Lendus.

Nucleus Commercial Finance Review

Nucleus Commercial Finance is a Glasgow-based specialist business lender offering unsecured business loans, revenue-based finance, and asset finance to UK SMEs. Founded in 2011, Nucleus operates primarily through a broker and introducer network, providing fast credit decisions that brokers can rely on for their clients. The company has consistently ranked among the UK's most active alternative finance providers and was accredited under the British Business Bank's CBILS programme.

Written by the Lendus editorial team. Last updated: April 2026.

200+ UK lenders
2-minute application
No credit check to apply
FCA-regulated brokers

Amount

£3k – £2M

Rates

1.5% – 5%

per month

Speed

Within 24 hours

Trustpilot

4.6/5

900 reviews

What is Nucleus Commercial Finance?

Nucleus Commercial Finance (Nucleus Commercial Finance Ltd) is a UK-based business finance provider founded in 2011 and headquartered in Glasgow. Nucleus Commercial Finance is a Glasgow-based specialist business lender offering unsecured business loans, revenue-based finance, and asset finance to UK SMEs. Founded in 2011, Nucleus operates primarily through a broker and introducer network, providing fast credit decisions that brokers can rely on for their clients. The company has consistently ranked among the UK's most active alternative finance providers and was accredited under the British Business Bank's CBILS programme. They have lent £3 billion to date, helping 40,000+ UK businesses.

Founded 2011 Glasgow Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). FCA reference number 718310.

Compare Nucleus Commercial Finance with 200+ other lenders

Check Eligibility

Products offered

Business Loans Asset Finance

Rates and costs

Rate range
1.5% – 5% (per month)
Representative APR
36% APR representative
Amount range
£3,000 – £2,000,000
Approval speed
Within 24 hours

Representative example

Borrow £50,000 over 12 months. Total repayable: £59,000. Cost of credit: £9,000. Your rate depends on your circumstances.

Eligibility requirements

Minimum trading history
6+ months
Minimum turnover
£50,000
Credit requirements
Adverse credit considered; decisions based on business performance and cash flow. Directors' personal guarantee usually required.

How to apply

1

Check eligibility through Lendus — answer a few questions about your business and funding needs (2 minutes)

2

We compare Nucleus Commercial Finance against 200+ other lenders to find the best match for your situation

3

Review your matched options — see rates, terms, and eligibility from multiple providers including Nucleus Commercial Finance

4

Choose the best offer and complete the application with your matched lender directly

Or compare Nucleus Commercial Finance against 200+ lenders through Lendus

Check Eligibility

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fast same-day decisions through broker and direct channels
  • Wide lending range from £3k to £2m suits SMEs of all sizes
  • CBILS-accredited lender backed by British Business Bank
  • Asset finance alongside business loans for equipment purchases

Cons

  • Primarily broker-facing — less slick direct applicant experience
  • Rates can be high for businesses with weaker profiles
  • Limited public information on product terms without speaking to a broker
  • Personal guarantee almost always required

Is Nucleus Commercial Finance right for you?

Best for

SMEs working with a broker who needs a fast decision and access to both unsecured loans and asset finance from a single lender

Not ideal for

Businesses seeking a fully self-serve digital lending experience, or startups with under 6 months trading

Nucleus Commercial Finance alternatives

If Nucleus Commercial Finance isn't the right fit, consider these alternatives:

Fleximize Bizcap Funding Circle iwoca

Compare all 200+ lenders in 2 minutes — no credit check

Check Eligibility

Frequently asked questions about Nucleus Commercial Finance

Is Nucleus Commercial Finance legit?
Yes, Nucleus Commercial Finance is a legitimate and FCA-authorised business lender (FCA reference 718310), registered in Scotland (Companies House SC400970). Founded in 2011, the company has lent over £3 billion to more than 40,000 UK businesses and was accredited by the British Business Bank under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. They hold an 'Excellent' rating on Trustpilot.
What are Nucleus Commercial Finance interest rates?
Nucleus Commercial Finance rates start from around 1.5% per month and can reach up to 5% per month depending on the loan type, business risk, and creditworthiness. The representative APR is approximately 36%, though rates are individually priced. Asset finance products may carry different terms — speak to a broker for a personalised illustration.
Can I get a Nucleus Commercial Finance loan with bad credit?
Nucleus Commercial Finance takes an open approach to adverse credit and will consider applications from businesses with CCJs or other credit issues. Their underwriting focuses heavily on current business cash flow and bank statement performance rather than historic credit alone. Decisions are made case-by-case, so it is worth applying even with a less-than-perfect credit record.
How much can I borrow from Nucleus Commercial Finance?
Nucleus Commercial Finance lends between £3,000 and £2,000,000, making it one of the broader-range alternative lenders in the UK market. Loan size is determined by your business's monthly revenue, trading history, and financial position. Asset finance facilities may allow larger ticket sizes depending on the equipment value.
Is Nucleus Commercial Finance FCA regulated?
Yes, Nucleus Commercial Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FCA reference number 718310. You can verify this on the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk. Regulation means the company must follow FCA conduct rules, including fair treatment of customers and responsible lending obligations.
How long does Nucleus Commercial Finance take to approve a loan?
Nucleus Commercial Finance is known for same-day credit decisions, particularly on applications submitted through their broker network. Once approved, funds are typically transferred within 24 hours. The entire process from application submission to cash in your account can be completed in as little as one business day.
Can I repay a Nucleus Commercial Finance loan early?
Early repayment is available on Nucleus Commercial Finance products, though settlement terms vary by product type. For revenue-based and term loans, a settlement figure will be provided which may include a portion of outstanding interest. It is advisable to contact Nucleus or your broker directly to obtain an exact early settlement quote.
Nucleus Commercial Finance vs Fleximize — which is better?
Both are established UK alternative lenders with fast decisions, but they differ in focus. Nucleus Commercial Finance operates mainly through brokers and offers a wider lending range up to £2 million, plus asset finance — making it better for larger or more complex deals. Fleximize is more suitable for businesses that want a direct relationship with their lender and value flexible mid-term top-ups and repayment holidays. If you're working with a broker, Nucleus is often the stronger fit.

Compare Nucleus Commercial Finance with 200+ other lenders

Check eligibility in 2 minutes. No credit check. See if there's a better deal.

Check Eligibility
Check Eligibility — 2 min, no credit check