Answer

What is a cash flow forecast and why do lenders want one?

A cash flow forecast projects money in and out over coming months, showing whether you can cover costs and repayments — which is exactly what a lender needs to see. It is your affordability, on paper.

2 min read

ShowsMoney in vs out
ProvesRepayment capacity
Horizon12 months

What it captures

A cash flow forecast lists expected receipts and payments month by month, revealing the running cash balance. Unlike profit, it shows timing — the gaps where money is tight even in a profitable business.

Why lenders lean on it

A forecast that comfortably absorbs the new repayment is direct evidence of affordability. Build it on realistic assumptions and stress-test a slow month. Try the affordability calculator to sanity-check the payment.

What it means for you

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally, and takes no personal guarantee. See business loans or apply online.

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should a cash flow forecast go?

Twelve months is the usual horizon for a loan application, with the near months in most detail. Longer projections help for bigger commitments.

What makes a forecast credible?

Realistic, evidenced assumptions and a stress test for a slow period. An over-optimistic forecast undermines trust rather than building it.

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.