Small Business Loans UK — Compare Business Finance Options Fast

Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and growing SMEs find the right business finance quickly by matching your enquiry (not an application) with suitable lenders and brokers. We do not lend or give regulated financial advice — we introduce you to providers who can offer loans and finance from around £10,000 upwards. Complete a short, no‑obligation eligibility check and receive tailored lender matches: Start your Free Eligibility Check.

What are small business loans and how do they work?

Small business loans are funds provided to a company to support growth, cover working capital, buy equipment, refinance debt or invest in premises. Lenders and brokers structure facilities in different ways — term loans, asset finance, invoice finance, revolving credit and more. Loan terms, security and speed depend on the lender’s criteria, your company profile and the purpose of the finance.

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer: when you submit an enquiry we use the details you provide to match your company with lenders or brokers best placed to help. The enquiry is not an application — it enables our partners to review your situation and contact you with possible solutions. Your enquiry will not affect your credit score. If you want to proceed with a lender’s offer, they may then carry out their own checks.

Benefits and risks to consider

Potential benefits

• Faster access to suitable lenders without searching dozens of sites.
• Multiple quotes to compare rate, term and structure.
• Sector‑specific brokers who understand industry cash flows (e.g., hospitality, construction, manufacturing).
• No cost to you for the initial matching service and no obligation to accept an offer.

Key risks & points to weigh up

• Costs vary widely — interest, arrangement fees and early repayment charges can apply.
• Some facilities require security (fixed or floating charges) which can put business assets at risk.
• Different lenders assess risk differently; an offer from one may not match another.
• Introductions are not the same as regulated advice — consider independent financial advice for complex decisions.

Want to compare options quickly? Get a Free Eligibility Check in under two minutes.

Who typically qualifies & what you’ll need

Eligibility depends on the lender, but common factors include:

• Limited company status and company registration details.
• Trading history (many lenders prefer at least 6–12 months trading; some work with newer companies).
• Annual turnover and recent management accounts.
• Use of funds and loan amount (we work with lenders arranging finance from £10,000 upwards).
• Director personal credit profiles where relevant — requirements vary by product.

What you’ll typically be asked for on an initial enquiry:

• Company name and registration number
• Annual turnover / recent revenue
• Amount required and purpose (e.g., equipment, working capital, refinance)
• Contact details and best time to call

Ready to see if you qualify? Start your Free Eligibility Check.

Loan types we can introduce

Our panel includes brokers and lenders offering a broad range of products. Below is a quick comparison to help you decide which route to explore.

If you’re unsure which fits your business, submit a quick enquiry and we’ll match you with specialists who can advise: Get Quote Now.

For more background on tailored small business options, see our detailed guide to small business loans: small business loans.

How Fast Business Loans adds value

We save you time and improve your chances of finding a competitive facility by:

• Matching your brief to lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector.
• Sending your enquiry to multiple suitable partners simultaneously.
• Providing clear expectations about likely timescales and documentation.
• Protecting your data — details are only shared with parties able to help you.

We don’t charge business owners for introductions. Our partners compensate us when an enquiry progresses, which keeps the service free and no‑obligation for you.

Four-step enquiry process

1. Submit a short enquiry: Takes under two minutes — basic business details, amount and purpose.
2. Matching: We send your details to selected brokers/lenders who are best placed to help.
3. Rapid response: Expect contact by phone or email; response times often within hours during business hours.
4. Compare and decide: Review offers and proceed directly with the lender or broker you choose.

Start the process now — it’s quick and doesn’t affect your credit file: Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Understanding costs & representative example

Costs depend on product and credit risk. Typical charges include interest (fixed or variable), arrangement fees, facility fees and early repayment charges. Always ask lenders for a full breakdown and APR where applicable.

Illustrative example (for guidance only): Borrow £25,000 over 36 months. Representative figures will vary by lender and borrower credit profile. An illustrative cost might be: 12% interest per year; a 2% arrangement fee; monthly repayments around £834 (this is an estimate and not an offer). Exact terms depend on lender assessment. We do not provide regulated advice — ask lenders for full terms.

Want to compare real offers for your business? Get a Free Quote.

Real funding scenarios (anonymised)

Case 1 — Café expansion

A London café needed £40,000 for a kitchen refit. After submitting an enquiry they were matched with a specialist asset finance broker; funding approved in 10 days on a secured asset finance facility.

Case 2 — Manufacturer equipment purchase

A Midlands manufacturer required £150,000 to replace ageing machinery. We introduced them to a lender offering a mix of asset finance and term debt; funds released within three weeks on agreed terms.

These examples are illustrative. Your business’s outcome may differ. Ready to see potential matches for your situation? Get Quote Now.

FAQs: small business loans via Fast Business Loans

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No. We are an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not lend money or offer regulated financial advice.

Will completing the enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting the enquiry does not affect your credit file. Lenders may carry out credit checks only if you opt to proceed with an offer.

What is the minimum loan amount you can help with?

We generally work with lenders who provide facilities from around £10,000 and upwards.

How quickly will I hear back?

Many enquiries receive contact within hours during business hours. Funding speed varies by product and lender — some can fund within 24–72 hours once approved.

Do you charge me to use this service?

Our matching service is free for business owners. We may receive commission from partners if you proceed, but there is no charge to submit an enquiry.

What if I’ve been refused elsewhere?

We work with a wide panel. Being declined by one lender doesn’t always mean you’ll be refused by others. Provide full details on your enquiry so we can match you to the right partners.

Still have questions? Start an enquiry and one of our specialists will call you back: Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Responsible borrowing & compliance note

Make sure any borrowing fits your company’s cash flow and objectives. Read lender terms carefully, ask for a full cost breakdown and seek independent financial or legal advice if you’re unsure. We aim to be fair, clear and not misleading in our communications. For further guidance on financial promotions and consumer protection, consult official resources such as the FCA’s guidance pages.

Ready to explore your options?

Fast Business Loans makes finding business finance simple: tell us what you need and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who can help. It takes under two minutes to complete and won’t affect your credit file. Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Disclaimer: Fast Business Loans is an introducer of finance providers and does not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Any figures or examples are illustrative. Exact offers, rates and terms depend on lender assessments.

1) What is Fast Business Loans and how does it work? — It’s an introducer that matches your enquiry (not an application) with trusted UK lenders and brokers best suited to your business and funding needs.

2) Will the eligibility check affect my credit score? — No, submitting an enquiry won’t impact your credit file; lenders may run checks only if you choose to proceed with an offer.

3) What loan amounts and types of finance can you help with? — We introduce funding from around £10,000+ across unsecured and secured business loans, invoice finance, asset/equipment finance and merchant cash advances.

4) How fast can I get funded? — Many partners respond within hours and, once approved, some facilities can fund in 24–72 hours depending on the product.

5) Do you charge a fee to use the service? — No, our matching service is free and no‑obligation for businesses, and we may receive commission from partners if you proceed.

6) Who is eligible and what information do I need to provide? — UK limited companies typically qualify, and you’ll share basic details like company number, turnover, amount required, purpose and contact info.

7) Do I need security or a personal guarantee? — It depends on the product and lender: some options are unsecured, while others may require business assets, property or a guarantee.

8) Can start-ups or newer businesses apply? — Yes, while many lenders prefer 6–12 months’ trading, some partners consider newer companies depending on the product and profile.

9) What if I’ve been declined elsewhere or have weaker credit? — Being refused by one lender doesn’t rule you out; we work with a broad panel where criteria vary, so you may still find a suitable option.

10) What costs should I expect on a small business loan? — Costs vary but can include interest, arrangement or facility fees and early repayment charges, so always request a full breakdown and APR where applicable.