Business Finance Broker in Bristol & the South West

Funding that fits how your business operates

We help business owners secure funding for cashflow, growth, acquisitions and refinancing, comparing lenders rather than relying on one bank.

Your first call takes as long as you need. There is no pressure and no obligation.

FCA regulated · Haupt & Co (FCA No. 1043131) is an Appointed Representative of New Leaf Distribution Ltd

★★★★★

Independent client reviews

Read independent reviews from clients we’ve helped across the UK.

Understanding Business Finance

Business finance covers a wide range of lending options designed to support trading businesses such as improving working capital, purchasing assets, refinancing existing facilities, or funding expansion. Lenders will assess affordability, trading performance, security (if any), and how the funds will be used.

Common reasons clients seek business finance:

Improving cashflow and working capital
Funding growth, expansion, or new premises
Refinancing existing borrowing to improve terms
Purchasing vehicles, plant, or equipment
Consolidating business debts
Bridging short-term funding gaps (where suitable)

The right facility balances cost, flexibility, security, and speed and matches how your business actually operates. If a short-term, property-secured loan is being considered, our guide, Bridging loans explained, sets out the costs and the risks.

Why Haupt & Co

We bring calm, clear judgement to business finance so you can make the right decision without unnecessary complexity.

Independent advice, compared across lenders
Advice shaped by real lender criteria
Clear breakdown of costs and trade-offs
Strong, lender-ready packaging from day one
Active case management through to completion
Trusted, long-term client relationships

Our advice is grounded in experience, careful assessment, and a clear understanding of how business finance works in practice.

Haupt & Co is an independent, FCA-regulated mortgage and protection broker not tied to any one lender, supporting clients with well-structured property and finance solutions.

What we'll cover in an initial conversation:

Funding purpose and required timescale
Trading history and business background
Accounts position and affordability
Security available (if any) and lender requirements
Key terms: rates, fees, covenants, flexibility
What’s needed to move forward (documents + next steps)

No obligation - straightforward guidance tailored to your situation.

Most of our clients are referred to us by existing customers

      
   Haupt & Co
   18 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Kingston 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Haupt & Co are nothing short of amazing when it comes to mortgages! They really know their stuff, they keep you up to date every step of the way, they also provide service with a smile, which is hard to find these days!

I’d highly recommend them to anyone 😀👍🏼
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Courtney Jaehme 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I received a fantastic service from Haupt & Co - they made the whole mortgage process as stress-free as possible from start to finish. So helpful, knowledgeable and responsive, always taking the time to explain everything clearly and find the best deal for us. Couldn't recommend them highly enough, thank you so much for all your help!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vic Saunders 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful, understanding and knowledgeable
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Richard Jaehme 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used Haupt & Co for a number of remortgages now, Ed and his team always manage to beat the competition, when I cross-check their deals. Their customer service is excellent. I've also used them for life insurances, and Nick is fantastic at what he does. All of the team bring a very common-sense approach to their work, and they make things happen quickly. I would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jack Walsh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Can't recommend Ed, Nick and Steph at Haupt & Co highly enough. I've used them a number of times now - across both my residential mortgage and my rental - and the service has been spot on every time. They take the stress out of what can be a genuinely daunting process, explain everything in plain English, and always come back to you quickly. If you need a mortgage broker in Bristol, these are the people to call.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   V R Heal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ed has helped me with a number of mortgages, buy to lets and residential. He is great to work with, really helpful and great advice. Would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tom Luke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ed and Stef have been fantastic throughout the remortgaging of our house after a fixed term ended. They made it as stress free as possible and were completely clear about what was needed at every step as we went through.

I have already recommended them to friends and family and will continue to do so!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jacob Flurry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ed at Haupt & Co has been great every time my mortgage is up for renewal or if I have general financial queries in the property market.
Always keeping me up to date with the best rates with my application and making the whole process as stress free as possible.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Infanti 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ed and the team were amazing from start to finish. They recently helped us with our remortgage and are now arranging a mortgage for our daughter as well.
Having access to the whole market really makes a difference, and the advice and process were completely seamless throughout.
We can’t recommend them highly enough — 5⭐ plus!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Claire Adams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ed has always been very knowledgeable on all different mortgages be it residential ,hmo , btl , commercial , which having a diverse portfolio is exactly what I require . Also prompt with mortgage applications and updates  while the mortgage proceeds. Always very happy to use this company .😊

How asset finance works

Asset finance can help a business acquire or use equipment without paying the full cost upfront. The right structure depends on whether you want to own the asset, how long you expect to use it and what you want to happen at the end of the agreement.

Hire purchase

Pay towards ownership

Spread the cost through regular payments over an agreed term. Ownership normally transfers to your business after the final payment and any option-to-purchase fee.

Best suited to: Assets the business expects to keep and use for their full working life.

At the end: The business will usually own the asset.

Finance lease

Use the asset without owning it

The finance provider retains ownership while your business pays to use the asset for an agreed term.

Best suited to: Businesses that need longer-term use of an asset without purchasing it outright.

At the end: Options may include extending the agreement, returning the asset or arranging its sale to a third party, depending on the agreement.

Operating lease

Use it for a defined period

Pay to use the asset for a set period, generally shorter than its full working life, with the finance provider retaining ownership.

Best suited to: Equipment that may need to be replaced, upgraded or used for only part of its working life.

At the end: The asset is normally returned to the finance provider.

Which structure fits best depends on how long you’ll use the asset, whether you want to own it eventually, and how you want the arrangement to sit on your balance sheet. We can talk through the practical differences for your specific case.

If you are looking to buy or refinance trading premises rather than equipment, our guide to commercial mortgages in Bristol covers how that works.

Not sure which structure fits?

We’ll compare the cost, ownership position, flexibility and end-of-term options before helping you identify a suitable route.

How our Haupt & Co Service Works

A structured process, managed end-to-end so you always know what’s happening, what’s next, and what lenders need from you.

Understand your objective, timeline, and constraints
Review trading performance, accounts, affordability, and security
Shortlist suitable lenders and facility types
Recommend the best-fit structure and explain key terms clearly
Package & submit a lender-ready case and manage underwriting queries
Drive to completion and support ongoing requirements (renewals, changes, refinances)

Clear advice, well-structured applications, and a process that’s actively managed from start to finish.

Business Finance FAQs

No two situations are the same. These are some of the questions we’re asked most often.

How do I know which type of finance is right for my business?

It depends on your objective, timescale, affordability, and whether security is available. We’ll talk through the options and explain the trade-offs clearly before you commit to anything.

How do lenders really assess a business finance application?

Lenders look beyond headline profit. They assess cashflow, sustainability of income, banking conduct, existing commitments, and how the funds will be used. For secured lending, the quality of the security and exit strategy also matter. A well-structured case that addresses these points clearly can materially affect terms and approval.

What makes a case more attractive to lenders?

Clarity and realism. Lenders respond well to applications that show a clear purpose for the funds, sensible assumptions, transparent financials, and an appropriate level of risk. Over-optimistic projections or unclear use of funds can weaken otherwise strong cases.

How important is loan structure compared to the interest rate?

Structure is often just as important as price. Term length, repayment profile, covenants, flexibility, and break costs can have a greater long-term impact than the headline rate. We focus on suitability first, then pricing.

Can I refinance an existing facility even if my circumstances have changed?

Possibly. Many lenders will consider refinancing where trading has evolved, provided the position is explained clearly and affordability remains reasonable. The key is positioning the case properly and setting realistic expectations from the outset.

I’m a first-time borrower - am I at a disadvantage?

Not necessarily. While experience can help, lenders are primarily concerned with affordability, clarity, and risk management. First-time borrowers with a well-explained plan and sensible structure are regularly approved.

What do experienced borrowers often underestimate?

Complexity. Even experienced borrowers can be caught out by changes in lender appetite, covenant structures, or market conditions. What worked previously may not be the best approach today, which is why review and re-structuring can add value.

How much documentation will I need to provide?

This depends on the type of finance and lender, but typically includes accounts, bank statements, details of existing borrowing, and an outline of the funding purpose. We’ll guide you on what’s required and in what order to avoid unnecessary delays.

Is security always required?

Not always. Some business finance options are unsecured, while others rely heavily on property or asset security. Availability depends on affordability, risk profile, and the amount being borrowed.

What’s the biggest mistake borrowers make?

Focusing solely on rate. Cost matters, but so does flexibility, risk, and long-term suitability. A facility that looks cheaper initially can be more restrictive or expensive over time.