How We Make Our Decisions

At Foundation East we refer to our lending as ‘relationship lending’. This means that we build up a knowledge and understanding of both our clients and their businesses before making our decision to lend or not. As a result we do not place undue emphasis on credit scoring or security but are able to make a decision to lend based on our relationship with the client. Our close contact with clients continues throughout the course of the loan.

At the first contact a client will speak to one of our Business Loans Managers. We ask you to provide an application form, business plan and cash flow forecast using the templates on our website. If you need help completing these documents the Business Loans Manager can refer you to an appropriate source of advice and support.

He/she will then visit you at your home, or at your business, to meet you and to discuss your business. This may result in further queries that he/she will work with you to resolve over subsequent meetings.

If your business is viable and a loan is appropriate the Business Loans Manager writes a loan appraisal to be submitted to our Loan Assesment Panel who will make the final lending decision. You, the applicant do not need to attend the Loans Assesment Panel since your Business Loans Manager will champion your case on your behalf.

We have a long-term commitment to our clients. Your Business Loans Manager will work closely with you throughout the course of the loan. There will be regular visits and telephone calls and you will have an opportunity to discuss the progress of the business as often as you may require. There is also a mandatory coaching programme which will help your business achieve its potential.