2 min read
Authority, not tenure
A director appointed last month can act for the company just as one appointed years ago. The lender needs to see that the person is a registered director with authority to borrow under the articles — length of service is not the test.
What the lender checks
That the applicant is on the Companies House register as a director, ID for KYC, and that the board has authorised the borrowing. The company's cash flow is then assessed as usual.
Applying
Confirm your appointment and authority, then apply online.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have been a director for long to apply?
No. A properly appointed director can apply regardless of tenure, provided they have authority to bind the company under its articles.
What authority do I need to borrow for the company?
Board approval, and compliance with any borrowing limits in the articles or a shareholder agreement. The lender may ask to see that the borrowing was properly authorised.
Related reading

Do I need shareholder approval to borrow?
Usually the directors can borrow on the company's behalf without a shareholder vote, provided the articles of…
Read →
Can two directors apply for a business loan together?
Yes — two directors can apply for a business loan together. With a limited company, the loan is made to the…
Read →
What do I need to apply for a business loan?
Most applications need recent bank statements, your latest accounts, and a clear sense of how much you want…
Read →
Director loan accounts: what they are and the tax rules that apply
A director loan account (DLA) records every non-salary, non-dividend transaction between a company and its…
Read →Funding for UK limited companies
Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.