If individuals thought that they were the only ones who had the use for loans, then corporate loans will show them that they are incorrect. The corporates, who are deemed to have a large surplus of cash, too find themselves at the mercy of the loan providers (though not in the strictest sense of the word).

The use for corporate loans may emerge out of two reasons. Firstly, there maybe a shortage of cash and the loan is required to substitute the cash shortage. Secondly, they feel that the cash balance will find more productive uses if the task at hand is accomplished with a loan.

The position of the corporates is not as vulnerable as that of ordinary individuals, when it comes to getting corporate loans. Because of an increased bargaining power, corporates are able to grab a much better deal than individual borrowers.

Finance is the lifeblood of any business. Therefore, while it will be prudent not to make an injudicious use of corporate loans, it will neither be advantageous to starve the business of the much needed capital. Corporates risk its capital by taking business decisions- the grounds for profit. The risk taking capacity is severely stunted in the event of shortage of capital. A stunted risk taking capacity has its repercussions on the future of the corporate house.

Finding it too shocking to digest. This is however true. Shortage of funds was particularly behind many corporates not being able to complete assignments on time or not up to the quality standards stated.

Corporate loans come in a variety of forms. In this article we shall discuss about some of the most important corporate loans that businesses are making use of in the UK.

· Real estate financing:

Offices and factories are an important asset for the enterprises as all operations are conducted from this place/places. Banks and financial institutions finance the construction or purchase of an already built premise through real estate financing. Corporate loan of this form is similar to what is known as a mortgage. The important loans that are offered under real estate financing include land loan, property development loan, bridging loan for corporates and banker's guarantee.

· Performance bonds and guarantees:

Larger enterprises have to show that they are credible enough to get access to certain contracts. Corporate loan providers offer to guarantee the trustworthiness of the enterprise by issuing letter of guarantee, letter of indemnity, banker's guarantee and similar other documents pertaining to the credibility that a business house enjoys in the market. This becomes particularly important in modern day economy where business is conducted on a global scale. Businesses may be well known on a regional scale but globally it might be a minuscule. With the corporate loan provider vouching for the business, the standing of the business house greatly improves.

· Stocks and shares financing:

This facility is available for all types of enterprises whether private or public. Businesses can use the service at any stage of their life. Shares or unit trust, initial public offers (IPOs) and substantial shareholders are some of the methods used for financing business plans.

· Debt capital market products:

The method is again for public as well as private sector enterprises. This includes tasks such as underwriting or managing a variety of debt instruments. These can be suitably used for medium and long term financing. Some of the important components of these methods are syndicated loan facility, fixed rate bonds, floating and variable rate notes, and commercial papers. Syndicated loan facility can reduce dependence on one particular lender. The loans may be structured to meet the borrowers financial needs in the best possible manner.

The corporate loan will be repaid in the manner decided by the entrepreneur. The cash flows are the principal source of funding the repayment of corporate loans. Banks and financial institutions demand a guarantee or collateral from the borrower as a show of commitment to the project. Different lenders may define the clause of collateral amount and form differently. As with the loans offered to the individuals, corporate loan providers have a lien on the collateral offered. This will be exercised only when the loan has not been paid in full.

The dreams you ever saw for your business that were shelved because of the lack of adequate finance get a platform through which to be realised. Corporate loans provide this platform. Whatever be the needs of the business, from providing a continuous source of working capital to business expansion needs, corporate loans will always be useful.