When each option usually fits
When Allica Bank usually fits
- Signal
- — You are an established SME wanting a dedicated relationship manager.
- Signal
- — The deal is a commercial mortgage on owner-occupied premises or a small portfolio.
- Signal
- — You value a digital onboarding experience underneath the relationship model.
- Signal
- — Asset finance on commercial vehicles or plant is part of the wider need.
When Shawbrook usually fits
- Signal
- — The transaction is larger or more bespoke than a standard SME term loan.
- Signal
- — You need a lender with a longer track record on complex commercial property.
- Signal
- — Professional lending — solicitor or accountant practice finance — fits the brief.
- Signal
- — You want a specialist underwriting team experienced with portfolio landlords.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | Allica Bank | Shawbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Core focus | Mid-sized established SMEs and commercial property | Specialist lending across SME, property and professional clients |
| Headline products | Commercial mortgage, asset finance, business savings | Commercial mortgage, buy-to-let, asset finance, professional lending |
| Typical ticket | From around £150,000 into the millions on property | From around £50,000 up to several million |
| Relationship model | Dedicated relationship manager | Specialist team per product line |
| Decision style | Manual underwriting underneath a digital application | Manual underwriting with broker-led intake on larger cases |
| Speed | Weeks rather than days, depending on property work | Weeks rather than days, with bespoke timelines on larger deals |
| Security | Property charge or asset on relevant products | Property charge or asset on relevant products |
| Typical borrower | Established SMEs and owner-occupiers | Portfolio landlords, professional services, mid-market businesses |
| Application route | Direct or via a broker | Predominantly via a commercial finance broker |
Shared considerations
- Both expect filed accounts and a clear use of funds for any term lending.
- Both take property or asset security where the product calls for it.
- Personal guarantees are common on either route, especially for owner-managed entities.
- Indicative terms only firm up after valuation and full underwriting.
Frequently asked questions
- Which lender is better for owner-occupier commercial mortgages?
- Both are credible options. Allica was built around the underserved owner-occupier segment and tends to favour SMEs trading from their own premises. Shawbrook will look at owner-occupier deals too, often where the loan size or property profile sits higher. Outcomes depend on lender criteria.
- Do I need a broker to access either?
- Shawbrook is predominantly broker-led on larger commercial deals. Allica accepts direct applications and broker-introduced cases. Lendrly is not a credit broker — we publish educational guidance and link to lender pages so you can decide your application route.
- Are either FCA regulated?
- Both are UK authorised banks supervised by the PRA and the FCA. Their commercial lending to limited companies is largely unregulated business finance. Verify each lender's current authorisations on the FCA register.
- Which is faster for a property completion?
- Neither is positioned as a speed-led property lender. Both run manual underwriting, full valuation and legal due diligence. If timing is tight, bridging from a specialist lender is usually the route, with a refinance onto Allica or Shawbrook later.