Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Retail Business Loans & Finance Options for UK Shops
Summary: If you run a UK shop or retail business and need funding from around £10,000 upwards — for stock, fit-out, POS upgrades or short-term cashflow — Fast Business Loans helps you compare suitable lenders and brokers quickly. We don’t lend or give financial advice; we introduce your enquiry to the most relevant finance providers so you can get fast quotes and compare options. Complete a quick enquiry to start a free eligibility check and be matched with specialist partners who understand retail.
✅ Free Eligibility Check — Get Started
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Why Retailers Choose Fast Business Loans
Retail trading is seasonal, competitive and capital-intensive. Many retailers don’t have time to research dozens of lenders — they need targeted matches from finance providers that understand shops, e-commerce and omnichannel selling.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Specialist match-making for high-street and e-commerce retailers
- We connect you to lenders and brokers experienced in retail finance (stock funding, card-driven businesses, fit-outs and seasonal top-ups).
- Fast, soft enquiry process — your initial enquiry does not affect your credit score.
- Quotes and lender contact are free and non-binding; you choose whether to proceed.
Transparent, no-obligation process
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We match your needs with the most appropriate panel partners so you can compare offers quickly and confidently.
Get Quote Now — Free, No-Obligation
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Funding Challenges Retailers Are Solving in 2024–2025
Retailers face several funding pressures: rising supplier costs, inventory requirements for peak seasons, store refurbishments, POS upgrades and the need to invest in online sales channels. Short-term cashflow gaps can disrupt trading unless resolved fast.
Here’s how finance can help: bridging cash between supplier payments and sales, funding seasonal stock, enabling shop refits that drive footfall, and smoothing payroll during quieter months.
Retail Finance Products We Can Help You Access
| Finance Type | Ideal Retail Use | Typical Facility Size | Security & Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured Business Loan | Working capital, refurbishment | £10k–£250k | No fixed asset security; decision days–weeks |
| Revolving Credit / Overdraft | Short-term cashflow management | £10k–£200k | Often linked to bank; flexible access |
| Invoice Finance | Retail trade credit or wholesale receivables | £25k–£1m+ | Secured against invoices; fast access to cash |
| Stock & Trade Finance | Seasonal stock purchasing | £10k–£500k | Security over stock or charge; decision speed varies |
| Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) | Card-sales heavy retailers needing fast cash | £5k–£250k | Repayments tied to card takings; rapid funding |
| Asset / Equipment & Fit-Out Finance | POS systems, refrigeration, fixtures | £10k–£300k | Secured on asset; predictable repayments |
| Short-Term Bridging | Urgent opportunities or timing gaps | £25k–£1m+ | Higher cost; fast turnaround |
Working capital & cashflow loans
Best for ongoing operating costs, payroll and smoothing seasonal dips. Pros: quicker decisions than large commercial facilities. Cons: rates and terms vary by lender.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Stock finance & seasonal lending
Designed to fund buying cycles ahead of busy trading periods (e.g., Christmas). Lenders review historic sales and supplier relationships when assessing applications.
Shopfit, refurbishment and equipment leasing
Leases or hire-purchase let you spread the cost of fixtures, freezers, POS and shelving — preserving cash for stock and marketing.
How Our Retail Loan Matching Process Works
- Complete a short enquiry form — tell us a few details about your business and funding need (takes under 2 minutes).
- We match your enquiry to brokers and lenders who specialise in retail finance and the product type you need.
- Receive contact & quotes — partners typically respond by phone or email to discuss options and next steps.
- Compare & decide — you review any offers and choose whether to proceed directly with the provider.
Will my credit score be affected?
Submitting the Fast Business Loans enquiry is a soft process and does not create a hard credit footprint. Lenders may perform formal credit checks only if you proceed with an application.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Eligibility Snapshot — What Retailers Need to Prepare
| Criteria | Typical Expectation |
|---|---|
| Trading history | 6–12 months for some lenders; 2+ years preferred for larger facilities |
| Turnover | Varies by product; lenders review recent monthly/annual sales |
| Card/EPOS receipts | Useful for MCAs and cashflow lenders — provide 3–6 months’ statements |
| Management accounts | Profit & loss and balance sheet for recent months |
| Security | Some facilities require personal or business assets; others unsecured |
Different lenders accept alternative documents — for example, POS reports, Amazon/Amazon Pay statements or supplier invoices. If you run multiple locations, provide aggregated sales and rent information.
For a sector-specific overview, you may also find our wider guidance for retailers useful: retailers shop business loans.
Real-World Scenarios We Support
- Independent boutique needs £50k stock funding for Christmas — quick invoice-backed facility sourced within days.
- Convenience store replacing refrigeration equipment — asset finance spread over 3 years with minimal upfront cost.
- Online-only retailer bridging cash between large platform payouts — merchant cash advance structured against card takings.
- Multi-site fashion retailer funding a new store fit-out — combined asset and working capital package.
Costs, Terms & Considerations for Retail Loans
Costs vary substantially by product, loan size, security and business profile. Typical term ranges and considerations:
- Unsecured loans: terms 12–60 months, APRs vary depending on lender and risk profile.
- Asset finance: matched to asset life; lower rates where asset acts as security.
- Merchant cash advances: higher effective cost but flexible, with repayments linked to card volume.
- Invoice & stock finance: fees and advance rates depend on debtor quality and stock type.
All rates and quotes are subject to lender assessment. We recommend comparing multiple offers and asking for clear breakdowns of interest, arrangement fees and exit charges before accepting any finance.
Preparing a Strong Retail Finance Application
Use this checklist to speed up assessment and improve match accuracy:
- Recent management accounts and cashflow forecasts (3–12 months).
- Bank statements and EPOS/card terminal reports for the last 3–6 months.
- Details of stock suppliers, lead times and purchase schedules.
- Information on any existing finance or security registered against assets.
- A short summary of why you need the funds and how they will be used.
Retail Business Loan FAQs
- How fast can shops get funding?
- After your enquiry, brokers often contact you within hours. Funding speed depends on the product — some MCAs and unsecured loans can complete within 24–72 hours; others take longer.
- Can I still access finance after being declined elsewhere?
- Yes. We work with a broad panel of partners and different lenders have different underwriting criteria — you may be eligible with another provider.
- Do you only work with physical shops?
- No. We introduce both bricks-and-mortar and e-commerce retailers to lenders experienced in each model.
- Is personal security always required?
- Not always. Some lenders require personal or business security for larger or longer-term facilities; many short-term or unsecured products do not.
- What happens after I submit an enquiry?
- Matched partners will contact you to discuss options, request documents and provide quotes. There’s no obligation to proceed with any offer.
About Fast Business Loans
Fast Business Loans connects UK retailers with lenders and brokers who specialise in business finance. We’re an introducer — we don’t lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Our service is free for business owners and designed to save time, increase your chance of an appropriate match and help you compare quotes from providers who understand retail.
We receive commission from partners for introductions; there is no fee for you to use the service. Your data is handled securely and only shared with partners relevant to your enquiry.
Important Information & Disclaimers
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. All finance is subject to status, affordability and lender assessment. We do not provide financial advice — please consider seeking independent advice if unsure. Information is accurate at time of publication but may change; always check full terms with any lender before proceeding.
– How fast can a UK retail shop get funding?
Many retailers hear from a matched broker within hours and, depending on the product, can receive funds in as little as 24–72 hours, with larger facilities taking longer.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — the enquiry is a soft process that doesn’t affect your credit score; lenders only run formal checks if you choose to proceed.
– Are you a lender, and does your service cost anything?
We’re an introducer (not a lender) and our matching service is free and without obligation.
– What types of retail business finance can you help me access?
We connect UK shops to unsecured business loans, revolving credit, invoice finance, stock and trade finance, merchant cash advances, asset and fit-out finance, and short-term bridging.
– How much can I borrow as a retailer?
Facilities typically start from around £10,000 (some MCAs from £5,000) and can reach £1m+ depending on product, security and your business profile.
– What can I use the funds for?
Common uses include seasonal stock, shopfit and refurbishments, POS and equipment, working capital and short-term cashflow gaps.
– What are the basic eligibility requirements?
Many lenders look for 6–12 months’ trading (2+ years for larger sums), recent turnover data, card/EPOS receipts, management accounts and, sometimes, security or a personal guarantee.
– Do you support both physical shops and e-commerce retailers?
Yes — we match high-street stores, independent shops, franchises and online sellers with finance partners who understand retail and omnichannel trading.
– Can you help if I’ve been declined elsewhere?
Yes — different lenders have different criteria, so you may still qualify through our panel, subject to status and affordability.
– What happens after I submit an enquiry — is it an application?
It’s a no-obligation enquiry (not a loan application), and we introduce you to relevant lenders or brokers who then contact you with options and next steps.