What documents do I need to start (filed accounts, bank statements, supplier quotes, asset details)?
Quick answer — start here
To begin any business finance enquiry you’ll typically need filed accounts, recent business bank statements, supplier or contractor quotes, and clear asset details. These core documents let lenders and brokers assess creditworthiness, cashflow and the suitability of different finance products. Submitting these items with your Quick Quote speeds up matching and increases the chance of a fast Decision in Principle or eligibility check.
Core financial records lenders expect
Filed accounts (statutory accounts) are often the starting point for most commercial lenders and asset financiers. They show historic profitability, balance sheet strength and directors’ notes that explain one-off events or accounting adjustments.
Most lenders ask for the last two to three years of filed accounts for established businesses. If you operate a limited company, include Companies House filing references and any management accounts if available.
Recent business bank statements are equally important because they reveal real cashflow and daily trading behaviour. Provide the last three to six months of stamped or PDF bank statements for all business accounts, and personal accounts for directors where required.
Cashflow evidence and management accounts
Management accounts, VAT returns and sales ledgers help bridge the gap between year-end accounts and current performance. These documents confirm recent trading and validate forecasts used in funding applications.
VAT returns can be compelling evidence of turnover and trading patterns, especially for seasonal businesses. If you use accounting software such as Xero, Sage or QuickBooks, export clear PDF reports or accountant-prepared packs.
Cashflow forecasts and profit-and-loss projections are useful where you’re seeking growth, working capital or refinancing. Lenders often ask for a simple 12-month forecast showing expected income, major expenses and loan repayment assumptions.
Supplier quotes, customer contracts and receivables
Supplier quotes and purchase orders tell lenders precisely what the funds will be used for and help underwrite asset or project finance. Provide dated, detailed quotes that include VAT status, delivery lead times and serial numbers where relevant.
For invoice finance or factoring, provide copies of large outstanding invoices, underlying customer purchase orders and proof of delivery where available. Lenders will review debtor quality, concentration risk and payment terms.
If a business relies on a few large contracts or key customers, include signed contract pages or renewal terms. This helps assess revenue stability and the risk of customer churn.
Asset information and valuations
For asset finance (machinery, vehicles, plant) include full asset details: make, model, year, serial or chassis numbers and current condition. Clear photos and maintenance records add credibility and can reduce valuation queries.
Supplier pro-forma invoices or hire purchase quotes showing the purchase price and delivery schedule are essential for many asset-backed products. If you have a recent independent valuation, attach it to speed approval.
Where property or real estate is involved (note: Best Business Loans does not arrange commercial mortgages), outline location, use, tenure and any existing charges or rents. For business purposes, lenders need to know if assets are already encumbered.
Identity, compliance and supporting paperwork
Identity and business verification documents help meet anti-money laundering (AML) and lender due diligence. Typical items include passports or driving licences for directors and recent utility bills for proof of address.
Business verification may also need your company registration number, UTR, VAT registration certificate and an up-to-date shareholder/director list. Provide details of any related-party transactions or guarantees up front.
Finally, disclose existing finance agreements, outstanding balances, repayment schedules and any defaults. Transparency speeds decisions and reduces the risk of an adverse outcome later in the process.
How to package documents for the quickest outcome
Create a single, clearly labelled PDF bundle for each document type (e.g. “Accounts_2023”, “BankStatements_Jun-Aug_2025”). Clear filenames and a simple index page help brokers and lenders find what they need without chasing you.
Use current, PDF or image formats (scans or exported PDFs) rather than screenshots or photos of low quality. Where sensitive information exists, redact only personal data that’s unnecessary for credit assessment while remaining compliant with KYC requirements.
When you complete a Quick Quote or eligibility check, upload documents securely via the platform or provide links to a secure file transfer. Best Business Loans shares your pack only with lenders/brokers matched to your enquiry, and only with your permission.
What lenders check and why each document matters
Filed accounts confirm historic profitability, retained earnings, director transactions and tangible asset values. They form the backbone of credit decision models and help determine covenant levels and loan-to-value assumptions.
Bank statements show transactional cashflow, irregular withdrawals, overdraft usage and VAT or PAYE payments. Lenders use this to decide short-term affordability and the risk of operational cash squeezes.
Quotes and asset details demonstrate the purpose and security for funds, and help underwrite equipment finance and hire purchase deals. Accurate quotes reduce contingencies and allow quicker conditional offers.
Special cases: invoice finance, sustainability projects and fast-track funding
Invoice finance requires proof of invoices, purchase orders, customer creditworthiness and sometimes historical days-sales-outstanding (DSO) metrics. Provide aged debtor listings and dispute/credit notes to show receivables quality.
For sustainability loans or energy-efficiency upgrades, attach supplier quotations, technical specifications and projected energy savings. If you plan to apply for green finance, detailed project plans and cost breakdowns strengthen your case — see our sustainability loans guidance for more detail: Sustainability loans.
For quick cashflow options or decision-in-principle checks, focus on the essentials: recent bank statements, one year of management accounts and a clear funding purpose. This allows a swift eligibility check and faster matched outcomes.
Common documentation mistakes to avoid
Missing or inconsistent dates across documents often cause delays, as underwriters must reconcile discrepancies. Double-check that all documents cover the requested date ranges before you upload them.
Providing incomplete supplier quotes without VAT status, delivery terms or supplier contact details makes it harder for finance underwriters to accept costs. Ask suppliers for full written quotes or pro-forma invoices.
Hiding existing obligations or providing inaccurate turnover figures can lead to rejections or withdrawn offers. Being upfront about liabilities helps your broker find realistic, compliant lending options.
Next steps — what to upload to your Quick Quote
Start with these core items: most recent filed accounts, the last three to six months of business bank statements, supplier quotes/contracts for the intended use of funds, and asset details if applicable. Add management accounts, VAT returns and ID documents to speed verification.
Once you’ve compiled your pack, complete our Quick Quote form and upload documents securely when prompted. Our AI matching will pair your enquiry to lenders and brokers that commonly fund your sector and loan purpose.
If you’d prefer guidance before uploading, our UK support team can advise on which documents matter most for your funding type. We’ll help you prepare a clean, lender-ready application to improve match speed and outcomes.
Key takeaways
Filed accounts, recent bank statements, supplier quotes and detailed asset information are the four pillars of a successful funding enquiry. Properly organised documents mean faster eligibility checks and stronger offers. Prepare a clear PDF bundle, be transparent about liabilities, and submit a Quick Quote to get matched quickly with suitable lenders or brokers.
Ready to get started?
Gather your accounts, bank statements and supplier quotes, then submit a Quick Quote to begin an eligibility check or Decision in Principle. Our platform does not provide loans directly; we use AI and a network of trusted lenders and brokers to match your business to the right finance options. Get your free Quick Quote now and move your finance application forward.