Small Business Loans: Compare Fast, Flexible Funding Options in the UK

Summary: If your limited company needs business funding of around £10,000 or more, Fast Business Loans helps you compare tailored financing options quickly. We’re an introducer — not a lender — and our free enquiry connects you with specialist brokers and lenders who can provide quotes and guidance. Complete a short enquiry and get matched fast: Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.

Table of contents

• Why UK SMEs Choose Fast Business Loans
• How Our Small Business Loan Matching Works
• What Types of Small Business Loans Are Available?
• Eligibility & What Lenders May Look For
• Costs, Rates & Repayment Considerations
• Which UK Small Businesses We Support
• Case Snapshot: How Fast Business Loans Helped SMEs
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Ready to Explore Your Small Business Funding Options?

Why UK SMEs Choose Fast Business Loans

Finding the right finance can be time-consuming. Fast Business Loans simplifies the process by matching your limited company with lenders and brokers that best understand your sector and funding need.

• Speed: matches often start within hours, with lender contact following quickly.
• Hassle-free: a short enquiry gathers only essential details — no long forms.
• Sector expertise: we match you to partners who specialise in your industry.
• No obligation: you’re not committing to a loan by submitting an enquiry.
• No hard search at enquiry stage: initial checks do not affect your credit score.
• Free to use: businesses pay nothing to be matched — our partners compensate us.

We carefully vet partners for reliability and professional conduct, and we handle your data securely. When you’re ready to compare options, Get a No-Obligation Quote Now.

How Our Small Business Loan Matching Works

Step 1 – Complete a 2‑Minute Enquiry

Tell us a few facts about your business (company name, turnover band, how long trading, funding amount and purpose). The enquiry is fast and designed to identify suitable lenders — it does not perform a hard credit search.

Step 2 – We Connect You with Specialist Brokers & Lenders

We match your profile to brokers and lenders in our panel who specialise in your sector and loan type. A broker or lender will typically contact you to confirm details and scope potential offers.

Step 3 – Compare Offers, Choose with Confidence

Receive multiple quotes (where available), compare rates, terms and fees, then choose the option that best fits your plans. There’s no pressure to proceed — you decide whether to accept any offer.

What Types of Small Business Loans Are Available?

Through our network you can explore a wide range of finance solutions. The right option depends on your business model, security available, and how quickly you need funds.

Working Capital & Cash Flow Loans

• Ideal for short-term cash flow gaps, seasonal peaks or unexpected costs.
• Typically unsecured or short-term secured funding, flexible terms depending on lender.

Unsecured vs Secured Small Business Loans

Unsecured loans do not require business assets as collateral but usually have higher rates and stricter credit criteria. Secured loans (against property, equipment or invoices) often offer larger amounts and lower rates but use assets as security.

Asset & Equipment Finance

For machinery, vehicles and specialist equipment. Finance can be structured as leases or loans, preserving cash while funding essential purchases.

Invoice Finance & Factoring

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Factoring and invoice discounting help B2B firms smooth cash flow without adding traditional debt.

Specialist & Alternative Finance Options

For faster, flexible access to capital: merchant cash advances, short-term bridging, VAT funding and contract finance. These options suit businesses with irregular cash cycles or specific timing needs.

To discuss which solution suits your business, Discuss Your Funding Needs – Submit Your Enquiry.

Eligibility & What Lenders May Look For

Eligibility rules vary between lenders. Typical factors lenders consider include:

• Trading history — many lenders prefer established companies, though some partners support newer SMEs.
• Annual turnover and profitability — helps determine size and type of funding appropriate.
• Credit profile — there are solutions for businesses with adverse credit, but terms differ.
• Purpose and business plan — lenders want to understand how funds will be used and repaid.
• Security available — assets, property or personal guarantees may be required for larger loans.

Important: submitting an enquiry does not trigger a hard credit search. Lenders may perform full checks only once you proceed with an application. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances; results and offers will vary between providers.

Check Eligibility Now

Costs, Rates & Repayment Considerations

Costs vary widely by product, lender and risk profile. Key elements to compare:

• Interest rate (fixed vs variable) — expressed as APR for consumer comparability where applicable.
• Arrangement and broker fees — might be upfront or rolled into the loan.
• Early repayment charges — check if there are penalties for repaying early.
• Term length and monthly repayments — match term to cash flow capacity.

Fast Business Loans does not charge applicants; our introducer fee is paid by partners where applicable. Always request a full breakdown of costs from the broker or lender before committing.

Compare Multiple Offers – Free Service

Which UK Small Businesses We Support

We work with companies across a broad range of industries — from construction and manufacturing to hospitality and healthcare. We help:

• Growing SMEs needing working capital or expansion funding.
• Companies buying new equipment or upgrading fleets.
• Businesses requiring short-term bridging to cover invoices or seasonal peaks.
• Franchises, family-run businesses and companies preparing to scale.

Example scenarios: opening a second site, buying new machinery, managing late-paying clients, or refinancing to improve cash flow.

Tell Us About Your Business – Get Started

Case Snapshot: How Fast Business Loans Helped SMEs

Below are anonymised examples showing typical outcomes. Results will vary by business and lender.

• Construction contractor: Needed plant hire and materials during a large contract. Matched to an asset finance broker; new equipment funded within two weeks.
• Manufacturer: Required working capital to fulfil a large order. Introduced to an invoice finance provider; cashflow unlocked within 48 hours of approval.
• Retailer: Wanted to refit a high street store. Connected with lenders offering competitive terms on a secured loan; refurbishment completed on schedule.

These snapshots illustrate the speed and sector focus our partners can provide. Outcomes depend on lender assessment and documentation supplied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No — we introduce businesses to brokers and lenders who can offer finance.

Does submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. The initial enquiry uses soft checks only; lenders may carry out hard searches later if you apply.

What loan amounts are available?

Through our partners you can typically obtain loans from around £10,000 and upward, subject to lender criteria.

How quickly can funds be secured?

Timelines vary. Some facilities (especially invoice finance or merchant cash advances) can be arranged quickly; others (secured long-term loans) may take several weeks. In some cases approved funds can be released within 48–72 hours.

Can businesses with poor credit apply?

Yes — we work with partners who specialise in adverse credit cases, though rates and terms will reflect risk.

What documents will lenders ask for?

Common requirements: company accounts, bank statements, ID for directors, business plan or cashflow forecasts, and details of assets if securing the loan.

Is there any cost to use your service?

No. It’s free and with no obligation for business owners to submit an enquiry.

Still have questions? Contact us for a free callback.

Ready to Explore Your Small Business Funding Options?

Fast Business Loans helps you find appropriate lenders and brokers quickly — saving time and improving the chance of a competitive outcome. If you need funding of around £10,000 or more, start with a short enquiry and we’ll do the matching.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Compliance note: Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice. Loan availability, terms and rates are provided by third-party brokers and lenders and will vary by business circumstances. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Learn more about options specifically aimed at smaller companies on our sector page for small business loans.

Fast Business Loans — Connecting UK businesses with trusted lenders and brokers. Privacy policy and terms available via the site footer.

1) What is Fast Business Loans and are you a direct lender?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK SMEs with vetted brokers and lenders; we’re not a lender and we don’t provide financial advice.

2) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—our free eligibility check uses a soft search only, with no hard credit check unless you choose to proceed with a provider.

3) How much can I borrow through your partners?
Loan amounts typically start from around £10,000, with higher limits available for secured facilities subject to lender criteria.

4) How quickly can I get funding?
Many matches and initial quotes arrive within hours, and some products can fund in 48–72 hours, while secured loans may take longer.

5) What types of small business finance can I compare?
You can compare unsecured and secured business loans, working capital and cash flow funding, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, merchant cash advances, bridging and VAT funding.

6) Am I eligible if my business is new or has bad credit?
Yes—several partners consider newer companies and adverse credit, though availability, rates and terms depend on your circumstances.

7) What information do I need to submit to start?
Just basic details such as company name, turnover band, time trading, funding amount and purpose, plus contact info via a short 2‑minute enquiry.

8) What documents will lenders typically request?
Common requests include company accounts, bank statements, director ID, cashflow forecasts or business plan, and details of any security or guarantees.

9) What costs should I expect on a small business loan?
Costs vary by product and risk—compare interest rates/APR, arrangement and broker fees, term length, and any early repayment charges in your quotes.

10) How do I begin, and is there any cost or obligation?
Start by completing our quick online enquiry (not a full application); it’s free, involves no obligation or hard search, and we’ll match you with relevant providers.