Why Retailers Choose Fast Business Loans

Retailers pick Fast Business Loans because we save time, widen choice, and increase the chance of finding a suitable finance solution quickly. We introduce you to brokers and lenders who specialise in retail and shop funding so you avoid searching dozens of providers yourself.

• Sector expertise: partners experienced with shops, boutiques, convenience stores, and e-commerce retailers
• Speed: quick responses once you submit an enquiry
• No obligation: enquiring is not an application and won’t commit you to proceed
• No cost to businesses: our introducer service is free for companies
• Confidential matching: we only share relevant details with suitable partners

Want to be matched with retail finance specialists? Get Quote Now

How Our Retail Funding Matchmaking Works

Our process is simple and designed for busy retailers. It’s quick, transparent and aimed at putting you in touch with lenders or brokers who can assess your needs.

1. Quick Enquiry: Tell us a few business details in under 2 minutes — the enquiry is free and not an application.
2. We Match: We select the most appropriate lenders or brokers from our panel based on your circumstances.
3. Partner Contact: A matched provider will contact you to discuss options and may request documents if you choose to proceed.
4. Compare & Decide: Review offers and pick the solution that suits your business. Final decisions and contracts are between you and the lender.

Typical initial responses arrive within hours on business days. We protect your data and only pass it to partners who can help. Remember: we introduce, we do not lend or give financial advice. Start Your Enquiry in 2 Minutes

Finance Needs We Commonly Support for UK Retailers

Retail businesses often need short-term cashflow, seasonal stock funding, or larger sums to expand. We help match retailers seeking funding for a wide range of shop needs.

• Seasonal stock purchasing and peak-period inventory (e.g., Christmas stock)
• Shop refits, fixtures and point-of-sale (EPOS) upgrades
• Launching or scaling an online store and omnichannel investments
• Marketing campaigns, recruitment or temporary staffing costs
• Emergency repairs, refrigeration or specialist equipment replacement
• Purchasing premises, refinance or releasing equity in commercial property

We support independent shops, franchise outlets, and online retailers needing finance from £10,000 upwards. Tell us what your retail business needs: Free Eligibility Check

Learn more about tailored options for retailers on our retailers shop business loans page: retailers shop business loans.

Types of Retail Business Finance Available

Unsecured Business Loans

Unsecured loans provide working capital without specific asset security. Typical uses include stock purchases and short-term cashflow. Suitable for established retailers with a solid trading history. Loan sizes usually start around £10,000.

Secured Loans

Secured borrowing can offer lower rates because the lender has recourse to assets (premises, equipment). This can be an option for larger sums or for retailers with property or high-value assets.

Merchant Cash Advances (MCA)

MCAs are tailored for card-heavy retailers. Repayments are taken as a percentage of card takings — useful for smoothing cashflow but typically more expensive than traditional loans.

Stock Finance

Stock or inventory finance provides short-term funding tied to inventory value. Ideal ahead of seasonal peaks when you must buy large quantities of stock.

Asset & Equipment Finance

Finance for shop fittings, refrigeration, delivery vans, or EPOS systems. Options include hire purchase or leasing to spread costs while keeping equipment in use.

Invoice Finance

If you supply other businesses, invoice finance unlocks cash tied to unpaid invoices — improving liquidity without taking on additional loans.

Commercial Mortgages & Refinance

For purchasing a shop or refinancing existing property debt, commercial mortgages and refinance solutions are available through specialist lenders.

Final product suitability and terms are set by lenders. If you want personalised suggestions, Get Quote Now.

Eligibility Snapshot: What Retailers Need to Know

Eligibility depends on the lender and product, but common considerations include:

• Minimum loan amount: most partners consider requests from £10,000 upwards
• Time trading: many lenders prefer trading history (often 12+ months) though some lenders consider newer businesses
• Turnover and profitability: lenders assess turnover bands and affordability
• Card processing history: important for merchant-focused products
• Credit profile: our panel includes providers who will consider imperfect credit
• Documentation: recent business bank statements, management accounts, ID for directors, and details of the funding purpose

Making an enquiry does not impact your credit file. Lenders may perform checks only if you progress with an offer. Unsure if you qualify? Free Eligibility Check — no obligation.

Costs, Terms, and What to Expect

Costs and terms vary by product, lender risk appetite and whether the loan is secured:

• Repayment terms: from short-term (3–12 months) to medium/long-term (up to 72 months or more for mortgages)
• Rates: depend on credit profile, security offered and product type — unsecured options typically carry higher rates than secured ones
• Fees: arrangement or broker fees may apply; any charges from brokers or lenders will be disclosed before you commit
• Affordability: lenders will assess affordability and may require personal guarantees for certain facilities

Fast Business Loans’ matching service is free. Always read offers carefully and consider independent advice if unsure.

Success Stories from UK Retailers We’ve Connected

See what options might suit your shop: See Your Retail Finance Options

How Fast Business Loans Keeps Things Fair, Clear, and Secure

We follow clear, fair and non-misleading marketing principles. Key points:

• We are an introducer — not a lender and not permitted to provide regulated financial advice.
• Your enquiry is confidential and only shared with partners who can help.
• We do not charge businesses for introductions; any fees from lenders or brokers will be disclosed by them.
• We encourage you to read lender terms carefully and seek independent advice if required.

If you have questions about how your data is used, contact our support team before submitting an enquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions: Retail & Shop Finance

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No. We are an introducer that connects UK retailers with lenders and brokers. We do not lend money or provide financial advice. Any finance offer comes directly from the lender.

How quickly can my shop get funding?

After submitting our short enquiry, matched partners typically respond within hours during business days. Funding speed depends on the product, due diligence and how quickly you supply requested documents — it can range from days for simple loans to several weeks for larger or secured facilities.

Can I apply if my credit score is imperfect?

Possibly. Our panel includes lenders and brokers who consider imperfect credit or prior refusals. Eligibility is always subject to each lender’s criteria and affordability checks.

Will completing the enquiry affect my credit rating?

No. Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Brokers or lenders may perform credit checks only if you decide to proceed with a specific offer.

Do you help e-commerce retailers as well as physical shops?

Yes. We work with partners experienced in both bricks-and-mortar shops and online retailers, including omnichannel operations.

What documents will lenders usually request?

Typical requests include recent business bank statements, management accounts, card processing reports (if applicable), proof of identity for directors and details of the funding requirement. Requirements vary by product and lender.

Are there fees for using Fast Business Loans?

No. Our introducer service is free for UK businesses. Any fee or charge related to a finance product will be disclosed by the broker or lender before you agree to proceed.

Do you give advice on which loan to choose?

We do not provide regulated financial advice. Our role is to match you with lenders or brokers who can explain products and provide quotes; you can then compare offers and decide. Consider independent advice if you are unsure which product is best for you.

Ready to Secure the Right Retail Finance Partner?

Fast Business Loans makes it quick and simple to explore finance options tailored to retailers. Three good reasons to enquire now:

• Fast matching to retail-experienced lenders and brokers
• No obligation, no cost to you, and no impact on your credit when enquiring
• Funding options available for amounts from £10,000 and up

Free Eligibility Check – Get Quote Now

If you prefer, phone us or email support for more information before you submit your enquiry.