Finance brokers: a jargon-buster

Adverse credit: A bad credit record, such as repossession orders, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) or arrears. Some finance brokers specialise in helping people with adverse credit.

Business angels: Rich individuals who are willing to invest their money (and business experience) to help another business grow, usually in return for a share of any profits.

BVCA: The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association.

Commercial mortgages: Mortgages used to purchase business premises or land. They are more complex arrangements than normal mortgages so it's worth taking advice from a finance broker. Many finance brokers specialise in commercial mortgages.

Development capital: The capital required to allow a company to grow without relying on short-term bank loans. Finance brokers are key to sourcing development capital.

Factoring: A means of raising cash quickly by selling your invoices to a factoring company. Many finance brokers specialise in this type of facility to improve your cash flow.

Finance lease: A means of renting an asset (such as cars or machinery) without owning it, although you are normally responsible for maintenance and insurance. Some finance brokers specialise in this type of finance.

IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangements): a way for a debtor to avoid bankruptcy by coming to an agreement with his creditors on repaying the debt.

Invoice discounting: A means of raising money against the value of unpaid invoices. Finance brokers can advise you on this type of borrowing.

National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB): Finance brokers that belong to this association adhere to an industry recognised Code of Practice.

Turnaround finance: Capital provided to help financially distressed businesses improve their company's performance. A finance broker can look at the options available to you.

Vehicle finance brokers: Finance brokers that specialise in finding you the right range of lease and purchase options for your company's fleet.