Business Loans For Engineers

Top reasons why engineers might need a business loan

As the owner of an engineering firm, you face the major challenge which can bring any small business to its knees – expenses that have to be paid regularly, while income fluctuates, projects overrun and clients don’t always pay on time.

You have staff wages to pay and hefty professional indemnity and public liability insurance premiums to cover – not to mention tax bills, utilities, rent or mortgage on your premises, purchase and maintenance of vehicles, and continuing professional development for your team.

Depending on your engineering discipline, you may also have expensive specialised equipment to buy and maintain.

As an engineer, a business loan could give you to cash to set up on your own, buy into an existing firm, extend your reach by hiring specialists in a different field, or expand your thriving business into new geographical areas.

You may be considering acquiring a competitor or growing your team so you have the capacity to can take on larger projects.

Whatever your strategic plans, a business loan can give you the funds you need to act on them.

What are the requirements for getting a business loan?

Getting a business loan can be easier than you think.

While you can still expect to be knocked back by the big banks unless you have a solid trading history, a top-rate credit rating and collateral to offer, there are plenty of alternative lenders out there willing to offer business loans to engineers.

Each lender will have their own criteria when it comes to things like credit rating, how long you’ve been in business, and how high your turnover is.

If you’re higher risk (e.g. if your credit score is low) you may still be able to get a business loan, although you can expect to pay a higher rate of interest to compensate for that risk.

The most important factor ALL lenders will look at is your capacity.

Lenders need to know that you will have enough cash – after all your expenses – to cover your loan repayments.

How to apply for a business loan

If you are applying to an alternative lender for a business loan, the process is usually quick and easy:

What options are available to engineers?

There are several types of small business loans you could consider, to support or grow your engineering business.

Unsecured small business loan

A short-term option, unsecured business loans are usually for between 3 months and 2 years.

You can use the funds for any purpose. Many lenders will let you set a repayment schedule to suit your trading patterns.

Equipment loan

A specific-purpose business loan secured on equipment you are buying, such as workshop equipment and machines.

The term will often be tied to the lifespan of the equipment. You will not be able to sell or upgrade the equipment until you have repaid the equipment finance.

Vehicle loan

There are several types of business car finance you can use to buy your work vehicles, including car loans, hire purchasing and leasing.

While your work vehicles are under finance you will not be able to sell or upgrade them.

Business line of credit

A business line of credit is similar to an overdraft facility, giving you access to cash up to an agreed limit, often with the right to draw, repay and redraw funds as you need them.

You only pay interest on what you borrow, but there are often set up and admin fees.

Business credit card

Business credit cards are great for covering day-to-day expenses and making purchases, but unless you clear the balance each month the cost can be extremely high.

Before entering in to any business loan agreement, be sure to seek professional advice. It’s also important to ensure you understand all of the costs (including all fees). You can get a head start by using our business loan calculator.