How to get a UK business loan after an IVA
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a structured-debt-repayment alternative to bankruptcy. UK SMB lenders treat ongoing IVAs as decline triggers. After completion, the IVA stays on credit files for 6 years from start. This guide covers the lender landscape during and after.
Director, BestBusinessLoans
Oliver leads BestBusinessLoans's editorial reviews and methodology. With a background in UK commercial finance, he oversees lender research, rate verification and review independence.
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026
How IVAs are treated
An IVA is a formal insolvency arrangement. While in force (typically 5-6 years), the borrower has agreed to pay creditors a fixed sum and is bound by the IVA terms. Mainstream UK SMB lenders decline categorically during the IVA, taking on new credit usually breaches the arrangement anyway.
During the IVA
No new commercial credit without the supervisor's permission, which is rarely granted for non-essential borrowing. Any application is likely a breach. Specialist lenders that "engage with IVAs" generally mean post-completion or post-discharge, not during.
After IVA completion
The IVA shows on the credit file for 6 years from the start date. With completion, the discharge certificate is issued. Specialist lenders (JPM Capital, Bolton Finance, Bizcap) engage; mainstream lenders generally do not until the IVA drops off the file.
Practical steps
Get the discharge certificate. Pull all three credit files (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) and confirm the IVA is correctly recorded as completed. Build clean trading evidence post-completion. Avoid new credit events.
Realistic options
MCA against strong card flow during years 4-6 post-IVA-start (specialist MCA lenders may engage). Asset finance against owned assets. Specialist post-decline term loans at higher rates. Mainstream products only after the IVA clears the credit file.
FAQ
Can I take on a business loan during an IVA?
Almost never. The IVA terms typically prohibit new credit without the supervisor's permission, and breaching the IVA risks bankruptcy.
What if my IVA was a long time ago?
If completed and over 6 years from the start date, the IVA falls off the credit file and mainstream criteria apply. Until then, specialist lenders are the realistic route.
Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-04-26.