Key Findings
Funding by Industry
Hospitality continues to dominate funding applications, accounting for nearly a third of all requests we process. The average funding amount varies significantly by sector, with hospitality businesses typically requesting larger amounts for refurbishments and equipment.
| Industry | Avg. Funding | Share of Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality | £32,000 | 32% |
| Retail | £18,500 | 22% |
| Beauty / Personal Care | £12,000 | 15% |
| Pubs / Bars | £28,000 | 12% |
| Professional Services | £22,000 | 8% |
| Other | £25,000 | 11% |
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.
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, with both cities now representing a combined 25% of all applications.
| Region | Share of Applications | Avg. Funding |
|---|---|---|
| London | 22% | £35,000 |
| Manchester | 14% | £27,000 |
| Birmingham | 11% | £24,500 |
| Leeds | 8% | £22,000 |
| Bristol | 7% | £26,000 |
| Liverpool | 6% | £23,000 |
| Glasgow | 5% | £21,500 |
| Edinburgh | 5% | £25,000 |
| Cardiff | 4% | £20,000 |
| Other regions | 18% | £24,000 |
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 amounts, approval rates, and timelines are calculated from anonymised records of completed introductions. Industry and regional breakdowns are based on information provided by applicants at the time of their enquiry.
Factor rates and approval rates reflect the outcomes reported by lending partners for clients introduced by CapExpand. Individual results will vary based on business circumstances, trading history, and lender criteria.
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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.