Answer

Can a company owned by a single director-shareholder borrow?

Yes — a sole director-shareholder company is one of the most common UK structures and borrows readily. With one person owning and running it, the authority to borrow is straightforward. Credicorp assesses the company's cash flow, with no personal guarantee.

2 min read

Yesvery common
Simple authorityone decision-maker
Cash flowassessed

A common, clean structure

Countless UK limited companies have a single person as both sole director and sole shareholder. Borrowing authority is simple — there is no board or other shareholder to consult, though the articles should still permit it. See single-director companies.

How it is assessed

Exactly like any company: on evidenced turnover and affordability. The one-person setup is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage — it is normal. With no personal guarantee, the owner's assets stay separate.

Applying

Show the company's trading and apply online.

Frequently asked questions

Can I borrow if I'm the only person in my company?

Yes. A sole director-shareholder company is a common, fundable structure. It is assessed on its cash flow, and authority to borrow is simple.

Do I need anyone else's approval to borrow?

As sole director and shareholder, generally no — though check the articles permit borrowing. There is no other party whose consent is required.

Funding for UK limited companies

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.