What financial information goes on a business

2 min read

TurnoverAnnual revenue

ProfitAnd margins

Existing debtCurrent commitments

AmountAnd purpose

The core figures

A typical application asks for annual turnover, profitability, your existing borrowing and commitments, and the amount and purpose of the new facility. Some ask for average monthly revenue and your main outgoings. None of it should be guessed — each figure is verified against your accounts and bank feed.

Where the numbers come from

Pull turnover and profit from your latest filed or management accounts, existing debt from your loan statements, and current trading from your bank account. Keeping them consistent across sources is what lets verification pass smoothly. The affordability calculator helps you check the ask fits the income.

Getting it consistent

The most common cause of friction is figures that do not agree — a turnover on the form that the bank data does not support. Reconcile before you submit: form to accounts to statements. Use the application checklist to gather every source in one place, and frame the amount as in the use-of-funds answer.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need exact figures or are estimates fine?

Use accurate figures from your accounts and statements. Rough estimates that the lender's verification contradicts create doubt. Where a figure is genuinely an estimate, say so and base it on real data.

What if my profit is low but turnover is high?

Lenders look at both, plus cash flow. Strong turnover with thin profit can still support borrowing if the cash flow services it. Be ready to explain the margin, ideally with a forecast.