Introducing Ask Honest John – Straight-Talking Finance Advice

Things you never thought you’d see in your lifetime – number one: John Laycock, confessed Luddite, embracing modern technology.

Well, believe it! I’m here and I’d like to introduce you to my alter ego… Honest John.

What Is Ask Honest John?

The idea is simple. You’ve got questions about commercial finance? I’ve got honest, practical, no-nonsense answers.

Funding, loans, investments, cash flow—whatever it is, I’ll cut through the jargon and give you the straight facts. There is no fluff, no sales pitch, just solid advice from someone who’s been on both sides of the fence. With commercial banking experience, our team crafts strong funding proposals for Lenders, ensuring success. We handle your application through to drawdown, keeping you informed.

As an FCA-authorised firm and NACFB member, we follow a trusted code of practice that guarantees quality service.

Ask Honest John your Question

How to Get Involved

Got a finance question? Ask Honest John!

Email me at askhonestjohn@sterlingcommercialfinance.co.uk, and I’ll do my best to provide answers in a way that makes sense. Expect straight talk, a bit of humour, and insights you won’t find in a Google search.

So, let’s get started. Fire away with your questions—I’m ready!

Questions Honest John has already answered

Can’t see an answer to your question then ask it here?

Ask Honest John, Business Finance

Financial Eggs in one basket

April 16, 2025

So take it from me, Honest John, someone who has worked in the finance market for over 45 years: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If you need.

Ask Honest John, Business Finance

I took out a short-term business loan secured by a charge on my home, but I can’t afford the repayments. What an I do?

March 24, 2025

So, what can you do? Well, it depends if this is just a short-term hiccup or a long-term bother. Whatever it is, you need to be upfront with your lender.

Ask Honest John, Business Finance

I want to buy an investment property at auction but that only gives me a limited time to complete. What are the chances of getting finance in place in time?

March 21, 2025

Right, so you're thinking about buying an investment property at auction but are worried about arranging the finance in time.

Ask Honest John, Business Finance

My Invoice Finance provider is restricting my funding because of “Concentration”. What does this mean and is there anything I can do?

March 19, 2025

Your Invoice Finance provider's pulling a right fast one with your funding because of this "Concentration" malarkey. What’s all that about, then? Let me explain.

Ask Honest John, Business Finance

Can I use Stock Finance to raise funds against my old stock?

March 16, 2025

Stock finance, in isolation, is not linked with a supply chain finance type of product, and it is both simple and complicated at the same time. In simple terms, funders.

Ask Honest John, Business Finance

How do I know if they are reputable brokers?

March 12, 2025

You’re looking for a commercial finance broker? That's a good idea, but how do you know if they’re the real deal or just some chancer in a cheap suit? In.

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Ask Honest John