Acorn Commercial Finance

Pubs, Bars & Inns

Acorn are the leading specialist finance broker in the licensed trade. We’re working with banks, brewers, private lenders and investors to come up with commercial mortgages and other innovative funding solutions for pubs, bars, clubs and inns.

Freehold Units – Open & trading

Whatever the type of pub you need to finance, from a small village inn to a gastropub or busy town tavern Acorn have the skills and expertise to assist.
Although good quality freehold units are in short supply at present and we are told “the bank’s are not lending” finance is still available for good quality propositions. Units which can display a trading history and applicants with sector specific experience can still expect good levels of funding.
With low interest rates and attractive fixed rates being offered, now is a great time to be getting rid of the brewery tie. Read the Acorn blog for more details

Sitting tenant purchase of freehold interest

With pub companies and other property investors coming under increasing financial pressure there has never been a better opportunity for the tenant or lessee. Acorn have been funding sitting tenants for many years and were the first to arrange 100% funding by using Market Value as a starting point rather than purchase price. In fact, in the last 4 years almost 75% of our sitting tenant buyers have been funded at 100% of purchase price or more. We also arrange funding for 100% of the VAT payable. The lending is more difficult at the moment but still works on the same basis. Read the Acorn blog for more details and contact Acorn for a confidential appraisal of your situation.

Freehold Units – Closed units / disposals / no accounts

These units are more difficult to fund but Acorn have a number of finance options for good quality applicants. The business plan will need to be robust and will need some backup from a valuation. There is now a real finance option for experienced operators on closed units or disposals. Acorn will fund up to 75% of purchase price, you’ll need to be experienced and have a realistic and robust business plan but the money us there. Contact Acorn for full details.

Pubs as Social Enterprises

With rural and community local pubs under threat from cheap supermarket alcohol and increasing red tape in recent years there has been an increase in the numbers of community groups getting together to purchase their local pubs. Acorn have teamed up with one of the leading finance sources to assist not for profit organisations to purchase and successfully operate their pub.

Leased Units & Tenancies

At the moment there is very little finance available for the purchase of a lease or a tenancy as they offer no security to the lender. Finance can be arranged if it can be secured on another property (say, a house).
As shown above, many lessees are being given the option to purchase the freehold of their units from the landlord/pub company. When considering signing a lease it could prove very advantageous to negotiate an option to purchase the freehold of the unit at a later date.

Other funding options

Acorn can fund your business using a variety of methods to suit your business, aspirations and the market. For more information on using SIPPs, Venture Capital Trusts etc. contact Acorn for more details on these and other specialist schemes.

Emergency and short term funding

Do you need money fast? Acorn can arrange funding for emergencies against your card sales.
If you are buying kitchen equipment, furniture, vehicles or other expensive items these can be lease purchased over three to five years, it helps your cashflow and is more tax efficient.

AcornAdvantage

Acorn can also assist your business in saving money during operation. Through our contacts we have created a new service to help you save on financial products, food & non-food purchasing, insurance and employment law coverage. Click to find out more about AcornAdvantage.

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