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 | Fast Business Loans
Summary: Fast Business Loans connects UK retail and shop businesses with specialist lenders and brokers to find suitable finance from £10,000 upwards. Use our short, no-obligation enquiry to get matched quickly for working capital, inventory finance, merchant cash advances, equipment or fit-out loans — no credit impact when you enquire and no obligation to accept an offer.
Why retailers choose Fast Business Loans
Retail is seasonal, margin-sensitive and capital-hungry. Stock shortages, payment delays and sudden demand spikes can stop a shop in its tracks. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend money — we save you time and increase your chances of finding the right partner by matching your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in retail finance.
- Quick matching with lenders who understand retail cashflow and stock cycles.
- No lengthy searching — one short enquiry connects you to relevant partners.
- No obligation and no credit impact to enquire.
- Suitable for funding from £10,000 up to multi‑million projects.
Want to check eligibility quickly? Get Started – Free Eligibility Check
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.
Sector expertise for high street, shopping centres and online stores
We introduce businesses to lenders who have experience with: fashion boutiques, convenience stores, electronics, homewares, retailers selling B2B, marketplaces and pure-play e‑commerce. Lenders we match you with understand POS cycles, seasonal peaks (e.g. Black Friday, Christmas), and the cashflow pressure of holding inventory across multiple channels.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Retail finance options we can introduce
Different needs require different products. Below are common finance types our partners provide — we’ll match you to the right specialists based on your circumstances.
- Working capital loans — short to medium-term funding for day-to-day cashflow.
- Inventory & purchase order finance — fund season stock or large orders without tying up capital.
- Merchant cash advance / card receivables — advance against future card takings, repaid as a percentage of sales.
- Equipment and fit-out finance — for tills, shelving, refrigeration, shopfitting and refurbishments.
- Invoice finance — release cash tied up in B2B invoices for wholesalers and retailers selling on credit.
- Refinance & consolidation — restructure existing debt to reduce monthly pressure or free up working capital.
Compare options fast — Compare Retail Finance Partners
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Quick comparison: finance types
| Purpose | Typical loan size | Speed to funding | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working capital | £10k–£250k+ | Days–weeks | Cover gaps, payroll, seasonal peaks |
| Inventory finance | £25k–£1m+ | Days–weeks | Seasonal stock buys, bulk orders |
| Merchant cash advance | £10k–£200k | 24–72 hours | Fast access linked to card sales |
| Equipment & fit-out | £10k–£500k | Days–weeks | POS, kitchen equipment, shopfitting |
| Invoice finance | £25k–£2m+ | 2–7 days | Retailers with B2B customers or wholesale arms |
Eligibility snapshot for UK retail businesses
While each lender has its own rules, here’s a quick guide to typical criteria:
- Trading history: many lenders prefer at least 6–12 months trading; some accept newer businesses if strong plans and collateral exist.
- Turnover: lenders look at annual and recent monthly turnover to assess affordability.
- Profitability & margins: consistent gross margin helps, but some lenders focus on turnover and cashflow instead of profit.
- Credit profile: acceptable credit histories vary — being declined by one lender doesn’t mean others will refuse.
- Security: secured loans may require property or assets; unsecured options are available but usually smaller or more expensive.
Documents & information lenders commonly request
- Recent business bank statements (3–6 months)
- Management accounts or VAT returns
- Sales reports, POS data or e‑commerce dashboards
- Supplier invoices or purchase orders (for inventory finance)
- Business plan or cashflow forecast for significant expansion/refurbishment projects
Ready to check what you might get? Free Eligibility Check
Step-by-step: from enquiry to offer
Here’s how the matching process works — simple, fast and no obligation.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
- Complete our short enquiry — tell us a few details about your business and funding needs (it takes under 2 minutes).
- We match you — your details are shared with a small number of lenders/brokers best placed to help.
- Partner contacts you — expect a call or email to discuss terms, checks and next steps.
- Compare offers & decide — review options side‑by‑side and accept the one that fits your needs. There’s no obligation to proceed.
Typical response times vary, but many businesses hear back within hours during business days. Start Your Retail Funding Enquiry
Funding use cases across retail niches
Retail businesses use finance for many practical reasons. Here are common scenarios we help with:
Fashion & apparel
Case: a boutique needs stock ahead of a seasonal trend. Inventory finance lets them buy in bulk and pay when sales come through. What this means: avoid lost sales due to stock outs.
Convenience and food retailers
Case: a convenience store needs new refrigeration and a refit. Asset or fit-out finance spreads the cost while sales continue. What this means: improved offering without a single large cash outlay.
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.
Electronics & appliances
Case: large supplier order requires upfront payment. Purchase order or inventory finance can bridge the gap so delivery and resale happen smoothly.
Want tailored options for your retail sector? Get Quote Now
Cost considerations & responsible borrowing
Costs vary widely between products and providers — APRs, arrangement fees, early repayment charges and factor fees all influence total cost. Always compare the Annual Percentage Rate, fees and repayment structure before signing.
Responsible borrowing tips:
- Check affordability and stress-test repayments at lower revenues.
- Compare total cost, not just headline rate.
- Ask about early repayment options and any hidden fees.
- Use secured options only if you understand the risks to assets used as security.
We introduce lenders so you can compare offers and make an informed choice — Free Retail Finance Quote
Why act now? Navigating retail challenges in 2024/25
The retail landscape is fast-moving: supply chain delays, inflationary input costs and changing consumer habits all affect cashflow. Proactive funding lets you buy stock at favourable prices, seize a growth opportunity or smooth seasonal dips. A quick, no-obligation enquiry could reveal options you didn’t know were available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for retail finance if my shop is seasonal?
Yes. Many lenders accept seasonal trading patterns. Provide recent trading history and peak‑season figures to help lenders understand your cash cycle. Seasonal finance solutions (inventory finance, seasonal working capital) are commonly available to bridge low months and bulk buying needs.
Will submitting the Fast Business Loans enquiry form impact my credit score?
No. Completing our enquiry does not affect your credit record. Lenders or brokers may run credit checks later if you decide to proceed; we’ll make that clear before any checks that could impact your score.
How quickly can retailers receive funds once matched with a lender?
Timing depends on product and documentation. Merchant cash advances can be approved and funded within 24–72 hours. Working capital, equipment and invoice finance typically range from a few days to a few weeks. We’ll set clear expectations when you’re matched.
Do you work with both bricks-and-mortar and online-only retailers?
Yes. We introduce lenders experienced with physical shops, market stalls, pop-ups and e‑commerce businesses. Different lenders specialise in different channels — tell us how you sell and we’ll match you with the best partners.
What if I was declined by a bank—can I still be matched?
Often, yes. Being declined by one lender doesn’t preclude options with others. Our panel includes specialist lenders and brokers that consider a wider range of factors beyond a simple bank decline. Complete the short enquiry to find out.
Is there a fee for using Fast Business Loans to access retail finance options?
No — our service is free for business owners. We are an introducer and only pass your details to selected lenders/brokers who may contact you with offers. There’s no cost to submit an enquiry and no obligation to accept any offer.
What information will lenders typically need to issue an offer?
Commonly requested items include bank statements, management accounts or VAT returns, sales reports, proof of identity and supplier invoices or purchase orders (for inventory finance). The exact list depends on lender and product.
Can I compare multiple offers before deciding?
Yes. One of the advantages of our service is being able to review and compare multiple proposals from lenders and brokers. You then choose the solution that best fits timing, cost and repayment terms — with no pressure to proceed.
Ready to explore your retail finance options?
Fast Business Loans connects you with specialist lenders and brokers who understand retail. It’s quick, free and there’s no obligation — and your enquiry won’t affect your credit score. Complete a brief form and we’ll match you with the best partners for your needs.
Get Started – Free Eligibility Check
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice. Finance is subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply.
Related reading: learn more about tailored options for shops on our retailers guidance page: retail business loans.
– What types of retail business finance can you help with?
We can match UK retailers with working capital loans, inventory and purchase order finance, merchant cash advances, equipment and fit-out finance, invoice finance, and refinance options.
– How much can UK retailers borrow through Fast Business Loans?
Funding typically starts from £10,000 and can scale to multi‑million facilities depending on turnover, trading history and security.
– How fast can I get retail business funding?
Merchant cash advances can fund in 24–72 hours, while working capital, equipment, and invoice finance usually complete within a few days to a few weeks once documents are provided.
– Will completing your enquiry form affect my credit score?
No — it’s an enquiry, not a loan application, and won’t impact your credit score; any credit checks happen later only if you choose to proceed with a lender.
– Are you a lender and does it cost anything to use your service?
No — Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and our matching service is free with no obligation to accept any offer.
– Do you support both high street shops and e‑commerce retailers?
Yes — we match bricks‑and‑mortar, online and multichannel retailers with lenders who understand retail cashflow and seasonal trading.
– What are the typical eligibility requirements for shop finance?
Many lenders prefer 6–12 months’ trading with evidence of turnover, margins and cashflow, though some will consider newer businesses based on plans and security.
– What documents will lenders usually ask for?
Common requests include recent bank statements, management accounts or VAT returns, POS/e‑commerce sales reports, and supplier invoices or purchase orders for stock finance.
– Can I get funding if my shop is seasonal or I’ve been declined by a bank?
Often yes — specialist retail lenders consider seasonal patterns and broader criteria, so a previous decline doesn’t rule out other options.
– What can retail finance be used for?
Typical uses include buying stock and funding purchase orders, smoothing working capital, refurbishments and shopfitting, POS and refrigeration/equipment, and consolidating existing debt.