This article was originally posted on https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/

About the scheme

Launched on 6 April 2021, the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) provides financial support to businesses across the UK as they recover and grow following the coronavirus pandemic.

You can apply to the scheme if Covid-19 has affected your business. You can use finance for any legitimate business purpose – including managing cash flow, investment and growth. However, you must be able to afford to take out additional debt finance for these purposes.

If your business has already borrowed from any of the other coronavirus loan schemes – namely:

• the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)
• the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
• the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS)

RLS is still open to you, although the amount you have borrowed under an existing scheme may in certain circumstances limit the amount you may borrow under RLS.

RLS will run until 31 December 2021, subject to review.

 

How it works

Lenders

The Recovery Loan Scheme will initially be available through a number of lenders accredited by the British Business Bank. New lenders under the scheme will be listed on the British Business Bank website as they become accredited.

Please note: A key aim of the Recovery Loan Scheme is to improve the terms on offer to you, but if a lender can offer you the choice of a commercial loan on better terms, without requiring the guarantee provided by the RLS, they should do so.

When looking to borrow, you should first approach your own finance provider – ideally via its website. You may also consider approaching other lenders if you’re unable to access the finance you need.

Types of finance

A lender can provide up to £10 million as one of the following facilities:

• Term loan
• Overdraft
• Invoice finance
• Asset finance

Guarantees

RLS gives the lender a government-backed guarantee against the outstanding balance of the facility. As the borrower, you are always 100% liable for the debt.

If you’re borrowing £250,000 or less

The lender won’t take any form of personal guarantee.

If you’re borrowing more than £250,000

The lender has the discretion to decide whether to take personal guarantees. However:

• above £250,000, the maximum amount that can be covered under RLS is capped at a maximum of 20% of the outstanding balance of the RLS facility after the proceeds of business assets have been applied
• no personal guarantees can be held over Principal Private Residences

 

Key features of the scheme

Up to £10m facility per business

The maximum amount of a facility provided under the scheme is £10m per business (maximum £30m per group). Minimum facility sizes vary, starting at £1,000 for asset and invoice finance, and £25,001 for term loans and overdrafts.

Guarantee to the lender to encourage lending

The scheme gives the lender a government-backed guarantee against the outstanding balance of the facility.

As the borrower, you remain 100% liable for the debt.

Interest and fees to be paid by the business from the outset

Businesses are required to meet the costs of interest payments and any fees associated with the RLS facility. The annual effective rate of interest, upfront fee and other fees cannot be more than 14.99%.

Term length

For term loans and asset finance facilities: from three months up to six years.

For overdrafts and invoice finance facilities: from three months up to three years.

 

Personal guarantees

Personal guarantees are not permitted for facilities of £250,000 or less. Above £250,000 the maximum amount that can be covered under RLS is capped at a maximum of 20% of the outstanding balance of the RLS facility after the proceeds of business assets have been applied. No personal guarantees can be held over Principal Private Residences.

Turnover limit

There is no turnover restriction for businesses accessing the scheme.

Access to multiple schemes

Businesses that have taken out a CBILS, CLBILS or BBLS facility are able to access the new scheme, although the amount they have borrowed under an existing scheme may in certain circumstances limit the amount they may borrow under RLS.

Designated Accountancy Services

If you need help with your business taxes, accounting or discovering what help is currently available for you, Designated’s accountancy team are always on hand to offer financial support.

Designated accountants are experts who work with you on a flexible basis, whether you need support one day a month, one day each week or more.

Designated is a Xero Bronze Partner and our finance team are Xero certified advisors, trained by Xero to deliver you the best financial support.

Download our finance brochure for more information on Designated’s Accountancy services: https://designatedgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Accountancy-Brochure-Group-4.pdf