What we know
The Government has announced the launch on 6 April 2021 of a new support scheme called the Recovery Loan Scheme.
Details of how the Scheme is to operate are still to be released, however, we understand that the aim of the Scheme is to ensure that businesses of any size can continue to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £10 million per business once the existing COVID-19 loan schemes close, providing support as businesses recover and grow following the disruption of the pandemic and the end of the transition period.
Funds received under the Scheme can be used for any legitimate business purpose, including growth and investment.
The government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender to ensure they continue to have the confidence to lend to businesses.
The scheme will launch on 6 April and will remain open until 31 December, subject to review.
As with the other similar loan schemes such as (BBL and CBILS) the Loans will be available through a network of accredited lenders, whose names will be made public in due course.
What type of finance is available
- Term loans and overdrafts will be available between £25,001 and £10 million per business.
- Invoice finance and asset finance will be available between £1,000 and £10 million per business.
Finance terms are up to six years for term loans and asset finance facilities. For overdrafts and invoice finance facilities, terms will be up to three years.
No personal guarantees will be taken on facilities up to £250,000, and a borrower’s principal private residence cannot be taken as security.
Eligibility
You will be able to apply for a loan if your business:
- is trading in the UK
You will need to show that your business:
- is viable or would be viable were it not for the pandemic
- has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic
- is not in collective insolvency proceedings – further details will be provided in due course
Business that have received support under the existing COVID-19 guaranteed loan schemes will still be eligible to access finance under this scheme, if they meet all other eligibility criteria.
Who cannot apply
Businesses from any sector will be eligible to apply, except:
- banks, building societies, insurers and reinsurers (but not insurance brokers)
- public-sector bodies
- state-funded primary and secondary schools
How to apply
The scheme will launch on 6 April 2021. Further details on how to apply and details of accredited lenders will be released in due course.
