Blog

SMEs

Bedford insurance broker expands in founder’s former school

A Bedford-based insurance broker that manages thousands of policies for businesses across the UK is expanding its headquarters and creating new career opportunities after securing a substantial investment loan from Allica Bank.

By Allica Bank

2 minute read · 10 February 2026

SMEs

Doncaster electrician rings in 2026 with major business expansion

2 minute read · 29 January 2026

SMEs

The Cornish developers creating greener homes in Newquay and beyond

2 minute read · 16 January 2026

SMEs

School Uniform Direct opens new flagship shop in Fulham

3 minute read · 13 January 2026

SMEs

Lancashire business powering the world’s biggest stages secures £2 million boost

2 minute read · 15 December 2025

SMEs

British beauty pioneer Cetuem expands with six-figure boost from Allica Bank

Independent luxury beauty brand Cetuem – one of the UK’s last family-owned cosmetics manufacturers – is gearing up for major expansion in 2026 after securing six-figure funding from Allica Bank to meet surging demand for its award-winning gold skincare and innovative pain relief products.

By Allica Bank

2 minute read · 10 December 2025

SMEs

Accelerating success: how The Workshop in Alton went from local garage to regional powerhouse with Allica Bank

3 minute read · 24 November 2025

SMEs

Magpas Air Ambulance funds take off thanks to new banking boost

2 minute read · 17 November 2025

Banking horror stories: more tricks than treats

3 minute read · 24 October 2025

Why asset finance could be your smartest tax move this year

1 minute read · 24 October 2025

Criteria	Description
Loan size	£150,000 to £15 million
Repayment type	5-year interest only 5-year partially amortising
Arrangement fee	2.0%
Debt service cover	Commercial: 130% Semi-commercial: 120% Repayment cover calculated at pay rate for fixed rate mortgages and pay rate plus 2% for variable rates.
Early repayment charges	5 year fixed: 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% (years 1–5) Variable: 3% for the first 5 years

Criteria	Description
Loan size	£150,000 to £10 million
Repayment type	30 year capital & interest 5-year interest-only available at the start of the loan term for loans up to 75% LTV
Arrangement fee	1.5%
Debt service cover	130% Calculated on the rate not including the current account discount Repayment cover calculated at pay rate for fixed rate mortgages and pay rate plus 2% for variable rates
Early repayment charges	5 year fixed: 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% (years 1–5) Variable: 3% for the first 5 years
Owner-occupied hotels	Loans over 80% of VP value must be fully amortising from day one Personal guarantee to be given for any amount in excess of 70% of VP value

Criteria	Description
Loan size	£200,000 to £15 million
Repayment type	5-year interest only
Arrangement fee	2.0%
Interest cover	130% standard, 145% higher rate taxpayer Gross rent used for residential/ MUFB applications if; evidence of 3 months' loan repayments in cash via bank statements and one UBO/director with Experian Consumer score of 881+ plus a supporting personal guarantee. Otherwise we will use net rent assumption of gross rent minus 10%. HMO properties will always be assessed using gross rent minus 25%
Early repayment charges	5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% (years 1–5)

Criteria	Description
Loan size	£500,000 to £15 million £5 million maximum loan for first time buyers
Repayment type	Capital and interest Experienced operators: 30 years First time operators: 20 years
Arrangement fee	1.5%
Debt service cover	130% adjusted EBITDA for children’s nurseries and experienced care operators 150% adjusted EBITDA for care first-time buyers Repayment cover calculated at pay rate for fixed rate mortgages and pay rate plus 2% for variable rates
Minimum size	Care homes: 20 bedrooms Specialist care: 4 bedrooms, if one or two properties, and flexible if there are three or more properties Children's nurseries: 40 places
Early repayment charges	5 year fixed: 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% (years 1–5) Variable: 3% for the first 5 years
Specialist care operators	Children’s learning disability care Adult learning disability residential care Adult supported living Minimum of three years as a specialist care home owner-operator required

Criteria	Description
Loan size	£150,000 to £10 million
Maximum loan to value	75% for residential and semi-commercial properties, 70% for commercial
Term	Up to 24 months
Fees	Arrangement fee of 2%, deducted from advance
Borrowers	UK registered limited companies, LLPs, partnerships and sole traders
Security	First legal charge over freehold or long leasehold title(s)
Insurance	Title insurance and search indemnity applied where possible
Valuations	AVMs and desktop valuations available up to 70%
Interest	Retained or serviced

Criteria	Description
Borrowers	UK registered limited companies, LLPs, partnerships and sole traders
Cost plan	Cosmetic: Higher of 15% of OMV, or £50,000 per property. Light: Higher of 50% of OMV, or £75,000 per property. Medium: Higher of 100% of OMV, or £100,000 per property.
Monitoring	Cosmetic and Light refurbishment to be monitored by our asset manager. Medium Refurbishment to be monitored by our QS.
Valuations	Full RICS valuation
Interest	Rolled. Rates are fixed and charged daily in arrears
Refurbishment type	Cosmetic: Works to improve speed of letting and compliance with regulations. Examples include redecoration, EPC improver works, compliance with utility regulations, boiler upgrades, modernisation. Light: As with Cosmetic, but higher cost plan. Medium: Loft conversions, reconfigurations, single story extensions, commercial to residential schemes.

Bedford insurance broker expands in founder’s former school

Doncaster electrician rings in 2026 with major business expansion

The Cornish developers creating greener homes in Newquay and beyond

School Uniform Direct opens new flagship shop in Fulham

Lancashire business powering the world’s biggest stages secures £2 million boost

British beauty pioneer Cetuem expands with six-figure boost from Allica Bank

Accelerating success: how The Workshop in Alton went from local garage to regional powerhouse with Allica Bank

Magpas Air Ambulance funds take off thanks to new banking boost

Banking horror stories: more tricks than treats

Why asset finance could be your smartest tax move this year

Explore award-winning business banking with Allica Bank