Key Findings
Funding by Industry
Hospitality was our most common industry over the period. The amounts requested vary significantly by sector, with hospitality businesses typically asking for larger amounts for refurbishments and equipment.
| Industry | Typical Funding Pattern | How Often We See It |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality | Often larger amounts, usually for refurbishment and equipment | Our most common industry |
| Retail | Mid-range amounts, often for stock | Common |
| Beauty / Personal Care | Smaller amounts, often for fit-out and equipment | Common |
| Pubs / Bars | Mid-range amounts, often for refurbishment | Regular |
| Professional Services | Varies widely by firm | Occasional |
| Other | Varies | Regular |
Based on CapExpand client introductions, April 2025 to March 2026.
What Businesses Spend It On
When businesses tell us why they need funding, equipment and refurbishment tops the list. Stock purchasing is a close second, particularly for retail and hospitality businesses preparing for seasonal demand.
The most common reason businesses give
A close second, especially ahead of seasonal demand
A regular reason among growing businesses
Common during seasonal dips
The least common of the main reasons
MCA vs Bank Loans: Speed Comparison
One of the biggest differences between merchant cash advances and traditional bank loans is speed. Based on what we see from our clients and publicly available data from major UK lenders, here is how the timelines typically compare.
Merchant Cash Advance (via CapExpand)
Traditional Bank Loan
MCA timelines based on CapExpand client data. Bank loan timelines based on publicly available information from major UK lenders and may vary depending on the lender and application complexity.
Regional Breakdown
London accounts for the largest share of funding applications, though the gap is narrowing. Manchester and Birmingham have seen strong growth over the past 12 months.
| Region | What We See |
|---|---|
| London | The largest share of applications, and typically larger amounts |
| Manchester | Strong growth over the past 12 months |
| Birmingham | Strong growth over the past 12 months |
| Leeds | A steady share of applications |
| Bristol | A steady share of applications |
| Liverpool | A steady share of applications |
| Glasgow | A smaller but consistent share |
| Edinburgh | A smaller but consistent share |
| Cardiff | A smaller but consistent share |
| Other regions | A meaningful share, spread across the UK |
Methodology
All data in this report is based on CapExpand's own client introductions between April 2025 and March 2026. CapExpand is a commercial finance introducer that connects UK businesses with funding providers on our panel. We do not lend directly.
Funding patterns and timelines are drawn from anonymised records of completed introductions. Industry and regional observations are based on information provided by applicants at the time of their enquiry. Figures are approximate and describe general patterns rather than exact averages.
This is not a market-wide study. Individual results will vary based on business circumstances, trading history, and lender criteria.
Cite this report
Figures will be published with methodology once a full year of verified data is available. If you reference this page, please attribute as follows:
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Check your funding optionsCapExpand is a commercial finance introducer, not a lender. All statistics are based on our own client data and may not be representative of the wider market. We do not provide financial advice. All funding is subject to status and lender approval. Individual results will vary.