Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance: unsecured lending for UK SMEs

Century Business Finance presents itself as a lender focused on a single task: helping UK businesses access funding suited to how they operate. The company describes a process without unnecessary complexity and without clients being passed between departments, with a dedicated account manager assigned from start to finish. Its stated aim is to give clear, straightforward answers built around each business's circumstances.

The lender frames its offer around speed. Its site sets out a three-step path — a check in 20 seconds, an application in 2 minutes and funding the same day — and states that funds can reach the account within 24 hours. It also advertises the option to repay early with a reduced cost.

Loan sizes, terms and indicative pricing

Century Business Finance works with amounts from £10,000 to £250,000 and terms running from 6 months to 5 years. The site's loan calculator lets a visitor select a length and an amount to obtain an instant estimate of the monthly repayment; the example shown uses a £70,000 loan over 12 months. Indicative rates for that term start from 6.5%, subject to approval and eligibility. The company states that fixed monthly payments apply and that applying as a limited company does not affect the credit score.

Eligibility criteria

According to the information published by the lender, a business could be eligible if it is a UK limited company, has been trading for at least 12 months and has an annual turnover of at least £120,000.

Product range

The catalogue of financing options is broad and organised by purpose and by structure. It includes:

• Flexible business loans, working capital loans and cashflow loans, the latter aimed at short-term temporary cashflow issues.
• Tax and VAT bill loans, business growth loans and same-day or quick business loans.
• Secured and unsecured business loans, large business loans and small business loans, including a line specifically for women.
• Refinance and business consolidation loans, plus stock finance and equipment purchase loans.
• Business asset loans, long-term business loans, refurbishment loans and eCommerce business loans.
• Limited company business loans and property development finance.

The site also lists common business needs that the funding is intended to address: growing the business, managing cashflow, paying a tax bill, working capital, buying equipment or machinery, stock and inventory finance, refinancing and debt consolidation, refurbishment and property development.

Sectors served

Century Business Finance sets out a long list of industries it finances. In construction and trades it names construction, groundworks, landscaping and waste and recycling. In motor trades it covers the sector generically. Within professional services it lists accountants, law firms and legal practices, advertising and marketing, vets, opticians and other specialist professional services. Healthcare and care includes care homes, dentistry, medical practices and clinics, and pharmacies. Retail and hospitality covers retail businesses, pubs and breweries, florists and beauty and hairdressing. Property includes estate agents and commercial property. Leisure and community takes in gym and fitness businesses and activity centres. The lender also cites education businesses, family businesses, franchise businesses and events and venue hire businesses.

Recognition and published material

The company states that it has been recognised as a British Business Leader 2026 and featured in The Times and The Sunday Times British Business Leaders List 2026. It also reports being a finalist for Financial Services Company of the Year 2026. Alongside these mentions, the site publishes a Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) page, a whitepaper on managing cashflow, customer testimonials, case studies, a partners section and a careers section.

Client feedback shown on the site

The testimonials displayed on the site are attributed to named clients and repeatedly single out individual account managers for their handling of applications, communication and speed. Several describe funds being approved and arranged quickly, including same-day arrangements, and one refers to financing an expansion. A small number of comments also note areas for improvement, such as the level of detail in quotations for easier market comparison. These are individual accounts rather than an aggregate rating.