The SME Finance Charter
We’re open for business and ready to lend
Whether you need a cash injection to buy new stock or equipment, or you're looking to fund an expansion, business lending can help your business grow and thrive.
Whether you're an established business or just starting out, finding the right finance products to meet your needs can be difficult. In 2021, we supported 93,000 start ups, small businesses and charities, and expanded the funding available under our discounted green finance initiatives from £3 billion to £5 billion.
At Bank of Scotland, we want to make it simple for you to compare and choose our products, whatever your business circumstances. Visit our Borrowing Hub to compare the different financing solution.
We’ll help you build back better after Covid-19.
Throughout the pandemic, we've supported businesses, providing £13 billion of lending through Government-guaranteed Covid business loan schemes to more than 340,000 businesses.
From cash flow forecasting to mentoring and mental health information, our Coronavirus hub is designed to provide a collection of insights, guidance and other useful resources to help you manage the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on your business.
All businesses face challenges at one time or another. We’re here to help you take the steps needed to face those challenges and support you on the road to recovery.
We’ll support your application and signpost other options if needed.
The right type of funding can play a vital role in helping your business reach its potential. Whether it’s for growth or development, there are many reasons why your business may need finance. We could provide help when you most need it.
We’re committed to providing a lending application process that gives you access to a broad selection of lending options – and helps make it simpler to apply for the funding you need.
If we decline your lending application and you’re not satisfied with our reasons, you can appeal to us. We have a fair appeals process for all of our customers.
We’ll treat you fairly at all times, making sure you get a fair deal
In uncertain times, you need financial support and expert guidance to navigate the unique challenges you may face. Whatever the future brings we will continue to help your business grow, manage risks, become more sustainable and inclusive and recover from setbacks.
To find out more you can read the statement of responsibilities, which details what's expected of us, the lender and you the borrower.
We’ll work with the Government-owned British Business Bank to support SMEs
We've a long established relationship with British Business Bank and we'll continue to work with them to support businesses like yours through this period of uncertainty.
Further information on SME finance options can be found at www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/.