Is the Growth Guarantee Scheme available for eligible transport and logistics firms?
Yes — and here’s how UK logistics firms can use it (Part 1)
Yes. The UK Government’s Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), delivered by the British Business Bank through accredited lenders, is available to eligible transport and logistics businesses across the UK. It can support facilities such as term loans, asset finance, invoice finance, and overdrafts, subject to lender assessment and scheme rules.
GGS is a lender guarantee (not a grant or a guarantee to the borrower), designed to help viable businesses access finance where lenders might otherwise be more cautious. Eligible logistics operators can typically use it for working capital, investment in vehicles and equipment, or to support growth and cash flow.
What counts as “transport and logistics” for GGS?
Most trading businesses in this sector can be considered, including road haulage (HGV and LGV), pallet networks, couriers and last-mile delivery, warehousing and distribution, refrigerated transport, freight forwarding, ports and marine logistics, and coach and passenger transport. Lenders will still apply their own appetite and risk criteria.
Key scheme facts at a glance
- Government guarantee to the lender on eligible facilities; borrowers remain 100% liable.
- Products available via accredited providers typically include term loans, asset finance, invoice finance, and overdrafts.
- Use cases include fleet acquisitions, trailers, MHE (e.g. forklifts), telematics, depot fit-outs, and working capital.
- Terms commonly up to six years for term loans/asset finance, and up to three years for revolving facilities (varies by lender).
- No principal private residence can be taken as security under the scheme.
Important context
Availability depends on lender accreditation, funding capacity, and your business profile. Scheme rules and lender criteria can change, so always check the latest details before applying.
Eligibility for transport and logistics businesses (Part 2)
Core scheme principles
To be eligible, your business must be UK-based, actively trading, and considered viable by the lender — with finance deemed to support continued growth. You must not be in collective insolvency proceedings at the time of application, and facilities must be used for legitimate business purposes.
Lenders undertake standard credit, fraud, and affordability checks, and they may request security or a personal guarantee in line with their normal policy. The guarantee supports the lender’s risk position; it does not remove your repayment obligations.
Sector-specific considerations
Logistics applications often include sector evidence such as operator licences (for HGV/PSV), fleet insurance, maintenance records, and compliance data (e.g. tachograph, safety, and emissions). Couriers may be assessed on contract quality, parcel volumes, and peak season performance.
Warehousing operators might be assessed on tenancy or ownership of premises, throughput KPIs, and health and safety compliance. Freight forwarders may be evaluated on customer concentrations, payment terms, FX exposures, and debtor quality.
Business size and turnover
GGS is designed for smaller businesses. Many lenders reference SME thresholds (for example, turnover typically up to c. £45m), although exact limits and interpretations can vary by lender and jurisdiction.
Some sub-sectors may be subject to subsidy control or regional considerations, particularly in Northern Ireland and for businesses with complex goods movements. Your chosen lender will confirm applicable limits at the time of application.
What documents help a logistics application?
- Latest filed accounts, recent management accounts, and bank statements.
- Fleet schedules, asset lists, and maintenance/inspection records.
- Key contracts, debtor books, or aged receivables (for invoice finance).
- Operator licence evidence and insurance certificates.
- Business plan outlining growth strategy, cash flow forecasts, and risks.
Which finance options suit logistics under GGS? (Part 3)
Asset finance for vehicles, plant, and equipment
Asset finance can help you fund HGVs, vans, trailers, specialist bodies, telehandlers, forklifts, racking, tail-lifts, and on-board tech. This can include hire purchase, finance lease, or operating lease options, depending on lender appetite.
GGS can support these facilities via participating providers, giving lenders additional risk comfort. Terms and deposits depend on asset type, age, mileage/hours, and your credit profile.
Invoice finance to unlock cash tied up in debtors
For hauliers and distribution firms, invoice finance can release up to a high percentage of invoice value from reliable commercial customers. This helps bridge 30–90 day payment terms and reduces seasonal or contract-linked cash flow strain.
GGS can support invoice finance and overdrafts with revolving limits, subject to scheme rules and lender policies. Debtor quality, concentration risks, and dispute levels will matter in underwriting.
Term loans and overdrafts for growth and working capital
Term loans can fund depot upgrades, new routes, IT systems, sustainability upgrades, or one-off growth projects. Overdrafts can provide flexible working capital for fuel, wages, or duty/VAT timing gaps.
Rates and fees are set by lenders and reflect risk, security, and facility type. Personal guarantees may be requested in line with normal policies, but lenders cannot take a charge over a principal private residence under the scheme.
Pairing products for better outcomes
Many logistics firms blend facilities, such as asset finance for fleet additions plus an invoice finance line to smooth cash flow. Lenders may prefer a cohesive funding plan showing how facilities interact.
For broader context on sector-fit products, see our guide to logistics business finance options.
How to check eligibility and get matched with providers (Part 4)
Our simple four-step process
- Complete a Quick Quote: Tell us about your business, sector, and facility needs. It takes minutes.
- AI-led matching: Our system compares your profile against active lenders and brokers who support GGS-style facilities.
- Introductions: We connect you with suitable providers who can assess your eligibility and issue decisions in principle.
- You stay in control: Compare terms, ask questions, and choose your preferred route. There’s no obligation to proceed.
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer. We do not offer loans directly or provide regulated financial advice. We help you navigate the market efficiently and connect with relevant, trusted providers.
What logistics lenders commonly look for
- Stable or improving trading performance and cash generation.
- Fleet compliance, maintenance standards, and operator licence integrity.
- Quality and durability of contracts, customers, and routes.
- Credible growth plan, including driver resourcing and safety systems.
- Evidence you can service the repayments through cycles and seasonality.
Timelines and expectations
Indicative decisions for smaller facilities can be fast when information is complete. Asset finance can proceed rapidly for straightforward vehicle purchases, while invoice or overdraft lines may require more diligence.
Complex facilities, refinances, or multi-asset transactions typically take longer. Preparing documents upfront speeds the process.
Start now: Submit your Quick Quote for an initial eligibility view and introductions to accredited providers who understand the transport and logistics sector.
FAQs, caveats, and compliance notes (Part 5)
Is there a deadline for GGS?
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is currently scheduled to run until 31 March 2026, subject to change and lender participation. Availability depends on accredited lenders and their capacity to offer facilities at any given time.
We recommend applying in good time, particularly if your plans involve fleet lead times, vehicle conversions, or depot works.
Can GGS support refinancing existing debt?
Yes, refinancing may be possible where it results in a materially improved financial position for the borrower. Examples include reducing total cost of debt, extending term to stabilise cash flow, or consolidating multiple facilities.
Each lender applies scheme rules and its own refinancing policy. Evidence to justify the improvement will be required.
Will I need to give a personal guarantee?
Personal guarantees may be requested in line with each lender’s normal policy. Under the scheme, a principal private residence cannot be taken as security.
Remember: the government guarantee supports the lender, not you. The borrower remains fully liable for the debt.
What about pricing, fees, and caps?
There is no universal interest cap under GGS; pricing is set by lenders based on risk, security, and product type. Fees may include arrangement, documentation, or valuation fees for certain assets.
We encourage comparing options and ensuring you understand total cost of borrowing, including early settlement terms where relevant.
Important notices and our commitment to clarity
Best Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide financial advice. We act as an independent introducer, connecting UK businesses with suitable finance providers based on your profile.
All information is provided to be fair, clear and not misleading, but scheme details, lender accreditation, and eligibility criteria can change. Always review lender documentation and consider professional advice where appropriate.
We may receive a commission from finance providers if you proceed. There is no obligation to accept any offer presented to you.
Key takeaways
- Yes — transport and logistics firms can access the Growth Guarantee Scheme via accredited lenders, subject to eligibility.
- Facilities can include asset finance, invoice finance, term loans, and overdrafts for vehicles, equipment, and working capital.
- The guarantee supports the lender; you remain fully liable and pricing is risk-based.
- Strong compliance, stable trading, and solid contracts improve approval odds.
- Use our Quick Quote to get matched with providers for an eligibility check and decision in principle.
Updated: October 2025. Always check the latest British Business Bank and lender guidance before applying.