In the UK 70 to 80 per cent of all borrowing is currently sourced direct from a bank without considering the possibility of using a broker. This differs greatly from the US where it is estimated that in excess of 70 per cent of borrowers recognise the advantage of using a broker.

So what are the advantages to the client of using ARK Commercial Finance?

Time

This, the most valuable of all commodities, can be saved in many areas.

ARK are able to turn a proposal round very quickly as they will be able to identify the most appropriate lenders for each proposal. The lenders also tend to respond much quicker to a broker application as they recognise that we operate on short turnaround times. The risk of upsetting a broker and losing steady deal flow has not gone unnoticed by lenders.

Presentation

At ARK we are experienced in presenting and packaging an application on behalf of our clients, in a format that will greatly enhance the chances of securing finance.

In many cases, we would also attend meetings between the client and funder in order to smooth the process of securing the funds.

Choice

At ARK we have access to a comprehensive range of lenders, which extends well beyond the high street banks into merchant banks, building societies, sub-prime lenders, development funders and private lending consortiums.

Contingent Fees

We normally only get paid once a deal is drawn down, with their fees being linked to the funds raised. For this reason it is in our interests to present the client with the best rates as efficiently as possible. Payment on completion also ensures that we will remain on hand to assist with any delays with the process through to legal completion.

Preferential Rates

ARK are able to negotiate preferential rates for clients, which, in many cases, can more than offset the fees in the first place.

So with all these advantages, why do so many clients choose not to go down the broker route? Paul King, Director of ARK Commercial Finance, offers these reasons, which all come down to awareness and image.

Many businessmen are entrepreneurs and feel that they do not need to outsource this task as they believe that by contacting their own bank they will get the best deal available. They do not appreciate the advantages of using a broker.

Secondly, many clients are simply not aware of any Commercial Finance Brokers (their bank manager does not always tell them) and some accountants will merely direct them to the one or two high street lenders to whom they always refer deals.

ARK Commercial Finance is a commercial finance brokerage, specialising in raising finance on behalf of clients in the UK and Europe.

Paul King comments  "Our experience and knowledge of the market allows us to provide our clients with the most appropriate lenders for their business growth and find the best rates available to them. There is a huge number of Commercial finance sources available but connecting with the right one can be a daunting task, brokers help make that task much easier.

Successful businesses are well planned and well capitalized. Being well capitalized means having the ability to access capital when your business needs it. Being well planned is the first step towards being well capitalized.

ARK Commercial Finance work with a number of accountancy practices and independent financial advisers, offering a broad range of services to their clients. From commercial mortgages, factoring, equipment leasing to financing a management buy out or funding a new start up. These professional firms are forward thinking enough to recognise the value in working with a brokerage in order to obtain finance for their clients.

ARK work with a number of accountancy practices and independent financial advisers, offering a broad range of services to their clients. From commercial mortgages, factoring, equipment leasing to financing a management buy out or funding a new start up. These professional firms are forward thinking enough to recognise the value in working with a brokerage in order to obtain finance for their clients.