The application process

To help you understand a bit more about how an application to Futurebuilders works, we have put together the following step-by-step guide outlining the application process:

Step one

After checking your eligibility and deciding which product/s you are interested in, you decide you would like to apply for an investment from Futurebuilders.

Step two

To begin the application process, you contact us via one of the following methods:

• Calling us on 0191 261 5200
• Submitting an enquiry (please note that application process for Futurebuilders is now closed so no further enquiries are being accepted)
• Sending us an email

Step three

A member of our team gets in touch with you to discuss your proposal in more detail and begins an initial assessment of your proposal.

You are asked questions about how your organisation is constituted; what you need an investment for; how you plan to repay the loan; and existing and potential contracts/purchasers.

You will receive an indicative yes or definite no within one week of entering this first phase of dialogue.

Step four

At this stage you are assigned an Investment Officer, who will usually arrange to visit your organisation face-to-face. You will be asked to provide more in-depth information about your organisation and your proposal, including certain key documents. For example, you will definitely be requested to provide cashflows, in addition to any other documents your Investment Officer deems relevant.

Once you have provided us with all the required information, including key documents, you will receive a definite yes or no within six weeks.

Step five

Your investment goes to committee for approval.

• If you are applying for an investment of less than £350,000 the decision is made by an internal committee which meets on a weekly basis.
• If you are applying for an investment of more than £350,000 the decision is made by an external committee, which meets on a monthly basis. Representatives from your organisation will be required to attend to present your case for investment.
• If you are applying for an investment of more than £10m the decision is made by our Board, which meets on a quarterly basis. Representatives from your organisation will be required to attend to present your case for investment.

Step six

A formal offer of investment is made to your organisation, which you have one month to accept. Once the offer has been accepted, you have 12 months to begin drawing down your investment.

Step seven

You begin using your Futurebuilders investment, winning more public sector contracts leading to an improvement in public service delivery.