Small Business Loans – Compare UK Funding Options Fast
Summary: Fast Business Loans is a free introducer service that helps UK limited companies and SMEs find business loan and finance solutions from brokers and lenders. We do not lend money or provide financial advice — we match your business with lenders/brokers who can offer funding from around £10,000 up to multi‑million amounts. Complete a short enquiry to receive a no‑obligation, secure eligibility check and fast introductions. Get Started — it takes under 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score.
Why UK SMEs Turn to Fast Business Loans
Searching for the right business finance can be time‑consuming. Fast Business Loans (FBL) simplifies the process by introducing UK businesses to brokers and lenders best placed to help. We’re an introducer — not a lender or adviser — and our service is free to use. When you submit an enquiry we securely share your details with a small selection of partners who can help with your request.
Immediate benefits:
- Fast introductions — save time comparing multiple lenders.
- Sector‑matched partners — higher chance of receiving relevant offers.
- No obligation — you choose whether to progress.
- Privacy & control — we only share your details with relevant partners and you can request removal at any time.
Quick Snapshot: Small Business Loan Essentials
- Typical amounts: from around £10,000 to £5,000,000+
- Uses: working capital, equipment, stock, premises, growth and sustainability projects
- Security: secured (asset/property backed) or unsecured options available via partners
- Terms: short-term bridging to medium-term (weeks to several years) depending on product
- Response time: introductions usually same day; lender response depends on their underwriting
Figures are illustrative — actual offers and terms are provided directly by lenders/brokers.
How the Fast Business Loans Process Works
Here’s how to go from enquiry to comparing offers:
- Tell us what you need: Complete our short online enquiry — under 2 minutes. Get Quote Now.
- We shortlist partners: We match your case to a small panel of suitable UK brokers and lenders experienced in your sector.
- Receive tailored options: Partners contact you with questions and funding options — usually by phone or email.
- Choose a solution: Compare offers and proceed directly with the lender or broker you prefer.
Where Small Business Loans Can Make the Difference
Small business finance can support many growth and operational needs. Here are common uses where our partners often help:
- Seasonal cash flow: Bridge lean months and manage payroll or supplier payments.
- Inventory & stock purchase: Scale for peak demand without tying up cash.
- Premises fit‑outs & refurbishment: Invest in a shop, café or office refit.
- Equipment & vehicle purchase: Asset finance for machinery, vans or specialist tools.
- Expansion & recruitment: Funding to hire, train or open another location.
- Technology & digital upgrades: Invest in systems, e‑commerce or automation.
- Sustainability projects: Solar panels, EV chargers or energy efficiency upgrades.
Example: Funding arranged through our partners helped a Midlands retailer secure £80,000 for new premises fit‑out; outcomes and rates vary by lender and business circumstances.
Loan Types Available Through Our Panel
Through our network you can be connected to lenders and brokers offering:
Unsecured Business Loans
- Typically quicker to arrange for strong credit profiles.
- Amounts and terms vary; best for working capital or smaller growth projects.
Secured Loans & Asset‑Backed Lending
- Lower rates possible when secured against property or assets.
- Used for larger amounts or longer-term borrowing.
Cashflow & Working Capital Facilities
- Short-term financing to smooth operations and manage seasonal spikes.
- Includes overdrafts, short-term loans and invoice finance alternatives.
Invoice Finance & Factoring
- Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices; improves liquidity without adding traditional debt.
Asset & Equipment Finance
- Hire purchase and leasing options to spread the cost of assets.
Merchant Cash Advance Alternatives
- Flexible revenue‑based funding options for businesses with card turnover.
If you’re unsure which type suits you, Get Started and we’ll match you with a specialist.
Eligibility & What Lenders Look For
Lenders assess a range of factors when deciding whether to offer finance:
- Business structure: Limited companies and established SMEs are typical applicants.
- Trading history: Many lenders prefer at least 12 months trading; start‑up options are available via specialist partners.
- Turnover: Thresholds vary, though many partners look for evidence of sufficient turnover to service repayments.
- Credit history: Business and director credit histories are considered.
- Documentation: Bank statements, management accounts, ID for directors and details of liabilities are commonly requested.
Why Use Fast Business Loans Instead of Going Direct
Searching alone means contacting many lenders and repeating the same information. Fast Business Loans streamlines that search:
- Speed: One short enquiry connects you to multiple suitable partners.
- Choice: Access to brokers and lenders with sector experience.
- Time-saving support: Partners will review your case and suggest tailored products.
- No obligation: You’re under no pressure to accept any offer.
We charge nothing to businesses — our partners pay for introductions. Final terms, affordability checks and credit decisions are always made by the lender or broker who contacts you.
Typical Rates, Fees & Repayment Considerations
Fast Business Loans does not set rates or fees. Lenders provide bespoke quotes based on your circumstances. Key cost drivers include:
- Credit profile of the business and directors
- Whether the loan is secured
- Loan amount and term
- Industry risk and cashflow stability
Illustration (for guidance only): a mid‑market unsecured business loan of £50,000 over 3 years might show annual interest rates varying widely depending on profile and lender — always ask lenders for a full breakdown of APR, arrangement fees and any early‑repayment charges.
Important: We do not provide financial advice. Consider discussing major decisions with an independent adviser before committing.
Industries We Support
Our panel covers a wide range of UK sectors. Examples include:
- Construction — bridging project cashflow and equipment purchase.
- Retail & e‑commerce — stock finance and digital growth funding.
- Hospitality & leisure — refurbishment and seasonal support.
- Healthcare — equipment and premises funding.
- Agriculture & farming — machinery and land improvements.
- Manufacturing & engineering — machinery and working capital.
- Invoice Finance — unlock cash tied up in invoices.
If your industry is niche, tell us about it — we can often match you to a specialist broker.
Documentation & Next Steps Checklist
Have these ready to speed up lender decisions:
- Business bank statements (3–6 months)
- Recent management accounts or financial statements
- ID and proof of address for company directors
- Details of existing debts and monthly outgoings
- Cashflow forecast or business plan for growth funding
Digital copies help speed underwriting. Already have these to hand? Get Started.
Customer Support & What Happens After You Submit
After you submit the enquiry form:
- We review and share your case only with partners who can help.
- A partner may call or email to discuss details and request documents.
- You can indicate preferred contact times and methods on the form.
Will you run a credit search? Submitting an enquiry through FBL will not trigger a credit search. Lenders may perform soft or hard credit checks later — you will be informed before any hard search.
Testimonials / Trust Signals
“Fast Business Loans matched us quickly with a broker who understood hospitality — we had an offer in 48 hours.” — Sarah, Café Owner
We collect feedback from businesses introduced to our partners. Testimonials are representative and outcomes vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fast Business Loans a direct lender?
No. We are an introducer that connects businesses with vetted brokers and lenders — we do not provide funds or financial advice.
Will my credit score be affected by an enquiry?
No. Making an initial enquiry via our site does not impact your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks later if you progress.
How quickly can funding be arranged?
Introductions are typically made within hours on business days. Funding timelines depend on the product, lender underwriting and how quickly documents are provided.
Can start‑ups apply for small business loans?
Yes — some partners specialise in start‑up and early‑stage finance. Availability depends on the case and security offered.
What loan amounts can your partners arrange?
Through our panel you can explore funding from around £10,000 to several million pounds, depending on needs and security.
Do you help businesses with adverse credit?
We work with brokers who offer solutions for a range of credit profiles. Be transparent on your enquiry — this helps us match you to the most appropriate partner.
Ready to See Your Options?
Fast Business Loans helps you compare business finance from lenders and brokers without the legwork. Complete a short, secure enquiry and we’ll match you with partners who can provide tailored quotes.
– Is Fast Business Loans a direct lender?
No—Fast Business Loans is a free introducer that matches UK businesses with vetted brokers and lenders; we don’t lend or provide financial advice.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No, the initial eligibility check won’t affect your credit score, and any soft or hard search would only be done later by a lender with your knowledge.
– How quickly can I get funding through Fast Business Loans?
We usually make introductions the same business day, and funding can complete in days depending on the product, underwriting and how fast you provide documents.
– What loan amounts and terms are available for UK SMEs?
Our partners can arrange from around £10,000 to £5,000,000+ with terms from short‑term bridging to multi‑year repayments, either secured or unsecured.
– What types of business finance can you connect me with?
Options include unsecured business loans, secured loans, working capital facilities, invoice finance, asset/equipment finance and merchant cash advance alternatives.
– Who is eligible, and can start‑ups apply?
Established limited companies and SMEs are typical applicants, but we also have partners for start‑ups and early‑stage businesses subject to case assessment.
– Can you help if my business or directors have adverse credit?
Yes—our panel includes brokers who consider a range of credit profiles, so being transparent helps us match you to suitable options.
– What documents will lenders usually ask for?
Expect 3–6 months of business bank statements, recent management accounts, director ID/proof of address, details of existing debts and sometimes a cashflow forecast.
– What are typical rates and fees for small business loans?
Rates and fees are set by lenders based on credit profile, security, amount, term and sector—always request a full APR and fee breakdown before proceeding.
– Is the enquiry an application, and is there any cost or obligation?
The enquiry is a quick matchmaking step (not a formal application), our service is free for business owners, and there’s no obligation to proceed.
