When Jason Bailey, Director of DJB Business Finance, approached Momenta Finance with a complex business buyout scenario, it set the stage for an Unsecured Business Loan. This loan would showcase Momenta’s adaptability and commitment to finding tailored solutions for their clients SME Buyout.
The Challenge
The client was a business with two 50:50 shareholders, where one partner wished to buy out the other. The main challenge lay in structuring the finance in a way that would allow for a clean exit of one shareholder. This exit would not require their ongoing financial commitment. Many lenders in the market were unable to accommodate this requirement, insisting on personal guarantees (PGs) from both the exiting and remaining shareholders. The solution had to include an unsecured business loan specifically for the SME buyout.
Momenta Finance’s Solution
After careful consideration of the unique circumstances, Momenta Finance provided a tailored unsecured business loan with the following terms:
Loan Amount: £100,000
Term: 60 months
Product: Unsecured Business Loan
Flexible Underwriting Approach
Momenta Finance demonstrated their flexibility by agreeing to structure the loan with a personal guarantee from only the remaining shareholder. This approach set Momenta apart from other lenders who required guarantees from both parties. The unsecured business loan facilitated the SME buyout effectively.
The Outcome
Thanks to Momenta Finance’s flexible lending approach, the business successfully completed the buyout transaction. The remaining shareholder gained full control of the company without the complication of ongoing financial ties to the exiting partner. This clean break allowed for a smooth transition in ownership and management. It positioned the business for future growth under unified leadership. This success was possible due to the unsecured business loan SME buyout solution provided.
Testimonial
“This deal was not straightforward – from our initial conversation, Momenta were proactive by engaging with the senior credit team at an early stage. Once we had a positive outcome they really helped us through the credit, documentation and payout process, keeping DJB updated. I always say the service we give our customers is only as good as the service we get from our lending partners.”
– Jason Bailey, Director of DJB Business Finance
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates Momenta Finance’s ability to provide innovative financial solutions in challenging scenarios. By offering a flexible unsecured loan and adapting their underwriting criteria, Momenta enabled a smooth business transition. This might have been impossible with more rigid lenders. Their role in the unsecured business loan SME buyout was pivotal to the deal’s success.
The success of this deal benefited the client and also strengthened the relationship between Momenta Finance and DJB Business Finance. It showcased the value of partnership in navigating complex financial transactions.
About DJB Business Finance
DJB Finance & Leasing Ltd was founded by Jason Bailey, who has 30 years of experience in the asset finance sector. As an independent and privately owned company, DJB offers access to a diverse panel of funders. This ensures tailored financial solutions for clients. The company provides knowledgeable and personalised service. They aim to build long-term relationships based on integrity and a deep understanding of clients’ businesses and funding needs. By offering asset finance solutions, DJB helps preserve traditional working capital facilities, enabling businesses to allocate resources for future growth effectively. This includes scenarios like securing an unsecured business loan for SME buyout transactions.
Product Overview
Momenta Finance’s Asset Finance solution provides businesses with access to funding ranging from £20,000 to £250,000, with terms between 24 and 60 months. This flexible financing option allows companies to acquire essential equipment, tools, or machinery without tying up valuable capital.
The Asset Finance product can be used for a wide range of purposes, including:
- Catering equipment
- IT and communications equipment
- Security systems
- Furniture and fittings
- Office equipment
- Telecoms and video conferencing equipment
- Scaffolding
- Gym and leisure equipment
Key Features
- Flexible Funding: Finance lease and hire purchase options available
- Competitive Terms: 24 to 60-month terms to suit various business needs
- Accessible Qualification: Minimum annual turnover of £200,000 required
- Geography: Available to businesses registered in England or Wales
Availability
Momenta Finance’s Asset Finance product is available immediately to eligible UK businesses. Interested parties can apply through the company’s website or contact their dedicated business development team for more information.
Executive Statement
“We are thrilled to introduce our Asset Finance product to the UK market. This launch represents our commitment to providing innovative financial solutions that help businesses grow and succeed. By offering flexible funding options for essential equipment and assets, we aim to support UK SMEs on their journey to expansion and technological advancement.”.
– Jon Stern, CEO at Momenta Finance.
Upcoming Webinar: Exploring Asset Finance Opportunities
Momenta Finance is hosting an exclusive webinar early in the new quarter to introduce our Asset Finance product. This session will provide insights into how businesses can leverage asset finance to drive growth and efficiency. The webinar is open to all interested parties, including introducers, financial advisors, and industry professionals.
Webinar Details:
This interactive session will cover key aspects of asset finance, including its benefits, application process, and how it can be tailored to meet specific business needs. Our team of experts will be available to answer questions and provide guidance on how to make the most of this innovative funding solution.
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance, formerly Merchant Money, is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a suite of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, bridging and cash advances. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank.
The Client
A seasoned UK real estate investor sought to acquire an existing commercial property. The client required swift funding to secure the asset amidst competition from other interested parties. They needed a secured loan for UK commercial real estate.
The borrower faced a tight deadline, needing to complete the purchase within 4 weeks to outpace competing offers. This urgency demanded a rapid funding solution and a streamlined approval process for the commercial real estate secured loan.
Momenta’s Bespoke Solution
Working closely with the broker, Salinas Corporate Finance, Momenta Finance acted as the lender for this deal with its ability to provide a tailored financing package and expedited approval process. Our secured loan product met the client’s needs for acquiring UK commercial real estate.
Loan Amount: £1,250,000
Loan Term: 24 months
Interest-only loan at SONIA + 7.2% per annum
Special Features:
- No exit fees
- No early repayment fees
Fast-Tracked Completion
The full credit approval granted within 24 hours, contingent upon a valuation. The entire funding process, including the RICS valuation and legal work, completed in less than three weeks. This rapid turnaround facilitated by constant communication with all parties involved, ensured that every step of the transaction was smooth and transparent. The secured loan for UK commercial real estate was crucial in enabling the borrower to secure the asset. The team’s commitment to expediency and clarity played a crucial role in enabling the borrower to secure the commercial real estate asset.
Testimonial
“With Momenta, I got quick access to the right people, to firstly get the deal approved and secondly to iron out some specific challenges, of which there were a number. All of the key people involved in the deal were readily accessible and responsive and everyone pulled in the same direction. They kept me constantly updated on progress. The lender showed flexibility in the face of several unexpected complications and got the deal completed ahead of the client’s critical deadline.”
– Peter Lloyd – Salinas Corporate Finance, part of the Synergy Commercial Finance network
Conclusion
This case study highlights Momenta Finance’s ability to deliver rapid, tailored financing solutions for commercial real estate acquisitions. By combining a competitive interest rate, flexible terms, and an accelerated approval process, Momenta Finance enabled the client to seize a valuable investment opportunity in a highly competitive market with a secured loan for UK commercial real estate.
About Salinas Corporate Finance
With more than 35 years’ experience in commercial finance, Salinas Corporate Finance is dedicated to achieving the best funding solution available, by accessing market-wide funding for all aspects of business finance. Their combination of attention to detail and creative thinking means they source and access funding, based on clearly understanding your requirement and working out the right finance solutions for you and your business. www.salinas.finance
About Synergy Commercial Finance
Synergy Commercial Finance Synergy Commercial Finance is an award-winning commercial finance broker network. Their innovative Broker in a Box offering provides all the tools needed to start and grow a commercial finance brokerage. www.synergy.finance
Salinas Corporate Finance Limited is an Appointed Representative of AFS Compliance Limited which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 625035. Salinas Corporate Finance Ltd is a franchisee of Synergy Commercial Finance Ltd.
Momenta Finance today announces that Luke Jooste is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer to take on a new role as Managing Director of Business Finance at Secure Trust Bank.
During his tenure, Luke played a pivotal role in shaping Momenta Finance’s growth strategy, solidifying its position as a leading provider of business loans, property finance, and asset finance solutions for UK SMEs. The Company is pleased to confirm that following his departure, Luke will continue to contribute to Momenta in a Non-Executive Director capacity.
Momenta is entering an exciting new phase and remains fully committed to its ambitious growth plans. With the strong backing of its shareholders and lending partners, the business is well-positioned to accelerate its expansion and continue delivering outstanding financial solutions for UK SME’s. To ensure a smooth transition, Jonathan Stern has been appointed Interim CEO, effective immediately, while the Board of Directors undertakes a comprehensive search for a permanent successor.
In addition, the Board will be further strengthened with the appointment of principals from its two anchor shareholders, reinforcing governance and demonstrating their long-term commitment to Momenta’s success. With strong funding lines, a best-in-class technology platform, and an exceptionally talented team, Momenta is poised for a dynamic future. This leadership transition marks an exciting opportunity to build on Momenta’s strong foundation and unlock new avenues for growth,innovation and long term success.
Momenta extends its gratitude to Luke for his invaluable contributions and wishes him every success in his new role. Momenta looks forward to maintaining a strong professional relationship with both him and Secure Trust Bank in the future.
London, 3 March 2025
The Bank of England recently announced its third interest rate cut in six months, reducing the base rate to 4.5%. This decision marks a positive shift in the lending landscape. Since our business loans are based on variable interest rates, we are excited to pass these lower rates on to your clients.
How This Affects Our Loans
Our variable-rate business loans, starting from SONIA + 7.5% p.a., will immediately reflect this rate cut. As SONIA (Sterling Overnight Index Average) closely follows the Bank of England base rate, your clients will enjoy lower interest rates on their loans.
Benefits for Your Clients
- Lower interest rates reduce monthly repayments and so improve cash flow for businesses.
- Businesses can now access larger loan amounts, with unsecured loans up to £350,000 and secured loans up to £1.5 million.
- Our variable-rate loans allow borrowers to benefit from potential future rate cuts and more are expected throughout 2025.
- We have extended our maximum loan term to 72 months hence giving borrowers more time to repay at these favourable rates.
Why Choose Momenta Finance
- Competitive Rates: We offer some of the most competitive variable rates in the market.
- Tailored Solutions: Our manual underwriting process enables us to address complex lending needs effectively.
- Support for Growth: Our loans are designed to help businesses seize growth opportunities in an improving economic climate.
Additionally, our flexible interest-only periods—up to 12 months for unsecured loans and 24 months for secured loans—provide your clients with more options for managing their finances.
Don’t miss this opportunity to help your clients take advantage of these favourable lending conditions. Contact your dedicated Business Development Manager today to discuss how we can support your clients’ financial needs.
Momenta Finance recently provided crucial financial support to acquire an established enterprise in the property furnishing sector. This case study illustrates how our flexible lending approach facilitated a seamless business transition. Stuart Milton from Reservoir Finance worked with us to meet their client’s needs effectively.
The Client
The prospective business owners were seasoned professionals seeking to acquire an 18-year-old enterprise specialising in furniture, white goods, and furnishings for housing associations, local councils, and private landlords. It operates from a strategically located warehouse in Burton on Trent, which has expansion potential. The business boasts a robust workforce with long-standing team members.
The Challenge
Our clients required a substantial loan to finance the acquisition, with specific requirements:
- Loan amount up to £250,000
- Flexible repayment terms
- Capacity to accommodate a deferred payment structure
Momenta’s Bespoke Solution
Following a comprehensive assessment of the client’s requirements and the business’s potential, Momenta Finance crafted a tailored lending package:
Amount: £250,000
Term: 60 months
Facility: Growth Guarantee Scheme
Special feature: No exit or early repayment fees
Key Lending Features
Momenta Finance’s solution offered flexibility that was aligned with the client’s cash reserves maturing. We utilised a government-backed Growth Guarantee Scheme facility to support the transaction. This adaptable approach ensured that the financial package met the client’s immediate needs while accommodating their long-term financial planning.
Testimonial
“This deal had several challenging aspects that caused reluctance from multiple lenders to support it. However, Jeremy Crinall and all the Momenta team were prepared to take a positive view once provided with a comprehensive background, financials and business plan. Our client was exemplary but still this was an acquisition where assets were very limited and Momenta took time to understand and create the best solution using the GGS scheme and still meet a very tight deadline. A great outcome all round!”
– Stuart Milton, Reservoir Finance
Conclusion
The lending solution provided by Momenta Finance empowered the clients to acquire a reputable business in a specialist market successfully. It enabled them to preserve the company’s experienced team and operational integrity, ensuring business continuity. Furthermore, the financial structure created a robust platform for future business development, positioning the new owners to capitalise on growth opportunities within the sector.
This case study exemplifies Momenta Finance’s commitment to providing sophisticated, adaptable financial solutions for complex business acquisitions. By deeply understanding the transaction’s nuances and the clients’ financial landscape, we delivered a lending package that addressed immediate funding requirements while supporting long-term strategic objectives. Our collaboration with Stuart Milton from Reservoir Finance further enhanced our ability to meet their client’s needs effectively.
About Reservoir Finance
Reservoir Finance is an independent commercial brokerage dedicated to providing businesses with the best funding options across a wide market of lenders. Whether the finance requirement is straightforward and purely based on cost or more unusual and complex needing a specialist lender prepared to be flexible and who truly understands the diversity of business circumstances
Business Highlights
Over the past 12 months, Momenta Finance has experienced significant growth. Our new loan disbursements have grown by over 46% year-on-year, reflecting our expanding reach and growing demand for financial support among SMEs. Disbursement growth complimented a 49% increase in assets under management, underscoring our strengthened market position and confidence in our business model.
We have continued to focus on key sectors such as civil engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, professional and business support, small construction firms, and wholesale, all of which have shown resilience and potential for growth despite ongoing economic uncertainties. These industries have benefited from tailored financing solutions, enabling them to invest in vital infrastructure, innovation, and expansion.
One of the significant milestones of this year has been the launch of our Growth Guarantee Scheme, which has been accredited by the British Business Bank. Additionally, we secured a substantial funding line with HSBC, further enhancing our capability to provide comprehensive financial solutions.
We have increased our maximum loan amounts and terms this year:
- Unsecured business loans increased to £350,000 from £250,000.
- Secured business loans can now reach £1.5 million up from £750,000.
- Property bridging loans have been increased to £5 million from £2.5 million.
- We have extended our maximum loan term to 6 years up from 5.
We launched several important updates to our technology platform. We introduced a new product to manage property bridging loans. Additionally, we automated retrieving the details of and matching Persons of Significant Control in our Introducer Portal. Internally we automated the generation of loan offers and agreements. These changes made things easier for our introducers providing quicker processing, feedback, and real-time updates.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Our hard work and dedication have been recognised through several prestigious awards and nominations. We were shortlisted for multiple categories at the NACFB Commercial Lender Awards, including Unsecured Funder of the Year, The Leadership Award for our CEO Luke Jooste, and Commercial Finance Lender of the Year.
We are particularly proud to announce that Momenta Finance received a Highly Commended accolade in the Best Alternative Business Funding Provider category and a Commended recognition in the Best Business Loan Provider category at the Business Moneyfacts Awards 2024.
Team Growth, Community Engagement, and Sector Support
This year, we welcomed new members Caryn and Sandra in Finance alongside James who took over Marketing, each bringing their own expertise and enthusiasm to our team. Our Business Development Managers have continued to excel, and have actively participated in various industry events, including broker lunches, conferences, and meet-the-funders sessions. These engagements have strengthened our relationships with partners and introducers and kept us at the forefront of industry trends.
Looking Forward
The successes and challenges of this year have strengthened our resolve to continue innovating, growing, and delivering exceptional financial solutions. We are excited about the opportunities that 2025 will bring. We are committed to maintaining the highest industry standards, transparency, and tailored funding solutions that have made us a trusted name in alternative finance. As we close out 2024, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our introducers, partners, and clients for their trust and collaboration.
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance, formerly Merchant Money, is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a panorama of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, bridging and cash advances. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank and upholds the highest industry standards.
Momenta Finance provided a secured property loan for the refurbishment of a two-bedroom apartment located in Camden, London. The project involved the acquisition and renovation of a first-floor flat above a commercial retail unit, transforming it into a modern, high-quality living space.
Property Details
Type: First-floor flat above a commercial retail unit
Internal floor space: 592 sq ft
Features: Open plan kitchen/reception room, principal bedroom with en-suite, second double bedroom, family bathroom
Loan Structure
- LTV 75% (gross)
- Loan term: 12 months
- Refurbishment period: 3-4 months
- Sale period allowance: 6 months
- No exit or early repayment fee
Refurbishment Plan
The project aimed to transform the existing unit into a modern, high-quality apartment. Key aspects of the refurbishment included:
- Structural improvements to address exterior cracks
- Interior renovations to create an open-plan living space
- Installation of a new kitchen and bathrooms
- Modernisation of all fixtures and fittings
The Outcome
The refurbishment project has completed and has transformed a dated apartment into a desirable modern living space. The newly refurbished two-bedroom apartment now boasts an open plan kitchen/reception room, a principal bedroom with en-suite, a second double bedroom, and a family bathroom.
The property’s location on Brecknock Road in Camden has proven to be a significant asset. The area has developed a blossoming village vibe, becoming a hub for independent restaurants and amenities.
Local establishments such as Bread By Bike, Salvino’s, Healthy Wealthy, and Bumblebee Natural Foods contribute to the area’s unique character and appeal to potential buyers or renters.
The proximity to Kings Cross (less than one mile away) adds substantial value to the property. The nearby Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard offer an eclectic mix of boutique shops and foodie hotspots, set against the backdrop of Victorian heritage and breathtaking canalside architecture. The presence of major tech companies like Google, Facebook, and YouTube in the vicinity further enhances the area’s desirability.
Given the property’s prime location, modern amenities, and the area’s growing popularity, the post-refurbishment asking price is now £550,000. This outcome demonstrates the success of Momenta Finance’s investment in supporting this refurbishment project in a rapidly developing area of London.
Borrower Profile
The borrower’s career in real estate was initiated as an estate agent before a transition was made to a development land agency. A move into the lending finance sector was subsequently undertaken, where he was employed as an Investment Associate at a private development firm. Currently, through his company, MAROSET, focus is placed on building strong relationships and partnerships with professionals. Additionally, properties and lands are acquired where value can be added through planning and redevelopment.
Testimonial
“As a young property developer, securing financing for my initial project was a daunting task. However, working with Momenta made the process seamless. They were incredibly understanding of my situation, flexible in their approach, and remarkably quick in financing the bridging loan I needed. I truly appreciate their efficiency and professionalism and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of reliable and responsive financial support within the development sector.” – Aboubacar Traore, Director of Maroset
Conclusion
The Brecknock Road refurbishment project showcases Momenta Finance’s ability to support experienced developers in transforming properties in prime London locations. By providing a structured loan facility and implementing robust risk management measures, Momenta Finance enabled the successful renovation of a dated apartment into a desirable modern living space, potentially generating significant value for the borrower.
When a care home operator approached HH Business Finance seeking an unsecured loan for a comprehensive refurbishment project, Commercial Director Gareth Williams knew that Momenta Finance would be the ideal lending partner. This case study demonstrates how Momenta Finance’s flexible approach and commitment to understanding client needs can provide crucial support to businesses in the healthcare sector.
The Client
The client is an established care home operator looking to upgrade their facilities to enhance the quality of care and improve the living environment for their residents.
The care home required significant funding for a full refurbishment, including:
- £150,000 for comprehensive refurbishment works and fit-out
- £100,000 for new furniture and fittings
The challenge was to secure funding that would allow the care home to undertake these improvements without compromising their cash flow or requiring them to provide security against their assets.
Momenta Finance’s Solution
Momenta Finance provided a tailored unsecured business loan with the following terms:
- Loan Amount: £250,000
- Loan Term: 36 months
- Loan Type: Unsecured Business Loan
Advantages of the Unsecured Loan
- PG Backed Loan: The care home could access substantial funding without putting its property or other assets at risk.
- Flexible Use of Funds: The loan covered the refurbishment works and the purchase of new furniture and fittings.
- Extended Repayment Term: The 36-month term allowed the care home to spread the cost of the improvements, making repayments more manageable
The Outcome
Thanks to the unsecured loan from Momenta Finance, the care home was able to complete a comprehensive refurbishment of its facilities, creating a more modern and comfortable environment for residents. The funding allowed for significant upgrades to both the physical structure and the interior design, which enhanced the quality of life for residents and improved the workplace for staff.
Additionally, the investment in new furniture and fittings contributed to a welcoming atmosphere, making the care home more attractive to prospective residents and their families. This not only helped to retain current residents but also positioned the care home to potentially increase its capacity and revenue by appealing to a broader clientele.
Overall, the successful execution of this project marked a significant step forward for the care home, reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality care in an inviting setting.
The Broker’s Perspective
Gareth Williams, Commercial Director at HH Business Finance, commented on the collaboration with Momenta Finance:
“Tom was instrumental in getting the deal over the line and I have since picked up the phone numerous times to discuss new opportunities. Tom is always available to take a call and has a real desire to help.”
This testimonial highlights the strong working relationship between Momenta Finance and its broker partners, as well as the dedication of the Momenta team to finding solutions for clients.
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates Momenta Finance’s ability to provide tailored financial solutions to businesses in the healthcare sector. By offering an unsecured loan with flexible terms, Momenta enabled a care home to undertake significant improvements without compromising its financial stability.
About HH Business Finance
Founded in 2020, HH Business Finance emerged to revolutionise the business finance market, leveraging its deep industry roots in order to simplify access to finance for SMEs across the UK. No longer will you spend weeks searching for the right funding or wade through complex applications with non-existent bank managers, their streamlined process is designed to be quick and friendly.
They have over 100 years of experience in offering business finance to UK customers and pride themselves on finding the right solutions for you. We make the whole process simple, friendly and personal.
The Client
The borrower, a successful entrepreneur in the retail industry, sought expansion of their business by acquiring a new 5,300 sq. ft supermarket to meet growing demand in the local area. The client required urgent funding to secure the new lease and proceed with the plans.
The Challenge
The borrower needed assurance of funding before committing to the new lease, which added complexity to the deal. The urgency to secure the funds quickly to seize the expansion opportunity posed a significant challenge.
Pilot Fish Finance chose Momenta Finance as the lender for this deal due to Momenta’s unique understanding of the business proposition and their willingness to provide favourable terms subject to the agreement of heads of terms. It was decided a government-backed scheme would be best.
Transaction Excellence
Momenta Finance excelled in providing constant updates to all parties involved, including the client and the landlord, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. The quick turnaround time from the agreement of heads of terms to the payout of the deal within a week demonstrated Momenta’s commitment to expedite the funding process.
- Loan Amount: £150,000
- Loan Term: 48 months
- Interest rate: 16.44%
- Special feature: No exit or early repayment fees
Feedback on Working with Jeremy Crinall
“Jez and the team at Momenta Finance were exceptional in their communication and execution, providing constant updates and ensuring a swift payout. Their proactive approach enhanced the client’s experience and facilitated smooth interactions with all stakeholders involved in the transaction.”
Ewan Clarke – Director Business Finance
Conclusion
This case study underscores the successful collaboration between Pilot Fish Finance and Momenta Finance in facilitating the expansion of the client’s business. By leveraging Momenta Finance’s expertise and efficient lending process, Pilot Fish Finance effectively supported the client’s strategic growth initiatives, underscoring the value of strong partnerships in achieving business objectives.
About Pilot Fish Finance
Pilot Fish is a financial broker that focuses on client service and advice. We have been operating for over 12 years and all our staff are very experienced finance professionals with experience as either finance directors, corporate finance or banking backgrounds. This means we can provide our clients with the best advice and solutions. Pilot Fish can provide a complete solution for our clients as we cover all products whether business or property requirements.
