Small Business Loans: Fast, Fair Connections for UK SMEs
Quick summary: Fast Business Loans does not lend money. We connect UK limited companies and growing SMEs with lenders and brokers who can provide small business loans and finance from £10,000 upwards. Use our free, no-obligation enquiry to get matched to providers that suit your sector and needs — submitting a quick enquiry won’t affect your credit score. Start Your Free Eligibility Check.
Why SMEs Turn to Fast Business Loans
Finding the right lender can be time-consuming. Many business owners waste hours filling forms with providers that aren’t a good match. Fast Business Loans simplifies that process by matching you to lenders and brokers who specialise in your industry and the type of finance you need.
- Save time — one short enquiry connects you to multiple suitable providers.
- Better fit — we match your business with lenders or brokers who understand your sector.
- No obligation — you only proceed if an option suits you.
- Safe and fast — data is shared securely with relevant partners to speed responses.
How Our Matching Process Works
Our process is designed to be quick, transparent and simple so you can focus on running your business.
1. Share Your Business Goals
Complete a short enquiry telling us about your company, funding amount (we handle loans from £10,000 upwards), purpose and contact details. It takes around two minutes and does not affect your credit score.
2. We Curate the Right Lenders & Brokers
We review your details and match you to partners in our panel that routinely handle similar requests. We prioritise speed and relevance so you receive useful responses fast.
3. You Compare and Choose with Confidence
Matched lenders/brokers will contact you directly to discuss terms and next steps. You compare quotes, ask questions and decide — there’s no pressure from us.
[Infographic placeholder: three-step matching process graphic]
Start Your Free Eligibility Check
Small Business Loan Solutions We Can Source
Through our network we can introduce businesses to providers offering a wide range of finance solutions. Below are common types — your options will depend on your circumstances and lender underwriting.
- Working capital & cashflow loans — short-term finance to manage seasonal or day-to-day cashflow.
- Unsecured & secured term loans — repayable over set terms; secured options often accept property or assets as security.
- Asset & equipment finance — funding to buy or lease machinery, vehicles, IT and specialist equipment.
- Invoice finance / factoring — unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices.
- Bridging finance — short-term loans to bridge timing gaps on property or working capital (where suitable).
- Government-backed introductions — where applicable, we can point you to schemes and lenders familiar with government programmes.
We do not guarantee approval; each lender performs its own underwriting and will set terms and eligibility. Typical funding sizes we help with run from £10,000 to several million pounds depending on lender appetite and business profile.
Eligibility Snapshot: Who We Help
Typical Criteria
- Limited companies and SMEs seeking £10k and above
- Minimum trading history often required (varies by lender)
- Turnover bands and profit history considered
- Credit profiles considered; some partners specialise in adverse-credit cases
Industries We Frequently Support
We commonly match businesses in:
- Construction & trades
- Hospitality, cafes & restaurants
- Retail and e‑commerce
- Healthcare & clinics
- Manufacturing & engineering
- Agriculture & farming
- Logistics, transport & fleets
- Professional services and accountancy firms
For a broader overview of options and sector-specific considerations see our guide to small business loans.
Realistic Loan Amount Examples
Providers on our panel commonly arrange loans from around £10,000 up to £5,000,000 depending on security, turnover and sector. Exact amounts and terms are determined by the lender.
What to Expect After You Enquire
Submitting an enquiry begins a short, focused process. Typical next steps:
- Initial contact: a lender or broker will call or email to discuss your needs.
- Document request: you may be asked for management accounts, bank statements, filed accounts and ID.
- Decision times: unsecured loans can sometimes be agreed in days; secured or larger facilities take longer — often weeks depending on valuation and paperwork.
- Fees and costs: Fast Business Loans charges nothing to business owners. Any fees charged by lenders or brokers will be disclosed by them before you commit.
Why Use an Introducer Instead of Applying Directly?
An introducer like Fast Business Loans helps you access a panel of lenders quickly and reduces wasted applications.
| Fast Business Loans | Applying Direct | |
|---|---|---|
| Time investment | One short enquiry connects multiple providers | Separate applications to each lender |
| Panel access | Wide network across many specialist lenders | Limited to that lender’s products |
| Credit impact | Initial enquiry does not affect credit score | Lenders may run searches during applications |
| Personalised support | Matches to lenders with sector experience | May need to research suitable lenders yourself |
*Brokers or lenders may charge arrangement fees; always review the lender/broker agreement carefully.
Pricing, Costs & Transparency
Our matching service is free for business owners. We do not charge you to be introduced. If a lender or broker proposes fees or commissions, they will disclose these directly to you and include them in any quote so you can compare true costs.
Interest rates and APRs vary widely depending on risk profile, security and loan term. Always ask prospective partners for a full breakdown: interest, fees, early repayment charges and total cost of finance before accepting an offer.
Success Snapshot: Fast Funding in Action
Case: Independent café group needed £75,000 to refurbish two sites and upgrade equipment. They completed our short enquiry and were matched to three brokers specialising in hospitality finance. One broker arranged a blended package of equipment finance and a short-term working capital facility. Outcome: offers received within 72 hours, funding completed in 14 days once paperwork and VAT invoices were supplied.
Figures are illustrative. Each application is reviewed by lenders and outcomes vary.
Tips to Strengthen Your Small Business Loan Application
- Prepare up-to-date management accounts and three months of business bank statements.
- Provide a simple cashflow forecast showing how you’ll repay the loan.
- Be transparent about past credit issues and explain steps taken to improve cashflow.
- Consider whether security or a director guarantee could increase options or reduce rates.
- Ensure directors’ ID and company documents are ready to speed approval.
Ready to Check Your Options?
Complete a short enquiry now and we’ll match your business to lenders and brokers who can help. It’s free, secure and no obligation. Start Your Free Eligibility Check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a lender or broker?
No. Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice.
What documents will I need?
Typical requests include recent management accounts, bank statements, filed accounts, and ID for directors. Exact requirements vary by lender.
Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No. Completing our enquiry form does not affect your credit file. Lenders may perform credit checks if you proceed with an application.
How quickly can funding be arranged?
Timescales depend on loan type and complexity. Some unsecured facilities can complete in a few days once paperwork is supplied; secured or larger facilities often take longer.
Can businesses with adverse credit apply?
Yes — we work with partners who consider a range of credit profiles. Eligibility and terms are decided by the lender.
What loan amounts are typically available?
Our panel commonly arranges loans from around £10,000 up to several million pounds depending on lender and situation.
Do I have to accept any offer I receive?
No. You are under no obligation to accept any offer. We put you in touch with providers so you can compare and choose.
Does Fast Business Loans charge businesses?
No. Our service is free for business owners. Any fees or charges from lenders/brokers will be disclosed directly by them.
Important Information & Disclaimers
Fast Business Loans is an introducer; we do not provide lending or regulated financial advice. Information on this page is for guidance only. Lenders and brokers carry out their own assessments and will make lending decisions independently. We recommend you review any proposed agreement carefully and seek independent professional advice for complex financing decisions. Submitting an enquiry implies consent for your details to be shared with relevant finance partners to obtain quotes.
Take the next step: Get matched to lenders and brokers who can help your business move forward. Get Your Small Business Loan Quotes.
– Q: Are you a lender or broker?
A: Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK SMEs with trusted lenders and brokers — we don’t lend money or provide regulated financial advice.
– Q: What loan amounts can you help me secure?
A: We typically match businesses to small business loans from £10,000 up to several million, depending on lender appetite and your circumstances.
– Q: Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score or count as an application?
A: No — it’s a free, no‑obligation enquiry that won’t impact your credit file, and credit checks only occur if you proceed with a lender.
– Q: How quickly can funding be arranged?
A: Some unsecured business loans can complete in a few days once documents are supplied, while secured or larger facilities may take weeks.
– Q: What types of business finance can you connect me with?
A: We can introduce options including working capital and cashflow loans, unsecured and secured term loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, bridging finance, and relevant government‑backed solutions.
– Q: What are the typical eligibility criteria?
A: We help UK limited companies and SMEs seeking £10k+ with eligibility set by each lender, often considering trading history, turnover, profitability, and credit profile.
– Q: What documents will lenders usually ask for?
A: Common requests include recent bank statements, up‑to‑date management accounts, filed accounts, and ID for directors.
– Q: Do you charge any fees to businesses?
A: No — our matching service is free, and any lender or broker fees will be disclosed directly before you commit.
– Q: Can you help if my business has adverse credit or a CCJ?
A: Yes, some partners specialise in adverse‑credit cases, though approval and terms are decided by the lender.
– Q: What interest rates or APRs should I expect on a small business loan?
A: Rates vary widely by risk, security and term, so always ask matched providers for a full breakdown of interest, fees, early‑repayment charges and total cost of finance.
