Retail Business Loans & Finance – Fast Funding For UK Shops

Summary: Fast Business Loans connects UK retailers with lenders and brokers for finance from £10,000 upwards. We help shop owners explore working capital, stock finance, merchant cash advances, equipment and fit-out finance, and invoice or asset funding. Complete a short, no‑obligation enquiry (not an application) and get matched to the right finance professionals fast.

Free Eligibility Check: Ready to explore options? Complete a quick enquiry to get matched with suitable lenders and brokers. It takes under 2 minutes and is not a loan application — Get Started Free Eligibility Check.

Why Retailers Use Fast Business Loans

Retail is seasonal, margin-sensitive and often capital-intensive. Whether you run a high‑street shop, boutique, convenience store or garden centre, timing and choice of finance matter. Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer — we don’t lend or give regulated advice — and our role is to:

• Save you time by matching your business to the lenders and brokers that specialise in retail.
• Increase your chance of a suitable offer by selecting partners used to retail seasonality and card‑heavy sales.
• Provide a no‑obligation, free eligibility check so you can compare options without multiple forms.

Get matched quickly and discuss tailored solutions with experienced lenders — Get Quote Now.

Common Retail Finance Challenges We Solve

• Seasonal cash shortfalls — bridging stock purchases ahead of peak trading.
• Bulk buying and inventory — finance to buy seasonal ranges or secure supplier discounts.
• Refit and shopfit — funding for refurbishments, POS upgrades and new displays.
• Card-driven turnover — funding that accounts for high card takings and fluctuating daily sales.
• Supplier payment terms — smoothing supplier cycles to avoid late fees or lost discounts.

How Our Matching Service Works (Step‑by‑Step)

Here’s how we help you find the right retail finance partner — fast and simply:

1. Complete a short enquiry. Tell us about your business, funding need and contact details. This is an enquiry only — not a formal application.
2. We match you. Our system and team identify the most relevant lenders and brokers for your sector and needs.
3. Partners contact you. Selected lenders/brokers will call or email to discuss options and request documents if needed.
4. Compare and decide. Review offers and terms, choose what’s right for your business. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Start the process now — Free Eligibility Check. Your enquiry will not affect your credit score.

Finance Options Available For Retail & Shop Owners

Our panel covers a wide range of retail finance types. We don’t supply funds ourselves; we introduce you to lenders and brokers who can provide the following solutions:

Working Capital & Short‑Term Cashflow Loans

Use cases: cover payroll, top up tills between peaks, carry you through quiet months. Flexible short-term facilities with weekly or monthly repayments.

Stock & Inventory Finance

Use cases: bulk purchase seasonal lines, prepay suppliers, manage fashion cycles. Often structured against inventory and tailored to product shelf life.

Merchant Cash Advances & Card Revenue Funding

Use cases: ideal for card-heavy retailers. Lenders advance funds repaid via a percentage of daily card takings — repayments rise and fall with sales.

Equipment & Fit‑Out Finance

Use cases: POS systems, refrigeration, shelving and shopfit. Options include leasing and hire‑purchase so you spread cost while using the asset.

Invoice Finance for Retail Supply Chains

Use cases: if your shop supplies other businesses and invoices customers, invoice finance unlocks cash tied up in unpaid invoices.

If you’d like specialised retail sector guidance, see our pillar guide to retailers — retailers shop business loans.

Eligibility Criteria & Documents Retail Lenders Expect

Lenders vary, but typical criteria include:

• Minimum facility size: our partners typically work from around £10,000 upwards.
• Trading history: many lenders prefer trading history (often 12 months+), though options exist for growing businesses.
• Turnover and card takings: recent bank/EPOS statements demonstrating sales trends.
• Management accounts and VAT returns (where applicable).
• Director(s) ID and proof of address.
• Credit history: lenders will assess credit but the initial enquiry does not trigger a credit check.
• Security: varies by product and loan size—some options require no property security.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Keep up‑to‑date management accounts and a short 12‑week cashflow forecast.
• Provide clear sales evidence (EPOS or card statements) showing seasonal patterns.
• Be transparent about previous borrowing and any CCJs—some lenders specialise in cases that others decline.
• Show how the finance will be used and the expected benefit (e.g., increase in margin, sales, or cost savings).

Ready to be matched? Start Your Enquiry.

Responsible Retail Finance – Transparency & Compliance

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. We aim to be clear, fair and not misleading:

• Submitting an enquiry is free and carries no obligation.
• We only share your details with lenders or brokers relevant to your request.
• Check affordability — loans are subject to lender assessment and terms.
• Your initial enquiry does not impact your credit score; lenders may check later if you proceed.

Always read lender terms carefully and ask questions about total cost and repayment profiles.

Costs, Rates & Repayment Considerations

Rates and costs depend on product, loan size, term and risk. Typical points to note:

• Rates may start from competitive levels for well-secured or low-risk cases; other products (e.g., merchant cash advances) have higher effective costs but offer fast access and flexible repayments.
• Arrangement fees, early repayment fees and facility fees can apply—always ask for a full cost breakdown.
• Match the product to your cashflow: seasonal businesses may prefer flexible repayment structures.

Want personalised figures? Get Your Retail Loan Quote — complete our short enquiry to be matched with lenders who can provide indicative rates.

Case Snapshots: Retailers We’ve Helped

Fast Business Loans vs Going Direct

Why use an introducer?

• Save time vetting lenders — we preselect partners with retail expertise.
• Access a broader panel than a single bank — increases chances of a suitable offer.
• Free and no obligation — you only progress if you want to.

If you prefer to shop around quickly and speak to specialists, Start Your Enquiry.

Get Your Retail Funding Quote

How to proceed:

• Click the link below and complete a short enquiry (under 2 minutes).
• We match you to relevant lenders and brokers based on your retail sector and funding need.
• You’ll receive contact from partners with quotes and next steps.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Frequently Asked Questions (Retailers)

Can I get funding with fluctuating sales?

Yes. Several lenders assess trends and use card/Epos data to create flexible repayment schedules that mirror sales cycles.

How fast could funds be released?

Once matched and documentation supplied, some lenders can decision and release funds within 24–72 hours. Timing varies by product and due diligence required.

Do I need property as security?

Not always. Many retail funding options are unsecured or asset-backed (e.g., equipment) — security requirements depend on loan size and lender.

Can new retail stores apply?

Some specialist lenders and brokers work with newer businesses, but options are broader for retailers with trading history. We’ll match you to appropriate partners.

Will it affect my credit score?

No — completing our enquiry is not a credit application. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you opt to proceed.

Are merchant cash advances suitable for my shop?

They can be ideal for card-heavy shops needing quick access to funds. Repayments vary with takings — helpful during seasonal swings but can be more costly than traditional loans.

What turnover do I need?

Turnover expectations vary by lender and product. Many options are available to small and mid-sized retailers; indicate your turnover in the enquiry so we match you correctly.

Can I refinance existing retail loans?

Yes. Refinance or consolidation solutions are available to reduce monthly burdens or extend terms—speak to matched brokers to explore options.

– What types of retail business finance can UK shops access through Fast Business Loans?
Working capital loans, stock/inventory finance, merchant cash advances, equipment and fit‑out finance, plus invoice and asset finance via matched UK lenders and brokers.

– How fast can funds reach my business after I submit an enquiry?
You’ll typically be matched within hours and, once documents are supplied, some lenders can decide and release funds in 24–72 hours.

– Will the Fast Business Loans enquiry affect my credit score?
No—it’s an enquiry not a loan application, and any credit checks only happen later if you choose to proceed with a lender.

– How much can I borrow with a retail business loan?
Our partners usually fund from around £10,000 and can arrange multi‑million pound facilities depending on your eligibility and needs.

– Do I need property or other security to get funding?
Not always, as unsecured loans, merchant cash advances, invoice finance and asset finance options may not require property security.

– Can retailers with seasonal or fluctuating sales get approved?
Yes—many lenders assess EPOS/card data and can offer seasonal terms or repayments that flex with daily takings.

– Can new shops or those with imperfect credit get funding?
Some specialist lenders consider newer businesses and those with past credit issues, though options improve with 12+ months’ trading and clear sales evidence.

– What documents do lenders typically require for a retail loan?
Expect recent bank and EPOS/card statements, management accounts, VAT returns (if applicable), director ID/address, and details of existing borrowing.

– What will my repayments and costs look like?
Costs vary by product and risk, with fixed weekly/monthly repayments for loans or a set percentage of card takings for merchant cash advances—always request a full cost breakdown including any fees.

– How do I start and is there any obligation to proceed?
Complete the short online enquiry to be matched with suitable providers, then compare offers with no cost, no obligation and no impact on your credit score.