Accessing fast, flexible funding for your business has become more challenging than ever. Banks now impose strict affordability criteria, slow underwriting processes, and increasingly cautious lending policies. For many business owners, entrepreneurs and company directors, this means waiting weeks for a decision — only to be offered unsuitable terms or declined altogether.

At Edinburgh Asset Finance (EAF), we provide a premium, discreet and highly efficient alternative through asset-backed business loans secured against high-value personally owned items. While pawnbroking legislation requires us to lend to individuals rather than corporations, a significant proportion of our clients are business directors raising funds for their business. This allows them to access liquidity quickly, without credit checks, intrusive financial reviews or the delays associated with traditional business loans.

Clients routinely use our service to raise funds for their business for tax liabilities, VAT, payroll, stock purchases, investment opportunities, unexpected bills or general cash flow support. With loan values ranging from £1,000 to £1 million+, and funds released immediately upon receipt of the asset, our solution bridges the gap between conventional finance and the fast-paced realities of running a modern business.

In addition, for certain situations we can consider direct business lending against Scottish property, providing an alternative route when larger amounts or corporate borrowing structures are required.

A Smarter Way to Raise Funds for Your Business

Unlike a traditional loan for business purposes — which may require accounts, forecasts, personal guarantees, and extensive credit checks — our luxury pawnbroking model provides a streamlined, discreet and highly flexible funding route.

You retain full ownership of your asset, there is no impact on credit ratings, and the process is engineered for speed.

Business clients choose us because we provide:

  • Fast valuations
  • Immediate loan offers
  • No business plans required
  • No trading history needed
  • No affordability assessments
  • No personal guarantees
  • Funds transferred as soon as we receive the asset
  • A fully confidential, director-friendly funding solution

Whether you are covering short-term cash flow or capitalising on a commercial opportunity, our service enables you to unlock liquidity without delay.

How Our Asset-Backed Business Loan Alternative Works

The process as for all of our premium pawnbroking loans remains exceptionally straightforward, and is designed to be as hassle free as possible, giving the time needed to focus on your business.

1. Expert Valuation

You provide details and images of the asset you wish to use as security. Our specialists assess high-value items such as:

  • Luxury watches
  • Gold and precious metals
  • Fine jewellery
  • Fine art and rare antiques
  • Prestige cars
  • Whisky collections
  • Designer handbags
  • Private number plates
  • High-value technology

We typically provide valuations within hours, ensuring no delay when you need to raise funds for your business quickly.

2. Immediate Loan Offer

Once the value is confirmed, we issue a transparent loan offer, usually lending 60–70% of the asset’s value.

Terms include:

  • Loan durations up to seven months
  • No credit checks
  • No financial disclosure
  • No business documentation
  • No personal guarantees
  • No impact on credit score

Many clients redeem early once business cash flow improves — with no early repayment penalties.

3. Private Appointment & Asset Handover

We can meet you at our Edinburgh office or at a private location of your choosing across the UK. Everything is discreet, professional and designed around your schedule.

4. Immediate Release of Funds

Unlike a typical loan for business use — which may take weeks — our loans release funds as soon as the asset is received, enabling immediate support for your business.

5. Simple Redemption

You can redeem the asset at any point by repaying the loan and interest. If you require more time, extensions may be available depending on circumstances.

Direct Business Lending (Property in Scotland Only)

While pawnbroking legislation means we can only provide asset-backed loans to individuals, in certain circumstances we can lend directly to businesses where the loan is secured against property. Unfortunately this is only possible in Scotland due to differing property laws.

This option is often suited to:

  • Established businesses seeking a larger short-term facility
  • Companies with commercial or investment property
  • Directors looking for a business-secured quick and short-term solution.

These facilities are assessed on a bespoke basis with the same emphasis on discretion and speed.

Why Directors Use EAF to Raise Business Funds

1. Speed

Traditional lenders can take weeks. We can provide valuations and loan offers the same day, with funds released immediately once the asset is handed over.

2. Confidential

No one — not your bank, accountant, suppliers or business partners — is notified. Many directors prefer to keep business funding private.

3. Certainty

A bank may change its criteria at any time. Our approach is straightforward: if the asset has value, we can lend.

4. Zero Impact on Credit

No searches, no footprint, no effect on borrowing capacity.

5. High-Value Lending

We routinely fund loans from £1,000 to £1 million+, providing commercial-scale liquidity without commercial-level obstruction.

6. Flexibility

Directors can redeem early, renew loans, or negotiate extensions depending on the asset and circumstances.

Assets Commonly Used to Support Business Funding

Because business owners often hold valuable personal assets, the following categories are particularly popular:

Luxury Watches

Rolex, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet and other high-end brands.

Fine Jewellery & Diamonds

Precious metal pieces, diamond rings, vintage jewellery, investment-grade stones.

Gold & Precious Metal Holdings

Coins, bullion and bars — ideal for short-term financing.

Fine Art, Antiques & Collectibles

Paintings, sculptures, rare items and historically significant pieces.

Prestige & Classic Cars

Performance vehicles and collectible cars.

Whisky Collections

Rare bottles, casks and collectors’ editions.

Private Number Plates

Easily valued and increasingly used for asset-backed business funding.

View all loan types

Typical Business Scenarios We Support

Our clients use our asset-backed business loans to solve immediate commercial challenges such as:

  • VAT or corporation tax deadlines
  • Short-term payroll funding
  • Bridging a delayed invoice
  • Securing stock or equipment quickly
  • Funding for marketing or expansion
  • Business emergencies
  • Supplier or contractor settlement
  • Seizing a time-sensitive investment opportunity

When the business cannot wait — we provide a reliable, high-value alternative.

FAQs – Asset-Backed Business Loans

What documents are required to apply for a business loan?

Because the loan is to an individual, not the business, documentation is minimal. We require both photographic ID and proof of address — no business accounts, financial statements or credit reports are needed.

Can startups or newly formed businesses apply?

Yes. Because the loan is secured against personal assets and not assessed on trading performance, directors and owners of startups can access funding immediately.

How is the loan amount determined?

We lend based on the value of the asset provided — usually 60–70% of market value. The stronger the asset, the higher the available loan.

Do I need to provide personal guarantees?

No. Your asset alone secures the loan. No guarantees are required, and no credit checks are performed.

How quickly can funds be accessed for business use?

Funds are transferred as soon as we receive the asset — often the same day. This is significantly faster than any traditional loan for business purposes.

Contact Edinburgh Asset Finance today to arrange your private appointment.