The Recovery Loan Scheme offers businesses loans of up to £2m of which 70% is underwritten by the government. It is available to businesses that have been affected by Covid and whose turnover is less than £45m. The finance may be used for any legitimate purpose, including cashflow, investment and growth, but the business must be able to afford the additional debt finance required. The Recovery Loan Scheme is available through lenders accredited by the British Business Bank. More than £1 billion has now been offered to SMEs under the RLS.

Nicola Campbell, partner and SME expert with Azets, is urging qualifying businesses to apply sooner rather than later. She said: “It can take around six weeks to process an RLS application so anyone considering this option should start taking action now. The RLS offers a very attractive and accessible funding solution to SMEs trying to secure finance in a difficult funding market. Securing a more traditional bank loan can be difficult, particularly if a business is struggling with paying back other Covid loans and soaring costs and taxes. With some sound negotiation it should be possible to secure an RLS loan at circa 5%.

Nicola Campbell also highlighted the attractions of the Super Capital Allowances scheme, which allows 130% capital allowances on qualifying plant and machinery expenditure through to 31 March 2023.

She added: “SMEs could secure an RLS loan, invest in the business and further benefit from generous capital allowances of 130%. It is a great opportunity to borrow, invest and save and it is unlikely that we will see such an attractive incentive again.

“Covid loans and support measures will soon be over, and whilst there are affordability checks applicable to the RLS, it is one of the most attractive funding options currently available.”