Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Companies across the UK are dealing with unparalleled challenges as the enforced closure of premises and strict social distancing measures slam the brakes on business as we know it in the wake of the escalating coronavirus crisis.

In the face of this challenging environment, the UK government has introduced an unprecedented combination of measures to support businesses. One of these is the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), a temporary replacement of the existing Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, which will give companies easier access to both mainstream funding as well as smaller specialist lenders. Lenders will not be able to request personal guarantees for loans under £250,000. Security for the banks will be provided by the government who will guarantee 80% of any losses suffered by the lender.

Key Points

• Borrow up to £5m 
• No interest payable for the first 12 months
  -Government will provide 80% security
  - Responsibility for repaying the loan or finance facility remains with the borrower
  - Range of funding options including loans as well as asset and invoice finance
  - Funding from high street banks as well as specialist lenders
  - Over 40 accredited lenders taking part in the scheme
  - Borrowing through CBILS was made available as of Monday 23 March 2020

What type of borrowing is available?

• Access to a range of revolving and term finance options including:
  - Business loans and asset finance (terms of up to ten years)
  - Overdrafts
  - Invoice finance and revolving facilities (terms of up to three years)

Is CBILS right for my business, and do I qualify?

• Eligibility is limited to companies with an annual turnover not exceeding £45 million
  - Must have a ‘sound borrowing proposal’, which would be considered viable by the lender outside of current conditions
  - Lender must be convinced the borrowing will help the company trade out of the current situation and remain in business in the long term
  - Funding will not be granted to prop up an already failing business
  - Only available to companies with turnover under £45 million, however, a new scheme to help those with an annual turnover between £45 million and £500 million obtain loans of up to £25 million is in the works.  

Please contact your local Begbies Traynor representative, or fill in the form below to request a call back