The OBR problem
Companies need a rate that reflects what they could borrow at for a similar term and security, but obtaining one is harder than it sounds:
- Banks won't help. Relationship managers give ballpark figures that aren't documented or auditable. Formal rate letters are rare for hypothetical facilities.
- Loan comparison sites fall short. Generic advertised rates don't account for your entity's credit profile, sector, size, or lease term. They're not FRS 102-compliant.
- DIY guesswork fails audit. Picking "4–5%" based on gut feel won't stand up to scrutiny. Auditors need a transparent, evidenced methodology.
- Commissioning a bespoke study is costly. Traditional manual studies cost £500–£2,000+ per calculation, with 2–4 week turnarounds. Not practical for multiple leases or tight deadlines.
Result? Finance teams are stuck between expensive delays and unacceptable audit risk.