first approach, we lend based on potential, not just balance sheets.

Apply Now

See how other Food & Drink businesses scaled
with funding from SWIG Finance

Single Variety Co-Founder Nicola Elliott

Expansion for Award-Winning Preserve Maker

Read the Case Study

SWIG Backing for Bristol Coffee Business

Read the Case Study

Michelin-Starred Restaurant Gets Refurb

Read the Case Study

Need more inspiration?
Check out our blog to find out what’s driving growth for food & drink scale ups.

Read the blog

Is my business eligible for a business loan?

The CBILS Scheme closed with effect from 31 March 2021. Learn more here.

Business Loan characteristics

Security
- Fixed & floating debenture taken (ranking behind existing charge holders, if appropriate)
- Unsupported personal guarantees are typically required for business loans

Information required to apply for a business loan:

– Last 2 years' full accounts (if available)
– Most recent management accounts
– Cashflow forecast for a minimum of 12 months
– Last 6 months business bank statements
– Credit Report for all directors

Amount & Term

£25,001 – £250,000 repayable up to 60 months

Interest Charge

Charged at 12% ABR

Fees Arrangement

Fee of 5% charged at outset

Apply Now

Business Loan Calculator

Loan Amount
Term
Total Amount to repay
Monthly Repayments
Interest Rate
15.75%
Arrangement Fee

Disclaimer: This repayment calculator is designed to outline the arrangement fee, monthly loan repayments and the total amount repayable for different loan terms. The actual amount payable may change depending on the agreed term and loan amount. We charge interest at 12% Above Base Rate (ABR). Base rate is currently 3.75%.
Terms and conditions apply, Credit is subject to status, affordability assessments and credit checks.

Ian Falconer, Found, Fishy Filaments

What our customers say...

"SWIG provided us with the funds we needed at a key inflection point for the business. It enabled us to invest in the stock and the people to meet rapidly increasing demand for our brand and products.

Since then, the business has grown by at least 6x, profitably. We are super grateful for their support and understanding of our business growth plans and vision." 

Simon Hills
Managing Director
TrueStart Coffee

Read the case study here

Could funding help you unlock your next stage of growth?

Here are some common reasons why we lend to Food & Drink businesses:

Growth & Expansion

☑️ Moving into larger premises to meet rising demand.
☑️ Opening a new production facility or distribution hub.
☑️ Expanding into new markets (regional, national, or export).

Product Development

☑️ Funding R&D for new product lines (e.g. vegan, low-sugar options).
☑️ Testing and certifications for new recipes/products.
☑️ Improving packaging design to meet retailer standards.

Compliance & Standards

☑️ Meeting health & safety or food hygiene requirements.
☑️ Adapting to new sustainability or packaging regulations.
☑️ Achieving industry accreditations.

Equipment & Technology

☑️ Purchasing / upgrading machinery (bottling lines, refrigeration, ovens).
☑️ Investing in automation to increase efficiency.
☑️ Upgrading packaging technology for compliance or sustainability.

Working Capital & Operations

☑️ Covering cashflow gaps when supplying large retailers.
☑️ Hiring additional staff for production or distribution.
☑️ Bulk-buying raw ingredients to secure better margins.

Marketing & Sales Growth

☑️ Brand refresh, new website, or marketing campaigns.
☑️ Trade show participation (costly but important for food & drink).
☑️ Expanding distribution networks (logistics, vehicles, partnerships).

Ready to take the next steps?

Apply Now

Got a question? Get in touch!

01872 227 930

Need help with your application? 

Our Business Managers will support you throughout the application process and our knowledge hub has practical tips and guidance to help you prepare.

How to Get a
Business Loan

Explore the best practices when applying for a business loan.

Read the blog

Cashflow Management for Business Growth

Discover how effective cashflow management can fuel growth.

Read the blog

5 Ways a Business Loan Fuels Business Growth

Explore 5 ways a business loan can unlock growth.

Read the blog

What you can expect from us

✓ A genuine interest in your business and a desire to see it succeed.

✓ Relationship-based contact and a personal 1-2-1 service from your dedicated business manager – you will always speak to a human.

✓ Our business managers work with you throughout the application process to help give your business the best chance for success.

✓ We base our lending decisions on potential, not collateral, which means that we can lend to projection-led businesses.

✓ Because we base our lending decisions on the bigger picture, we can lend when algorithm-driven lenders can’t.

Apply for a business loan now

Please complete the below enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.
Read more about our business loans requirements here.

Should you wish to apply for a loan then please complete the following questions:
Here at SWIG Finance Limited we take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your application and to provide the products and services you have requested from us. Please tick the box below to indicate your consent to us processing your data in accordance with our privacy policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can see below the answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.

What is a business loan?

Business loans are a form of debt finance that create a cash injection for a business. SWIG’s business loans are unsecured and do not require tangible security. Typically, the borrowing amount relates to a specific business-related purpose and is repaid monthly over a specified term.

How much can I borrow and what will it cost me?

Here at SWIG Finance, we can fund loans from £25,001 to £250,000 repayable from 1 to 5 years with an interest rate of 12% ABR.

What are the advantages of a business loan?

Business loans are a useful tool to help generate growth. Not every business has the funds they need to take full advantage of the market opportunities available to them.
Typically, business loan funding can be used to support working capital, as well as investment into resources and assets that will generate growth.

What will we need from you?

Information we will need to assess your loan request:

  • Last 2 sets of full annual accounts, including detailed Profit & Loss Accounts
  • Management accounts for the period since the most recent year-end to date
  • Cashflow forecast for a minimum of 18 months, identifying the requirement for the business loan
  • Agreement to Open Banking
  • Credit Report for all directors
  • Business Plan
  • Details of any agreed outputs e.g. number of jobs created or safeguarded.

Can a Public Limited company apply for a business loan?

Only incorporated businesses can apply for a business loan. No public limited companies will be considered for this loan.

Are there any other fees?

There is a 5% arrangement fee at outset, which can be added to the loan. If any payments are missed or late there may be additional fees.

Is a Debenture required?

Yes, a debenture will be registered at Companies House, which will typically rank behind existing charge holders.

How do I apply for a business loan?

To apply, click the ‘Apply Now’ button to be directed to the Enquiry Form.
Once you’ve submitted your application a member of the team will be in touch to take you through the next steps.

What are the risks of a business loan?

There are risks involved with lending. For example, if you fail to make payments on time this can affect the business credit rating. If you have a business loan with SWIG Finance and you encounter any difficulties, please get in touch with your dedicated business manager who will support you in resolving the issues.

Will there be a credit check?

Credit checks are a standard part of determining whether you qualify for a business loan. At SWIG Finance, we undertake a credit check on the business and require business owners to supply their own personal credit reports.
Please note, however, even if you do not have a perfect credit score, we may still be able to help you.

Am I eligible for a business loan with SWIG Finance?

To be eligible for a business loan:

  • You must be 18 or over.
  • Limited companies only can apply.
  • You must be a business with a clear plan for the purpose of the loan.
  • The business must be able to demonstrate viability and growth potential.
  • The business must be based in the South West of England.
  • Applicant businesses will typically have been trading for more than 2 years.

What can business loans be used for?

Business loans can be used for a range of purposes, including (but not limited to):

Do we provide the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

Yes, we are an accredited lender under the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) which means we will lend where tangible security isn’t available.
Visit our GGS webpage for more information.

Does the business loan require a personal guarantee?

Unsupported personal guarantees are typically required for all unsecured business loans.

What can I do if my business has been trading for less than two years?

You may be eligible to apply for a Start Up Loan instead, or as well as a Business Loan. Please visit our Start Up Loans page for more information.