Business Loans for UK SMEs – Compare Fast, Trusted Options
Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies, growing SMEs and corporates find suitable business finance by matching your enquiry with specialist lenders and brokers. Completing our short enquiry is not an application and will not affect your credit score. We focus on business loans and finance from approximately £10,000 upwards and connect you with providers who can help with working capital, asset finance, commercial mortgages and sector-specific facilities. Ready to compare options? Start a Free Eligibility Check.
Business Finance, Without the Runaround
Searching for the right lender can be time-consuming. Fast Business Loans takes the legwork out of the process by matching your business to lenders or brokers who specialise in your sector and finance need. Our matching is quick, free and non-binding — you decide whether to proceed after you receive quotes.
- Save time: one short enquiry connects you to several appropriate partners.
- Better matches: we match to lenders and brokers who understand your industry.
- No credit impact: the enquiry is not a loan application and won’t affect credit ratings.
- Free to use: businesses pay nothing to be matched.
Get Started — Free Eligibility Check
Understanding UK Business Loans
A business loan is funding provided to a company to support growth, manage cash flow or invest in assets. Loans can be secured (backed by an asset like property or equipment) or unsecured (based on the business’ financial strength and cash flow).
Secured vs Unsecured
Secured loans often offer lower interest rates but require collateral and may have longer terms. Unsecured loans are quicker to arrange but may carry higher costs and tighter eligibility criteria.
Common Uses
- Working capital to cover day-to-day costs
- Equipment, vehicle or asset purchases
- Refurbishment, fit-outs or expansion
- Commercial property purchases or refinancing
- Sustainability investments (solar PV, EV chargers, heat pumps)
Who We Help and Eligibility Basics
We specialise in helping UK limited companies and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking commercial funding of around £10,000 and above. Eligibility varies by lender, but typical criteria include:
Minimum Requirements
- Registered UK business (company, LLP or similar)
- Evidence of trading activity — requirements vary by product
- Business bank statements and basic financial records
- Director details and contact information
Information to Hand for a Fast Match
- Company name and registration number
- What you need the money for and how much (amount, term)
- Approximate annual turnover and trading history
- Recent bank statements and details of existing borrowing
Business Loan Solutions We Can Connect You To
Working Capital & Short-Term Loans
Quick access to cash for seasonal demand or temporary gaps in cash flow. Terms and rates depend on provider and business profile.
Asset & Equipment Finance
Funding to buy or lease machinery, vehicles or specialist equipment. Often structured so the asset helps secure the loan.
Invoice Finance & Factoring
Release cash tied up in unpaid invoices; helpful for businesses with long payment terms.
Commercial Mortgages & Property Finance
Longer-term funding for buying or refinancing commercial premises, developments or investment property.
Refinance & Debt Restructuring
Solutions to consolidate multiple debts, improve monthly cash flow or obtain better terms.
For a broad overview of traditional business loan options see our pillar guide on business loans.
How the Fast Business Loans Process Works
- Complete a short enquiry: tell us about your business and funding need — it takes under two minutes. This is not an application.
- We match you: we send your details to selected lenders or brokers who specialise in your request.
- Receive contacts and quotes: lenders or brokers contact you directly with options and follow-up questions.
- Compare and decide: choose the offer that suits you. Proceed with any provider at your discretion.
We never charge business owners for introductions. You remain in control at every stage.
Costs, Rates and Repayment Considerations
Costs differ by lender, product, business profile and security. Below are common factors that affect cost and repayment:
- Credit history of the business and directors
- Loan size, term and whether the loan is secured
- Sector risk and cashflow predictability
- Existing borrowing and overall leverage
Representative, Hypothetical Example
Example only — not a quote: a secured £50,000 loan over 5 years might show a range of costs depending on provider and security. Always request a personalised illustration from the lender or broker.
Ask prospective lenders about total cost, early repayment terms, arrangement or broker fees, and whether rates are fixed or variable.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Funding Process
Being organised helps speed decisions. Typical documents and information to prepare include:
- Recent business bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
- Management accounts and latest annual accounts
- Cashflow projections and business plan for growth funding
- Details of any security offered (property, equipment)
- List and balances of existing borrowings
Honest and accurate information increases the chance of being matched quickly to suitable providers.
Real Businesses, Real Outcomes (Anonymised)
Construction Firm — Equipment Upgrade
Challenge: ageing plant was slowing contracts. Solution: asset finance arranged through a specialist broker introduced via Fast Business Loans. Outcome: new plant on a 4-year term, improved bid capacity and cashflow preserved for working capital.
Hospitality Group — Seasonal Cashflow
Challenge: seasonal revenue spikes caused cash gaps. Solution: short-term working capital loan from a lender experienced in hospitality. Outcome: smooth payroll and inventory management through peak seasons.
Results vary by business and eligibility; these are anonymised summaries to illustrate possible outcomes.
Business Loan FAQs
How quickly could my business receive funds?
Timescales vary. Some lenders can complete funding in days for straightforward cases; more complex commercial lending or property finance may take several weeks.
Will making an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — submitting our enquiry is not a credit application and will not affect your credit file. Lenders or brokers may conduct checks only if you proceed to an application.
What loan amounts can your partners offer?
We focus on loans from around £10,000 upwards. Our panel includes providers who can support mid-market and larger facilities depending on circumstances.
Do you charge business owners?
No. Fast Business Loans is free to use. We are paid by partners in the event of successful completion, and you are never obliged to accept an offer.
Can you help with sector-specific finance?
Yes. We match businesses to lenders and brokers with experience in sectors such as construction, hospitality, manufacturing, transport, healthcare and sustainability projects.
If you have other questions, our enquiry process includes an option to state them so partners can respond directly.
Ready to Explore Business Loan Options?
Complete our quick, no-obligation enquiry and we’ll match your business with lenders and brokers who may be able to help. The process is secure, confidential and designed to get you relevant responses fast.
Get Started — Free Eligibility Check
Fast Business Loans introduces you to finance providers — we do not lend and we do not provide regulated financial advice. Completing an enquiry simply helps us identify appropriate partners for your needs.
Privacy & security: your information is handled in line with our privacy policy and shared only with selected partners who can help with your request.
– What is Fast Business Loans and how does it work?
Fast Business Loans is a free UK introducer that matches your enquiry (not an application) to trusted lenders and brokers who then contact you with business finance options.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—our enquiry is not a credit application and won’t affect your credit score; checks only occur if you choose to apply with a provider.
– How quickly could I receive funding?
You’ll usually hear from matched lenders within hours on business days, with straightforward cases funding in days and more complex or property deals taking longer.
– What loan amounts are available?
Our partners typically arrange business finance from around £10,000 upwards, with exact minimums and maximums depending on the lender and product.
– What types of finance can you connect me to?
We match UK SMEs with working capital loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, commercial mortgages, and refinance or debt restructuring.
– Do you charge fees to business owners?
No—our service is free for businesses, and we’re paid by partners only when a loan completes, with no obligation to proceed.
– Who is eligible to enquire?
Registered UK businesses (e.g., limited companies or LLPs) seeking commercial funding can enquire, with criteria varying by lender and product.
– Are loans secured or unsecured?
Both are available; secured loans may offer lower rates with collateral, while unsecured options are typically quicker but can have tighter criteria and higher costs.
– What documents will lenders usually ask for?
Expect to provide recent business bank statements, basic accounts or management figures, turnover details, purpose of funds, and any security information.
– How are interest rates and total costs decided?
Rates and fees depend on loan type, amount, term, security, sector risk, existing borrowing, and the financial profile of the business and its directors.
