About Acorn.finance - A leading UK broker since 1997
For nearly three decades, Acorn.finance has stood as a constant in the UK commercial lending market. While others have come and gone, our family-led team has remained dedicated to one thing: securing the best funding for British business owners.
28 Years of Getting the Impossible Funded!
How can we help you?
1997
The Problem Was Clear
2013
Recognition That Counts
2024
Taking Acorn Nationwide
2003
Shaping the Industry
2016
New Chapter, Same Mission
TODAY
Still Solving the Hard Cases
The Original Acorn.finance (Est. 1997)
Founded by Tom Thompson & Paul Thompson in 1997, Acorn.finance was built on a simple belief:
That UK business owners deserve personal, human expertise—not just computer algorithms.
For over 25 years, we have operated as a family-led brokerage, helping thousands of clients secure the funding they need to grow.
To achieve this you have access to a lending panel of more than 450 funders, almost every lender in the market.
Do you want to move your business or property investments forward? Let Acorn.finance get you FUNDED!
Please Note: We are a proudly independent, UK-based family brokerage. We are not affiliated with the US-based lending platform ‘Acorn Finance’, nor were we associated with the now-dissolved ‘UK Acorn Finance Ltd’ (active 2010–2016).
When you work with us, you are working with Paul, his team, and a firm fully authorised and regulated by the FCA (Reg No: 660207).
Why Acorn.finance Works Differently
High Street Banks
Many Brokers
Acorn.finance
One lender
Limited panel;
50-100 lenders
Over 450 lenders
Rigid criteria
Some flexibility
Complex cases specialist
Slow processs
Variable
Award-winning speed
The Acorn.finance Advantage
What Makes Acorn.finance the Specialist's Choice?
We don’t just process paperwork; we apply decades of specialised knowledge to secure your funding.
Our commitment is backed by the kind of expertise general brokers simply can’t match:
- Whole Market Access: Direct routes to 400+ lenders, ensuring your deal gets the right home, whether it’s commercial, property, or specialist lending.
- Specialist Sector Expertise: We are the go-to broker for complex areas like bridging finance, property development, and licensed trade (pubs/hospitality).
- Award-Winning Service: Honoured with 7 UK Best Broker Awards since 1997, our process is proven to be fast, reliable, and client-focused.
Acorn finance – About an award winning finance broker.
In 2013 we entered our first awards – the Business Moneyfacts Awards. That year we walked away with the Commercial Mortgage Broker of the Year Award. (See below, me meeting Matt Dawson MBE – England Rugby Player!). Since then we’ve won a further 6 best UK broker awards from a variety of publications.
Tom retired from Acorn finance back in 2016 leaving Paul at the helm. We’re now growing the business again through franchises across the length and breadth of the UK.
To move your business forward we need a small number of individuals for our September intake of commercial brokers. So to be considered, contact us now.
Paul Thompson – Acorn.finance founder
Paul came into the finance world from an unusual direction. He previously served as a Sea King Helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy.
Not being the typical ex-banker turned finance broker has been a strength for Paul. The analytical thinking required as a pilot is invaluable when dealing with funding transactions.
Paul spent 5 years on the board of directors for the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, helping to steer the industry in a positive direction and being responsible for Training and Education for the association.
Now the kids have left home Paul lives by the coast in the North East with his wife Kate and their two puppies Bimba & Lola. They love walks by the sea (and dips in it!).
Acorn.finance FAQs
The Acorn.finance Difference
Since 1997, we’ve done things differently. Here is what you can expect when you work with Paul and the team.
Are you the same 'Acorn Finance' I see reviews for in the US?
No. We are Acorn.finance, a specialist UK commercial broker.
The US company is a separate entity entirely. We focus exclusively on the UK market, helping British business owner, property investors and homeowners.
Is Acorn.finance a direct lender?
We are an independent commercial broker established in 1997. We are not a lender, and we are not associated with any historical lenders operating under similar names.
Will I be dealing with an automated system or a dedicated broker?
At Acorn.finance, we believe complex funding requires a human touch, not just an algorithm. From your very first enquiry, you will deal directly with our UK-based team, led by Paul Thompson. We don’t just “match” you to a lender; we personally negotiate your case to ensure the deal fits your specific business needs.
Is Acorn.finance fully regulated and authorised?
Yes. We are fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Firm Reference Number 660207. We are also full members of the NACFB (National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers). Since our founding in 1997, we have adhered to the strictest standards of professional conduct, ensuring our clients’ interests always come first.
Do you charge upfront assessment fees?
Transparency is at the core of our family business. We do not charge upfront assessment fees to look at your enquiry. We will always provide you with a clear, written Terms of Business outlining exactly how we are remunerated before you proceed. Our goal is to get you funded, not to burden you with hidden costs.
Are you a direct lender or an independent broker?
We are a proudly independent commercial broker. This is a significant advantage for you: because we are not tied to a single bank or a limited panel, we can search the entire UK market—from High Street banks to specialist private funds. This independence allows us to find the best possible rates and terms for your specific project.