The Four Finance Journeys, How Cash Flow, MCA, HMRC, and Property Finance Actually Work

Every finance product follows a different process. Here are the four main journeys explained in plain language, so you know exactly what to expect.

Why the Process Matters

Not all business finance works the same way. The documents required, the timeline, and the steps involved vary significantly depending on what you are borrowing for. Understanding the process in advance saves time and avoids surprises.

There are four main finance journeys that cover the majority of products. Each one follows a distinct path from application to funding.

Journey 1: Cash Flow Finance

This covers working capital loans, unsecured business loans, invoice finance, and revolving credit facilities. The process is the fastest and simplest of the four.

Step 1: You tell us what you need and why. We ask about your business, turnover, and trading history.

Step 2: We review your last 3 to 6 months of business bank statements. For invoice finance, we also need your aged debtors ledger.

Step 3: We match you to the most suitable lenders and present options with rates, terms, and total costs clearly shown.

Step 4: You accept an offer. Funds arrive within 24 to 72 hours. The whole process can take as little as two working days.

Journey 2: Merchant Cash Advance

The MCA journey is different because the assessment is based on card sales rather than bank statements.

Step 1: You provide 3 to 4 months of card terminal statements showing your daily or monthly card turnover.

Step 2: The lender calculates the advance amount based on your average monthly card sales. Typical advances are one to one and a half times your monthly card turnover.

Step 3: You receive an offer showing the advance amount, factor rate, total repayable, and the daily holdback percentage.

Step 4: Once accepted, funds are in your account within 24 to 48 hours. Repayments start automatically from your next card settlement.

Journey 3: HMRC and Tax Finance

HMRC finance, VAT loans, corporation tax loans, and self-assessment finance all follow a similar path.

Step 1: You provide the tax bill or return showing the amount due and the deadline.

Step 2: We review 3 months of bank statements and basic company information.

Step 3: A lender is matched and the offer presented. The lender pays HMRC directly on your behalf.

Step 4: You repay the lender in fixed monthly instalments over 3 to 12 months. HMRC is paid on time and your compliance record stays clean.

Journey 4: Property Finance

Bridging loans, commercial mortgages, and development finance are the most complex. The process involves legal work, valuations, and detailed due diligence.

Step 1: You provide property details, purchase price or value, the amount needed, and your exit strategy (how you plan to repay).

Step 2: A lender is identified and a Decision in Principle (DIP) issued, typically within 24 to 48 hours.

Step 3: A formal valuation is instructed. Solicitors are appointed for both sides. Due diligence and legal work proceed in parallel.

Step 4: Completion. Bridging loans can complete in 7 to 14 days. Commercial mortgages typically take 4 to 8 weeks. Development finance can take 6 to 12 weeks depending on the project complexity.

Not sure which journey applies to you? Tell us what you need and we will guide you through the right process.