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We can arrange finance with as little as zero deposit. However, this depends on several factors including the lender criteria, credit profile, and valuation of the car or asset.

This can vary depending on the type of application. Most personal applications will require 3 months latest bank statements. Most business applications require at least 3 months bank statements and your latest set of accounts.

Depending on the type of agreement, the process can take as little as 48 hours from start to finish. Most car finance agreements are transacted within the same week, but some business applications and more complex personal finance proposals can take longer.

We can only assist clients based in the UK with a UK bank account.

Most assets can be funded through our large panel of funders. From cars to tractors and even shop fit outs. We can also arrange unsecured business loans for Limited companies.

James Murray Finance never charges a fee for the service provided. We receive a commission for arranging the funding with the lenders.

Typically, the maximum agreement term is 60 months. However, in some cases and depending on the lender and asset being funded, we can offer up to 120-month terms.

We can help with all types of credit profile. From excellent credit scores to clients with a more complex credit history. We are unlikely to be able to assist if you have a track record of missed payments or very poor credit history.

Nearly all the agreements we arrange can be settled partly or in full at any time. Contact us to find out more or to obtain your up-to-date settlement figure. Please note that many business agreements are unregulated and may have different settlement terms to regulated agreements. Please ask for more information.

Interest only agreements for private individuals and businesses are something we specialise in and can partly depend on the asset valuation and your available deposit.

Yes, refinance is a very popular product for clients looking to raise equity against their existing assets or refinance a balloon payment.

If you have enough equity in your car or asset, then there is a good chance we can re-structure your existing agreement and in some cases release equity.

Yes you can part-exchange your current car or asset with the supplying dealer.

When part-exchanging, especially with a reputable dealer, they typically handle settling the finance on your existing agreement.

Here's how it works: Let's say your settlement amount is £20,000, and your part-exchange is valued at £30,000. The £10,000 equity remaining will go towards the new purchase.

This streamlined process saves you time and hassle. However, if you're in a private sale or less common scenario, you may need to settle the finance yourself first. In such cases, the purchaser of your part-exchange will normally inform you ahead of time.

A regulated settlement is a process that allows borrowers to end their agreement early and settle their outstanding balance. Under a regulated settlement, the lenders are required to follow specific rules when calculating the settlement figure, which includes a rebate of some interest charges. This is different from a non-regulated settlement, where borrowers do not have the same level of protection and lenders have more flexibility in how they calculate the settlement amount.

EBITDA stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation. It is a financial metric used to measure a company's operating performance by excluding non-operating expenses and accounting decisions such as interest on loans, taxes, and the depreciation of assets. By ignoring these factors, EBITDA provides a clearer picture of a company's profitability from its core business operations.

APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It represents the annual cost of borrowing money. It includes both the interest rate and any additional fees associated with the loan. APR is used to compare the cost of loans and credit cards from different lenders, and the lower the APR, the better. Understanding APR is important when considering taking out a loan or using credit to finance a purchase.

LTV is an acronym for LOAN-TO-VALUE, and is a term used in finance to describe the ratio of a loan amount to the appraised value of an asset being purchased. In other words, it's the percentage of the asset's value that is being financed through a loan. The higher the LTV, the higher the risk for the lender, as they are financing a larger portion of the asset's value.

Improving your chances of getting approved for a business loan involves taking steps to present yourself and your business in the best possible light to lenders. Here are some tips to consider:

• Prepare a detailed business plan that includes financial projections and a clear repayment strategy.
• Check your credit report for errors and work to improve your credit score if necessary.
• Gather all relevant documentation, including financial statements, tax returns, and bank statements.
• Be transparent and honest in your communication with lenders.

If you miss a payment on your asset finance agreement, it's important to act as soon as possible. Your lender may charge you a late payment fee and your credit score may be affected. The best course of action is to contact your lender or broker immediately to discuss your situation and work out a plan to catch up on missed payments. Failing to take action may lead to repossession of the asset and could damage your credit score further.

Asset finance provides several benefits compared to buying outright, including:

• Cash flow management: Asset finance allows you to spread the cost of your asset over its useful life, making it easier to control your cash flow.
• Potential tax advantages: Depending on the type of asset finance you choose, you may be able to claim tax deductions on the interest and depreciation.
  
• Preserves working capital: By financing your asset, you can preserve your working capital, which can be utilised for other essential business needs.
• Access to up-to-date equipment: Financing enables you to acquire the latest equipment, which can help improve your efficiency and output.
  
• Flexibility: Asset finance is flexible, and there are a variety of finance products available that can be tailored to your specific business needs.

Yes, in most cases, you can make additional payments to your finance agreement. On regulated agreements, this can help to reduce the overall amount of interest you pay and potentially shorten the length of the agreement. However, it's important to check with your finance provider first to ensure there are no penalties or fees for making additional payments. Contact us for more information on how you can manage your finance agreement and make additional payments.

If your asset is damaged or stolen during the finance agreement, the insurance coverage on the asset should cover the costs. However, it is important to review the terms and conditions of your finance agreement and insurance policy to understand the extent of the coverage.

In some cases, you may be required to repay the outstanding balance on the finance agreement even if the asset is no longer usable. If you have any questions or concerns, it's best to contact your asset finance provider for guidance. Don't hesitate to reach out to James Murray Finance to learn more about our asset finance solutions and how we can help you navigate any potential issues. Remember to always prioritise regular maintenance and insurance coverage to prevent any unexpected financial burdens.

Here are some of the possible benefits of using a finance broker for financing instead of a dealership:

• You have the opportunity to compare rates and terms from multiple lenders to find the best deal, which can result in significant savings on interest charges compared to using dealer finance.
• Brokers can often get financing approved on more complex finance applications, where dealers generally have a more limited choice of funding options.
• The expertise and experience of a finance broker, combined with their choice of lenders can help ensure the suitability of a finance agreement for your specific financial situation and goals.
• Some dealerships are less likely to be objective with the finance offering they give you when deciding between a new or used car.
• Finance brokers do not have an incentive on which car you buy which helps when comparing the best funding solutions.

For more information on this, check out James's video where he explains more: Why Use a Finance Broker Instead of Going Direct? | Expert Insights by James Murray Finance

At James Murray Finance, we understand the unique challenges facing UK businesses, particularly when it comes to securing financing while operating at a loss. Contrary to common belief, profitability isn't the sole measure for obtaining finance.

We specialise in navigating the dynamic finance landscape for SMEs, leveraging strategic financing solutions that consider factors beyond the balance sheet. We help UK businesses make informed decisions that support their growth and sustainability. With our expertise, businesses can access the financing they need to thrive, even in challenging financial circumstances. 

Yes, financing options are available for phoenix businesses, but eligibility criteria may vary depending on the circumstances of the business.

Lenders typically assess factors such as the business's financial health, creditworthiness, and ability to repay the loan. While having a phoenix business, which refers to a company that has undergone insolvency and been restarted under a new name or ownership, may present challenges, it doesn't necessarily preclude you from obtaining financing.

James Murray Finance specialises in helping phoenix businesses navigate the financing landscape and can provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Contact us to discuss your financing options and find the best solution for your phoenix business's financial needs.

See James talk about Phoenix businesses Click Here

Credit utilisation refers to the amount of credit you are using compared to your total available credit. High credit utilisation suggests you are heavily reliant on credit, which can be a red flag for lenders. Keeping your credit utilisation ratio low can demonstrate financial responsibility and improve your chances of approval.

Overtrading occurs when a business takes on more sales than it can handle with its current resources, leading to cash flow problems and operational strain.

This often happens when businesses expand too quickly without securing the necessary funding to support their growth.

Overtrading can result in missed payments, increased debt, and ultimately, financial instability. UK business owners need to be particularly cautious of this, as it can severely impact their financial health and operational efficiency.

For a detailed explanation and real-world example of overtrading, watch our YouTube video:  Understanding Overtrading in Business: Causes, Effects, and Prevention Strategies for UK SMEs

The main difference is ownership. When you lease (Contract Hire) a company car, you're essentially renting it long-term with fixed monthly payments, but you don't own the vehicle. When you buy through Hire Purchase or Lease Purchase, you're working towards owning the car.

Each option has its pros and cons in terms of cash flow, tax implications, and long-term costs. For a detailed comparison of Contract Hire, Hire Purchase, and Lease Purchase, check out our blog post: Contract Hire vs Hire Purchase vs Lease Purchase

Alternatively watch our YouTube video Which Car Financing Option is Best for Your Business?