Business Details
47 Years
experience
Trusted Financial Advisers in Surrey
Lion Finance has been delivering tailored financial solutions to businesses since 1979. Founded by Tony Read and Graham Styles, our expertise spans commercial property funding, asset finance, and bridging solutions, supporting clients through economic cycles and market changes. With decades of experience in the finance sector, we maintain strong relationships with national and international lenders, including challenger banks, to provide semi-exclusive products unavailable elsewhere. Our philosophy prioritises client needs, offering loans ranging from 100,000 to 30,000,000 while adapting to evolving financial landscapes. As an original member of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, we combine industry authority with personalised service.Our team's resilience through three recessions and the pandemic underscores our commitment to reliable, client-focused solutions. We specialise in complex financing scenarios, including non-status lending and international property portfolios. Our FCA-authorised status through Brooklands Commercial Finance Ltd ensures regulatory compliance and client trust. With offices near Esher, Surrey, we serve clients across the UK and beyond. Our legacy of innovation continues to drive our mission to empower business growth through strategic financial partnerships.
Services
Commercial Mortgages
Equity Release
Asset Finance
Bridging Finance
Property Development
Expat Buy To Let
Residential Mortgages
Inheritance Tax Planning
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 40+ years' experience in commercial finance since 1979
- Access to semi-exclusive products through NACFB membership
- Specialist non-status lending solutions for complex cases
- Tailored financing for international property portfolios
- FCA-authorised through Brooklands Commercial Finance Ltd
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB)
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
What people say
Professional approach
Polite and efficient
Supportive and knowledgeable
Extraordinary product range
Calm experienced knowledge
Services
Commercial Mortgages
We provide commercial mortgages for property purchases, refinancing, and development projects. Our solutions cater to limited companies, sole traders, and partnerships with loan amounts from 100,000 to 30,000,000. Clients benefit from competitive rates starting at 2.5% over base rate with flexible terms up to 30 years.
Equity Release
Our equity release products help property owners aged 55+ access tax-free cash while retaining lifetime occupancy rights. We offer lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans with borrowing up to 70% of property value, supporting retirement income, debt consolidation, and home improvements.
Asset Finance
Business asset finance covers commercial vehicles, machinery, and specialist equipment. We arrange tailored leasing and instalment solutions for sectors including haulage, agriculture, and aviation with funding from 5m to 250m for UK and international clients.
Bridging Finance
Bridging finance provides rapid funding secured against residential or commercial property. We arrange first/second charge loans from 27,500 to 30m with terms 1-24 months, supporting property auctions, refurbishments, and urgent transactions at competitive monthly rates.
Property Development
Development finance supports residential and commercial building projects with loans 100k-35m. We fund new builds, refurbishments, and planning gain schemes with up to 70% GDV lending, including interest roll-up options and flexible security arrangements.
People
Tony Read
Founder & Director
Tony Read co-founded Lion Finance in 1979 and remains actively involved in client negotiations. With over 40 years' experience in commercial finance, he specialises in structuring complex lending solutions and maintaining industry relationships.
Questions
What types of commercial mortgages do you offer?
We provide mortgages for owner-occupier properties, investment portfolios, HMOs, and buy-to-let with loan sizes £100k-£30m and LTV up to 75%.
Can expats get UK property financing?
Yes, we arrange expat buy-to-let mortgages for property purchases, refinancing, or equity release while abroad with borrowing up to £15m.
What development finance options exist?
We offer residential and commercial development loans £100k-£35m with up to 70% GDV funding, including interest roll-up and flexible security arrangements.
Do you help with non-status lending?
Yes, we provide non-status commercial mortgages from 9.8% for clients with adverse credit history, requiring minimum £100k loans.
How quickly can bridging loans complete?
Bridging finance arrangements typically complete within 2-4 weeks, with auction finance available in as little as 7 days.
Are equity release plans regulated?
All equity release products are FCA-regulated through our partnership with Brooklands Commercial Finance Ltd (FRN 648940).
Reviews (4)
Michelle Cannon
May 28, 2022
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This was the easiest place to get a Loan for our pool. I didn't have to go through crazy hoops or spend time gathering tons of things like bank statements. There is no penalty for paying the loan off early so that is great cause the payments are low enough I can pay double and pay it off quicker.
Paula Gonzalez
May 22, 2022
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This company made my loan process easy and simple. Everyone was kind and professional. They also tried by all means to make me the best deal and low rates. Thank you Lyon Financial, because now I have my beautiful Pool!
Nancy Howanitz
May 04, 2022
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I would absolutely recommend Lyon Financial to anyone looking to finance a home pool installation. They provide excellent communication between the client and contractors. They strive to find solutions that satisfy the clients needs. Thank you!
Shelli Mueller
Mar 13, 2022
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We were finally able to realize our dreams thanks to Lyon Financial. We were skeptical that it could be so easy but it is. The communication has been top notch and we are happy we finally 'dove in' head first and took the plunge! Thanks Lyon!
