Frequently asked questions
Ask Sterling is free, it never runs a credit search on you, and if you ask for an introduction your details go to one named funding partner only. The answers below cover the questions directors ask most. Each one is short; follow the links for the detail.
Cost and money
What does Ask Sterling cost?
Nothing. You never pay us a fee. Our funding partner pays OPTIMAX AI LTD for each qualifying introduction, and that fee doesn't depend on whether you take finance or how much. Full detail: how we get paid.
Will using Ask Sterling make my finance more expensive?
No. Nothing is added to your price on our account and we take no commission from your finance. The funder sets the price, so check any offer with the offer checker.
How much can my company ask for?
Our partner's programmes typically cover from £50k to £500k+. What you're offered depends on turnover, time trading and credit history, and the funder decides. For a rough idea first, try how much can I borrow.
Credit
Will asking affect my credit file?
Ask Sterling never runs a credit search. Our partner or a funder may run one later, on the company and on you as a director, and it could be a soft search. More on this: will asking affect my credit score.
Do CCJs rule my company out?
Our partner's programmes look for no CCJs or defaults in the last 12 months. See do CCJs stop business finance.
Eligibility
Can sole traders or partnerships ask?
No. We only make introductions for limited companies, because introducing sole traders and small partnerships is regulated credit broking. Here's why limited companies only.
Who is Ask Sterling for?
Established limited companies: typically 12+ months trading, about £60k+ a month in turnover, two or fewer loans or advances running, and an owner with 51%+. Smaller companies from about £12k a month and 4+ months trading can still ask. Full list, including excluded industries: who you'll speak to.
Who contacts you
Who will ring me?
A funding specialist from Abbey Road Capital Ltd / SOJA Ventures, our funding partner, about the enquiry you sent. They may ring, email or text. Nobody else gets your details from us.
Will Sterling ring me?
No. Sterling is an illustrated guide character, not a real person. The call comes from a person at our partner.
How do I stop the contact?
Reply STOP to any text, tell the specialist on the phone, or email mike@optimax-ai.com and we'll pass it on and stop any contact from us.
Your data
Do you sell my details?
No. We send your enquiry only to the one partner named on the form, because you asked us to. Full detail, including your rights and how to complain to the ICO: privacy notice.
How long do you keep my enquiry?
12 months, then we delete it. You can ask us to delete it sooner, or to see what we hold.
How do I know a message is really from you?
We never ask for fees, bank logins or passwords. If in doubt, email us at the address above before you reply. See funding scams.
Questions owners ask
Is Ask Sterling a lender?
No. Ask Sterling is an introducer run by OPTIMAX AI LTD. We explain business finance and, with your consent, pass your enquiry to one funding partner. Funders make every decision.
Do I have to go ahead if the partner rings?
No. Sending an enquiry commits your company to nothing. You can say no on the first call, or at any point before you sign.
Can I use the calculators without sending an enquiry?
Yes. The calculators are free, run in your browser and don't send your inputs to us. Use them as often as you like.
Is business finance regulated by the FCA?
Business finance for limited companies is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Merchant cash advances are not loans and are not FCA-regulated either.
Why don't you show reviews or testimonials?
Because we're new and we won't fake them. We would rather show our working: sources on every page and calculators with the method open.