Our experience

It’s through over 20 years of experience, in different economic climates, that Acorn has built a reputation for providing finance to a wide range of businesses.

Having overseen a vast array of deals, working with Acorn gives you access to a wealth of experience in management and finance for all types of business; you will also benefit from expert guidance on getting the best from your business and because Acorn are independent, the team will only ever give you honest, impartial advice.

As full members of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, Acorn clients can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and stay up to date with the latest issues affecting the world of finance. Having had an Acorn partner spend 5 years on the governing board of the Association demonstrates our commitment to having a healthy finance sector in the UK.

• Why ask Acorn to arrange your finance?

  There are two compelling reasons to choose a specialist to arrange your business finances:

  Firstly, a broker such as Acorn Commercial Finance has access to a massive range of lenders, not just the major banks, but also the building societies still active in the sector; international banks, private financiers, investors and, of course, brewers. It is by having such broad contacts that Acorn are able to compare offerings from lenders and ensure Acorn clients get the very best finance available in the market.?
  Secondly, the broking team at Acorn has a wealth of experience, not just in finance, but working with businesses just like yours. They understand the issues in the sector and help you and your business prepare and face the challenges of the future.

• The Acorn Team

  Tom Thompson has been involved in commercial funding since the early 1980s. He has carved out a niche in SME funding and built a strong reputation for that rare quality ? giving straightforward, down-to-earth advice. Over the years Tom?s been involved in transactions ranging from the smallest of corner newsagents through to multi-million pound developments.?

  Paul Thompson having spent time in the Royal Navy as a helicopter pilot and gaining his university degree in Nottingham, joined Tom as a partner to create Acorn Commercial Finance in 1997. Between 2004 and 2009, Paul served as a director of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers. During this time Paul was one of the first brokers in the UK to attain the IFS Certificate in Commercial Mortgages.
  Paul has worked on a similar variety of projects over the years including ships, hotels and convenience stores.

• What Acorn do differently

  There are all sorts of businesses and lenders making promises about securing finance for the purchase of a pub, office shop, hotel or development, so what makes Acorn different? Well, it?s their expertise in the finance sector, personal service and most importantly, a track record for actually delivering on claims. Acorn only gets paid if your finance is secured.

  Whatever kind of business you dream of owning, whether it be a local community pub, equestrian centre, nursery, hotel or other business, Acorn?s team of specialists will help you realise it; from the initial decision, until you open the doors on your new working life.

• Project Management

  Arranging a finance package to suit your unique circumstances is just part of what Acorn offer. Your personal account manager will be there with you every step of the way to ensure that the purchasing or refinancing experience is as smooth as possible – leaving you to get on with the day-to-day running of your business. Unlike other brokers, Acorn work with you, the valuers, the bankers and the solicitors to make sure that the finance you need draws down.

• The Search

  To assist in the search of your dream business, Acorn can tap into a comprehensive network of business transfer agents. This often results in their clients purchasing a site which had not been previously been advertised.

• Evaluating the Business

  With expert knowledge of the business finance, it pays to talk to the Acorn team first. They?ll help to identify the ideal opportunity, asses risk, work with you to look at business growth opportunities and stress test the business to make sure that you are borrowing within sensible parameters.

• Evaluating your needs

  Once the perfect premises have been indentified, Acorn will look at the needs and aspirations of your business and work out the most suitable and sustainable finance package.

• Bringing everything together

  Unusually in the sector Acorn will liaise with every person who will be involved in the purchase, and make sure the agent provides all the required information, in good time, for the bank and valuer to make a valid assessment of the case.

• Communicating

  Throughout the transaction, your personal account manager will maintain the lines of communication between accountants, solicitors and agents. This ensures the valuation is carried out correctly and the valuer and solicitor have all the information to hand.

• The future

  Starting with your first purchase, the team at Acorn will be with you throughout your career and, as is often the case, go on to provide funding for future projects, again and again.