Facility, within Credit Lines
I already have invoice finance and a debenture. Can I still borrow more?
A debenture from an existing lender doesn't automatically block further borrowing. What actually decides it is what's written into the agreement, whether it includes a negative pledge, whether that lender will consent, not the fact that a debenture exists at all. Fits established businesses that already have secured finance and need more headroom.
Reviewed by Adam Parker, by name No obligation to talk this through No need to pick a facility first Timeline given after we understand your situation
Recognition
You already have finance, and it's not enough any more
Most finance content explains what a debenture is. Almost none of it answers the practical question an already-funded business actually has: does having one already mean a second facility is off the table?
Why it happens
A debenture is security, not a blanket ban
It means your existing lender holds security over the business's assets, and any new lender will want to know where they'd stand behind that. That's a real constraint to navigate, not an automatic block.
Where this fits
Strengthening a restrictive facility
This is the specific answer to that situation, sitting within Credit Lines rather than as its own facility type.
Specialist insight
What to actually check
- Does it include a negative pledge? A clause restricting further borrowing without the existing lender's consent. Not every debenture has one, but many do.
- Will the existing lender give consent? If a negative pledge exists, this is the real gatekeeping step, not a formality to skip.
- Is there genuine headroom in the assets? A second lender taking a lower-priority claim needs enough asset value to make that claim meaningful.
Decision helper
What's in the debentureUsual outcomeNot this
No negative pledge, real headroom→A second, subordinated facility→Assuming it's blocked
Negative pledge present→Consent or a waiver from the existing lender→Applying elsewhere without checking
What typically fits
Read the agreement itself, not just the Companies House filing. A registered debenture with no negative pledge and plenty of asset headroom is a very different situation from one with a tight negative pledge and thin cover, even though both look identical on the public register.
Alternatives and limitations
What this usually leads to: a second facility structured behind the first (a subordinated or second-priority arrangement), or, less often, a negative-pledge waiver from the existing lender for a specific new facility. Which one depends entirely on what's in your agreement, not on a general rule.
Practical questions
Before you get in touch
Does it cost anything?
No. There's no charge to describe your situation and get an indicative answer.
What happens after I contact you?
Adam reviews your situation personally, works out what's likely to fit, and introduces you to a named regulated partner if it's something we can help with. No automated routing, no call centre.
How long does it take?
It varies by facility, not a single number we can put on a page honestly. Some drawdowns against an existing facility complete within a day or two; arranging something new from scratch usually takes longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline once we understand your situation.
What information do I need?
To start, just a description of what's actually happening in the business. If it progresses, the specialist partner will ask for the usual things: recent accounts, a sense of turnover and trading history, and details of the specific need.
Are you a lender?
No. Established Finance is a trading name of Muswell Rose Consulting Ltd, an introducer. We work with named regulated partners who handle the regulated activity.
What if I don't know which facility I need?
That's normal, most people don't. Describe the situation, not the product, and we'll work out what fits.
Am I under any obligation?
No, at any stage. An indicative answer, and even a full introduction, don't commit you to anything.